Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe!

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🍗 Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

A shortcut version of chicken parm sandwiched between buttery, golden grilled bread and loaded with melty cheese and marinara. Comfort food doesn’t get easier than this.

🧾 Ingredients

For 2 sandwiches (easily scalable):

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 slices thick bread (sourdough, Italian, or white bread)

  • 1 cup cooked chicken (any of the following work great):

    • Store-bought rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped

    • Leftover grilled or roasted chicken

    • Pre-cooked frozen chicken tenders or patties (heated and chopped)

  • 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce (use your favorite jarred brand)

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or 4 slices)

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Optional:

  • Butter (for spreading on bread) — about 1 to 2 tablespoons

  • Red pepper flakes (for heat)

  • Garlic powder (for extra flavor)

  • Fresh basil (for garnish or layering)

  • Extra marinara (for dipping)

🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

  1. If using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, chop or shred it.

  2. Warm it up in a skillet or microwave with the marinara sauce until hot and saucy. This ensures the inside of the sandwich is warm when the outside is grilled.

  3. 💡 Shortcut: If using frozen chicken tenders or patties, just cook according to package instructions, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Build the Sandwich

  1. Lay out your 4 slices of bread.

  2. Butter one side of each slice (this side will face out when grilling).

  3. On the unbuttered side, layer in this order:

    • A little mozzarella cheese

    • Half the saucy chicken mixture

    • A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese

    • A bit of Italian seasoning

    • More mozzarella

  4. Top with a second slice of bread, buttered side out.

Step 3: Grill the Sandwich

  1. Heat a skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat.

  2. Add the sandwiches and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until:

    • The bread is golden and crispy

    • The cheese is melted and gooey

    • 🔥 Tip: Press the sandwich gently with a spatula as it grills for better contact and melt.

Step 4: Serve

  1. Let the sandwiches cool for 1–2 minutes before slicing (helps prevent cheese blowout).

  2. Slice in half and serve with:

    • Extra marinara sauce for dipping

    • Fresh basil or red pepper flakes on top (optional)

    • A simple salad or chips on the side

🔄 Variations & Add-ons

  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a few slices of pickled jalapeños inside.

  • More Cheese: Add provolone, cheddar, or even ricotta for a cheesier punch.

  • Crunchy Crust: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or garlic powder onto the buttered side of the bread before grilling.

  • Vegetarian: Use breaded eggplant slices or a plant-based chicken substitute instead of real chicken.

🧼 Cleanup Tip:

If you used a pan to heat the chicken and the same one to grill — no need to wash between! A quick wipe with a paper towel does the trick.

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