If you love the gooey comfort of grilled cheese and the bold flavors of a classic chicken parm, you’re absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese. Imagine golden bread hugged around layers of tender chicken, tangy marinara, and a molten duo of mozzarella and Parmesan—a mashup that delivers pure joy in every melty, crispy bite. It’s a weeknight champion and a craveable treat for lazy afternoons when you want maximal flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re using up leftover chicken or just seeking a new way to upgrade your sandwich game, the Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese might quickly become your go-to comfort meal.

Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is carefully chosen to add something special—think stretchy mozzarella, savory chicken, and fragrant herbs tucked between crusty slices of bread. Each one works its magic to create a sandwich that’s hearty, colorful, and irresistibly cheesy.

Italian or sourdough bread (8 slices): Hearty, crusty bread holds everything together and crisps up beautifully in the pan.
Cooked shredded or sliced chicken (1½ cups): Rotisserie chicken is speedy and flavorful, making this grilled cheese both satisfying and convenient.
Marinara sauce (1 cup): Adds bold tomato flavor and a touch of tang that ties it all together—homemade or store-bought works!
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1½ cups): Delivers dreamy meltiness and that classic cheese pull everyone loves.
Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Packs a salty, nutty punch that’s essential for chicken parm flavor.
Unsalted butter, softened (4 tablespoons): Helps the bread toast up golden and crisp, infusing each bite with buttery richness.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): A hint of garlicky warmth that echoes traditional Italian seasoning.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings the herbs and aromatics that make every bite feel extra special.

How to Make Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Mix Up That Flavorful Butter

In a small bowl, blend the softened butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. This quick step is your secret to sandwiches that taste like garlic bread straight from an Italian kitchen. Don’t skip it—the seasoned butter creates a gorgeous, aromatic crunch as your sandwich grills.

Step 2: Get Your Bread Ready

Spread a generous layer of the herbed butter on one side of all eight slices of bread. This buttered side will crisp up and turn gorgeously golden in the pan while the inside stays soft and welcoming for the fillings.

Step 3: Add the Fillings

Lay out four slices of bread, butter-side down. On each, layer on the shredded chicken (don’t be shy here!), a spoonful of marinara sauce to keep things saucy, a shower of mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. These flavors combine to create that iconic lazy chicken parmesan grilled cheese magic.

Step 4: Sandwich and Cook

Top each stack with another slice of bread, buttered side out. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium, then gently add your sandwiches. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula so everything fuses together and the bread gets evenly crisped. Peek under a sandwich now and then—the key to Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese bliss is that perfect golden crust and fully melty middle.

Step 5: Serve Hot and Satisfy that Craving

Once the cheese is bubbling and the bread is crisp, transfer to a cutting board and slice in half. Serve immediately for the ultimate gooey, comforting experience. Extra marinara on the side for dipping? Don’t mind if I do!

How to Serve Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

Garnishes

A little flourish goes a long way! Scatter fresh basil ribbons or a touch more grated Parmesan over your Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese before serving, or add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a little kick. Your sandwich will look (and taste) restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This sandwich is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, oven-roasted veggies, or a handful of kettle chips for a bit of crunch on the side. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, pair with homemade garlic fries or a simple tomato soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack halves on a platter for a party-friendly presentation, or cut them into quarters for snackable bites at game night. Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese even makes an amazing lunchbox upgrade—just wrap in parchment and tuck next to some carrot sticks or fruit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover sandwiches (lucky you!), allow them to cool to room temperature, then wrap tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The bread will soften a bit, but the flavor only gets better.

Freezing

You can freeze fully assembled, uncooked sandwiches for future Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese cravings! Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When hunger strikes, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling as usual, adding an extra minute or two to ensure the cheese melts through.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat your sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat until the bread crisps up again and the cheese is melty—covering the pan helps heat all the way through. You can also use a toaster oven; microwave only if you’re really in a hurry, as the bread may get soft.

FAQs

Can I make this with breaded chicken?

Absolutely! Using breaded chicken cutlets adds extra crunch and classic chicken parmesan vibes. Just slice them up and layer as directed for a heartier, crispier sandwich.

Is there a way to make this sandwich vegetarian?

Definitely—swap the chicken for sautéed eggplant, mushrooms, or a crispy breaded plant-based patty. You’ll get all the saucy, cheesy, herby flavors of Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese without the meat.

Can I use a panini press?

A panini press works wonders for evenly melting the cheese and crisping the bread! Just assemble as directed and press until golden and gooey inside.

What’s the best way to keep the sandwiches warm for a crowd?

If you’re feeding several hungry folks, keep finished sandwiches warm on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven. This will hold them at the perfect temperature while you finish grilling more.

How do I prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?

To avoid sogginess, don’t overload with marinara—just a thin spread will do. Using thicker bread and making sure your butter layer is even also help keep that Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese crisp and delightful.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, the moment you take a bite of this Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it for years. It’s simple, soul-warming, and ridiculously tasty. Give it a try soon—your sandwich game will never look back!

Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this delicious Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese sandwich that combines the flavors of chicken Parmesan with the comfort of a grilled cheese. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread:

8 slices Italian or sourdough bread

Chicken Filling:

1½ cups cooked shredded or sliced chicken (rotisserie works great)
1 cup marinara sauce
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoned Butter:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

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Instructions

Prepare Seasoned Butter: Mix softened butter with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Spread on one side of each bread slice.
Assemble Sandwiches: Layer chicken, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan between bread slices.
Cook: Grill sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat until golden and cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Press gently for crispness.
Serve: Enjoy hot with extra marinara for dipping.