This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is a quick and delicious twist on a classic. Made with crispy breaded chicken, gooey provolone, and rich marinara sauce, this sandwich delivers all the flavors of Chicken Parmesan in a comforting grilled cheese format. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, this recipe takes shortcuts using frozen chicken patties while still delivering a restaurant-worthy taste!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

▢ 2 frozen breaded chicken patties (such as Tyson®)
▢ 2 tablespoons garlic butter, or to taste
▢ 4 slices Italian bread
▢ 1 cup marinara sauce
▢ ½ teaspoon dried basil, or to taste
▢ 1 pinch garlic salt, or to taste
▢ 6 thin slices provolone cheese
▢ 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1: Bake the Chicken
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen chicken patties on a baking sheet.

Bake for 20 minutes, or until cooked through and crispy. Cut the patties in half lengthwise.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinara Sauce
In a microwave-safe bowl, mix together the marinara sauce, dried basil, and garlic salt.

Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then stir.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread garlic butter on one side of each slice of Italian bread.

Place one bread slice (butter-side down) into a skillet.

Layer with:

• 2 slices provolone cheese
• 1 tablespoon marinara sauce
• 2 chicken patty halves (overlapped to cover bread)
• 2 tablespoons marinara sauce
• 1 more slice of provolone cheese

Top with another slice of bread (butter-side up).

Step 4: Cook the Sandwiches
Heat the skillet over medium heat and cook each sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese over the remaining marinara sauce and serve as a dipping sauce.

Nutrients

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 752 kcal
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 45 g
Saturated Fat: 21 g
Cholesterol: 111 mg
Sodium: 1993 mg
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 12 g

Why You’ll Love This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

This flavor-packed sandwich is a must-try for anyone who enjoys crispy, cheesy, and saucy comfort food. Here’s why it’s so irresistible:

• All the Flavors of Chicken Parmesan in a Handheld Form: Instead of making a traditional, time-consuming Chicken Parmesan, this sandwich delivers the same flavors in a quick and easy format.
• Crispy, Cheesy, and Saucy: The combination of crispy chicken, gooey melted cheese, and rich marinara sauce makes every bite deliciously satisfying.
• Uses Convenient Shortcuts: By using frozen breaded chicken patties, you save time on prep and cleanup, making this a hassle-free meal.
• Perfect for a Quick Lunch or Dinner: This sandwich comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great go-to meal when you’re short on time.
• Customizable to Your Taste: You can switch up the cheese, bread, or seasonings to create your perfect version of this sandwich.

The Inspiration Behind Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

This sandwich is inspired by two Italian-American classics:

• Chicken Parmesan: A breaded chicken cutlet smothered in marinara sauce and melted cheese, traditionally served over pasta or in a sub.
• Grilled Cheese: A buttery, golden-crisp sandwich filled with melted cheese, making it the ultimate comfort food.

By combining these two favorites, this Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese delivers the same comforting flavors in a fun, easy-to-eat format—perfect for when you want a hearty meal without all the work.

Key Ingredients That Make This Sandwich Special

Every ingredient in this sandwich plays a key role in making it deliciously crispy, cheesy, and flavorful:

• Frozen Breaded Chicken Patties: A quick and easy alternative to making homemade breaded chicken. They crisp up beautifully in the oven, adding great texture and flavor.
• Italian Bread: Soft yet sturdy enough to hold the cheese, sauce, and chicken without becoming soggy.
• Provolone Cheese: Melts perfectly, offering a mild, slightly tangy flavor that complements the marinara sauce.
• Marinara Sauce: A rich, tangy tomato sauce that adds the signature Chicken Parmesan taste.
• Garlic Butter: Brushed on the bread before grilling, giving the sandwich a golden, buttery crust with extra flavor.
• Dried Basil & Garlic Salt: Enhances the overall flavor, making the sandwich taste fresh and well-seasoned.

Health Benefits of Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

Although this sandwich is indulgent, it also offers some nutritional benefits:

• Good Source of Protein: The chicken and cheese provide 35g of protein per serving, keeping you full and satisfied.
• Rich in Calcium: Thanks to the cheese, this sandwich provides a good amount of calcium for bone health.
• Tomatoes Offer Antioxidants: The marinara sauce contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health.
• Whole-Grain Bread Option: Using whole-grain or seeded bread can add extra fiber for better digestion.

For a lighter version, you can use air-fried chicken patties, reduced-fat cheese, and whole-wheat bread.

Best Ways to Serve Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

This crispy, cheesy sandwich is incredibly satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides and drinks can elevate your meal:

• With a Side Salad: A simple Caesar or arugula salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the sandwich.
• With Soup: Serve with tomato basil soup or minestrone for a cozy, classic pairing.
• With Garlic Parmesan Fries: Crispy fries tossed in garlic butter and Parmesan make a perfect side dish.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus complement the Italian flavors in the sandwich.
• With a Glass of Wine: A light red wine like Chianti pairs beautifully with the tomato sauce and cheese.
• With Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing drink that cuts through the richness of the sandwich.

Fun Variations and Customizations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious variations of this sandwich:

• Extra Cheesy: Add mozzarella cheese along with provolone for extra gooeyness.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or use spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of marinara.
• Hawaiian Style: Add a slice of ham and grilled pineapple for a sweet and savory twist.
• Meatball Parmesan Version: Swap the chicken for sliced meatballs to make a Meatball Parmesan Grilled Cheese.
• Vegetarian Option: Use a breaded eggplant cutlet or a plant-based chicken patty instead of chicken.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

To achieve the perfect crispy, cheesy, and flavorful sandwich, follow these expert tips:

• Use High-Quality Bread: Italian bread works best, but ciabatta or sourdough are also great choices.
• Toast the Bread Before Assembling: Lightly toasting the bread first prevents it from getting soggy from the marinara sauce.
• Don’t Overload with Sauce: Too much sauce can make the sandwich too wet—stick to a thin, even layer.
• Use Medium Heat: Cooking on medium heat ensures the bread turns golden without burning while the cheese melts perfectly.
• Press Lightly While Cooking: Gently pressing the sandwich with a spatula helps melt the cheese faster.

Best Drinks to Pair with This Sandwich

Pairing the right drink with this cheesy, crispy sandwich enhances the dining experience:

• Red Wine: A medium-bodied red like Sangiovese or Merlot balances the tomato sauce.
• Cold Beer: A light lager or amber ale complements the crispy chicken.
• Iced Tea: A refreshing, slightly sweet iced tea cleanses the palate.
• Sparkling Water with Lemon: Adds a fresh, citrusy contrast to the richness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a toaster oven or air fryer for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the bread may become soggy when thawed.

Conclusion

Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together the crispy, cheesy, and saucy goodness of Chicken Parmesan with the golden, buttery crunch of a grilled cheese.