If you’re craving comfort food but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, this Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is the perfect solution. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a deliciously cheesy, crispy, and savory twist on classic chicken parmesan. This recipe takes frozen breaded chicken patties and transforms them into a mouthwatering sandwich with layers of garlic butter, marinara sauce, melted provolone, and parmesan cheese, all sandwiched between golden slices of Italian bread.

Not only is this recipe quick and easy, but it also delivers all the indulgent flavors you love in chicken parmesan, without the hassle of breading chicken or making a complicated sauce. It’s the ideal meal for a busy weeknight, lazy weekend lunch, or even a fun twist on a game-day snack. With the option to swap in mozzarella for provolone or even make it gluten-free, this dish is versatile and customizable to suit your needs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

With frozen breaded chicken patties, garlic butter, and a few other pantry staples, this dish comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy days.

2. Comforting and Cheesy

The melted provolone and parmesan cheese add an extra layer of creaminess, while the garlic butter gives the bread a delicious crispy, savory crunch.

3. Customizable

This recipe can easily be adapted to fit your dietary preferences. You can use mozzarella for a cheesier melt, or swap in gluten-free bread and chicken patties to make it gluten-free.

4. Kid-Friendly

This grilled cheese is a fun way to introduce kids to the flavors of chicken parmesan in a simple and approachable way that they’ll love.

5. Less Mess, Same Flavor

You get all the flavor of chicken parmesan without the mess of frying, breading, or baking. It’s all conveniently made in a skillet or griddle.

Ingredients

Frozen breaded chicken patties (such as Tyson®)
Garlic butter (or to taste)
Italian bread slices
Marinara sauce
Dried basil (or to taste)
Garlic salt (or to taste)
Thin slices of provolone cheese
Shredded parmesan cheese

Variations

Swap Provolone for Mozzarella: For a stretchier, melty texture, you can replace provolone with mozzarella.
Gluten-Free Option: If you’re gluten intolerant, simply use gluten-free bread and gluten-free breaded chicken patties.
Lower-Calorie Version: Replace garlic butter with a light olive oil spread to reduce the calories while still enjoying the flavor.
Add Veggies: For a healthier twist, try adding some fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sandwich.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for an extra bit of heat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken Patties

Start by cooking the frozen breaded chicken patties according to the package instructions. This usually involves baking them in the oven or air frying them until crispy and cooked through.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Bread

While the chicken patties are cooking, spread garlic butter (or your preferred butter substitute) generously on one side of each slice of Italian bread.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

Once the chicken patties are cooked, place a slice of provolone cheese on top of each patty to allow it to melt. Then, on the unbuttered side of the bread, spread a spoonful of marinara sauce, and sprinkle dried basil and garlic salt to taste.

Place one of the garlic-buttered bread slices (buttered side out) on a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Then, layer the melted chicken patty with cheese and marinara sauce, and top with the other slice of garlic-buttered bread.

Step 4: Grill the Sandwich

Grill the sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.

Step 5: Serve

Once both sides of the sandwich are crispy and golden, remove from the skillet and slice. Serve immediately with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Watch the Bread: Be careful not to burn the bread while grilling. Adjust the heat to medium-low if the bread starts to brown too quickly.
Use a Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet is perfect for grilling sandwiches because it ensures even heat and a crispy crust.
Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken patties rest for a minute after cooking to avoid overcooking and drying them out when you grill the sandwich.
Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more provolone or sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

How to Serve

This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is perfect as a standalone meal. Pair it with a simple side salad, some crispy fries, or a bowl of soup for a complete meal. It’s also great for serving as a casual, comforting dish for game nights or casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While this sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftover grilled sandwiches in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side or use a panini press to bring back the crispiness.

Freezing

You can freeze the chicken patties before assembling the sandwiches. Simply cook and freeze the patties ahead of time, and when you’re ready to make the sandwich, follow the steps from the bread assembly onward.

Reheating

If you have leftover grilled sandwiches, reheating them in a skillet is the best way to restore their crispy texture. You can also reheat them in a toaster oven if you want to avoid using a stovetop.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen breaded patties?

Yes, you can use fresh, cooked chicken instead of frozen breaded patties, but you will need to bread and cook the chicken yourself.

2. What other cheeses can I use?

While provolone is traditional, mozzarella, cheddar, or even gouda would work well for a different flavor profile.

3. Can I make this dish without garlic butter?

Yes, you can replace the garlic butter with regular butter or olive oil spread for a lighter option.

4. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly in this recipe, though you can also make your own if you prefer.

5. Can I use regular bread instead of Italian bread?

Yes, you can use any type of bread you like, such as sourdough, whole wheat, or white bread.

6. How do I prevent the bread from burning while grilling?

Keep the heat on medium-low and watch the bread carefully as it cooks. Adjust the heat if necessary to avoid burning.

7. Can I freeze the assembled sandwich?

While it’s best to enjoy this sandwich fresh, you can freeze the assembled sandwich (before grilling) and grill it later when you’re ready to eat.

8. How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free bread and gluten-free breaded chicken patties.

9. Can I use chicken strips instead of patties?

Yes, you can use breaded chicken tenders or strips instead of patties. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are heated through and crispy.

10. Can I make this sandwich spicy?

Yes, for a spicier version, you can add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or include a slice of jalapeño for some extra heat.

Conclusion

The Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a simple twist. With crispy bread, melted cheese, tender chicken, and flavorful marinara sauce, it delivers all the best elements of chicken parmesan in a quick, easy, and delicious grilled cheese form. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy all the cheesy, crispy goodness without the hassle!