Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Simple and Tasty

June 7, 2025 by Natalie

If you’re in the mood for a quick and tasty meal, meet your new best friend: Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese. This simple dish combines juicy chicken, melty cheese, and classic marinara between two crispy slices of bread. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe delivers flavors without the fuss. Dive in to discover how you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in no time!

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Ingredients

Essential Ingredients for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

– 2 slices of sturdy bread (sourdough or ciabatta)

– 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded

– 1/2 cup marinara sauce

– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

This recipe is all about simple, tasty ingredients. Start with sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta. They hold up well when grilled. Next, use cooked chicken breast. You can shred it easily. Marinara sauce adds a rich flavor. For the cheese, mozzarella gives that gooey texture. Parmesan offers a nice salty kick.

Italian seasoning brings everything together. Just a teaspoon is enough. Olive oil helps crisp the bread. Salt and pepper add flavor to the chicken. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. Use them if you like.

You can find the full recipe at the end of this section. Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a delicious meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of the Chicken Mixture

To start, mix the cooked chicken with marinara sauce and seasonings in a bowl. Use your fork to shred the chicken into small pieces. This helps it blend well with the sauce. Add one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste.

Make sure to mix everything well. I like to use my hands for this. It ensures each piece of chicken is coated and flavorful. If you want more kick, feel free to add crushed red pepper or garlic powder.

Grilling the Sandwich

Next, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm up. This oil adds a nice flavor and helps the bread crisp.

Place one slice of sturdy bread in the skillet. Layer half of the mozzarella cheese on top. This creates a cheesy base. Then, spread the chicken mixture evenly over the cheese.

Now, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top of the chicken. Finish with a layer of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a nice salty bite. Top it off with the second slice of bread.

Grill for about 3-4 minutes on one side. Look for that golden brown color. Carefully flip the sandwich and grill the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Make sure the cheese melts completely.

Finalizing the Dish

Once both sides are golden brown, take the sandwich out of the skillet. Let it cool for a minute. This prevents burns when you slice it.

For a lovely touch, add fresh basil leaves on top. They give a pop of color and flavor. Serve your Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese warm. Enjoy every bite!

For more details, check the Full Recipe.

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Perfect Grilled Cheese

To make a great grilled cheese, choose the right bread. I love using sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta. These breads hold up well and add flavor. You want something that won’t get soggy.

Keep the heat medium while grilling. High heat can burn the bread before the cheese melts. Medium heat lets everything cook evenly. It gives a nice golden brown crust while the cheese becomes gooey.

Customization Ideas

You can easily make this dish your own! Add extra toppings or spices that you love. Try sliced tomatoes, jalapeños, or fresh herbs for a kick.

For cheese, use what you have on hand. Cheddar, provolone, or gouda all work well. Mixing different cheeses can give your sandwich a unique flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your lazy chicken Parmesan grilled cheese with sides like salad or soup. A simple green salad adds freshness. Tomato soup is a classic choice that complements the flavors.

Consider creative dips for added flavor. A side of marinara sauce makes the dish fun and tasty. You can also try ranch or garlic aioli for a twist.

For more details, check out the Full Recipe.

Variations

Vegetarian Alternative

You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping chicken for vegetables or tofu. I love using bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These veggies add flavor and texture. For a tasty tofu option, cube it and sauté until golden.

You should also change the sauce and cheese. Instead of marinara, try pesto or a creamy garlic sauce. For cheese, use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a rich taste. These swaps keep the dish satisfying and delicious.

Low-Carb Option

If you want a low-carb version, use lettuce wraps instead of bread. Romaine or iceberg lettuce works best. It adds crunch without the carbs. Just layer your chicken mixture in the lettuce leaves.

You can also adjust the cheese and fillings. Use a shredded cheese blend that melts well, like provolone or gouda. Add extra veggies for more flavor and texture. This way, you keep the taste while cutting carbs.

Spicy Twist

For those who like heat, add jalapeños or spicy sauce to your chicken mixture. You can mix in diced jalapeños or drizzle hot sauce for an extra kick. This gives the dish an exciting twist.

Adjust the seasoning as well. Add a bit more Italian seasoning or even some crushed red pepper flakes. This brings bold flavors that spice up your meal. Enjoy the heat and savor each bite!

For the full recipe, check out Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To store your Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese, let it cool first. This step helps prevent sogginess when you refrigerate it. After cooling, wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and maintains texture. Store it in the fridge for up to three days.

Reheating Recommendations

When reheating, aim to keep the sandwich crispy. A skillet is great for this. Heat it on medium-low and add a little olive oil. Place the sandwich in the hot skillet and cover it. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side. This method ensures the bread gets crispy again while the cheese melts. If you’re short on time, you can use a microwave, but the sandwich may lose its crunch. Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently.

Freezing for Later Use

If you want to freeze your sandwiches, do it before grilling them. Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap and then in foil. This helps keep them fresh and prevents freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to a month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the sandwiches in the fridge overnight. Then, grill them as you normally would. This method makes sure you get that warm, crispy goodness every time.

FAQs

What is Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese?

Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on classic grilled cheese. It combines chicken, cheese, and marinara sauce in a sandwich. You get a crispy outside with gooey cheese inside. The Italian seasoning adds a great flavor to the dish. It’s simple to make and perfect for any meal. You’ll love how easy it is to enjoy a favorite taste in a new way.

How do I make Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free bread. Many stores sell good options now. Look for sturdy types like gluten-free sourdough or ciabatta. These types hold up well when grilled. Always check labels to ensure they are truly gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty treat without worry.

Can I prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the chicken mixture ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. This makes meal prep easy and quick. When you’re ready to cook, just grab it and assemble the sandwich. This saves time on busy days and keeps meals tasty.

In this blog post, I shared how to make Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese. We covered the key ingredients, preparation steps, and tasty variations. You learned about customizing the dish and clever storage options.

This sandwich is simple and fun to make. It’s a great way to enjoy comfort food. Try out these tips and enjoy your meal!

$- 2 slices of sturdy bread (sourdough or ciabatta) - 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1/2 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) This recipe is all about simple, tasty ingredients. Start with sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta. They hold up well when grilled. Next, use cooked chicken breast. You can shred it easily. Marinara sauce adds a rich flavor. For the cheese, mozzarella gives that gooey texture. Parmesan offers a nice salty kick. Italian seasoning brings everything together. Just a teaspoon is enough. Olive oil helps crisp the bread. Salt and pepper add flavor to the chicken. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. Use them if you like. You can find the full recipe at the end of this section. Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a delicious meal! To start, mix the cooked chicken with marinara sauce and seasonings in a bowl. Use your fork to shred the chicken into small pieces. This helps it blend well with the sauce. Add one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure to mix everything well. I like to use my hands for this. It ensures each piece of chicken is coated and flavorful. If you want more kick, feel free to add crushed red pepper or garlic powder. Next, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm up. This oil adds a nice flavor and helps the bread crisp. Place one slice of sturdy bread in the skillet. Layer half of the mozzarella cheese on top. This creates a cheesy base. Then, spread the chicken mixture evenly over the cheese. Now, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top of the chicken. Finish with a layer of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a nice salty bite. Top it off with the second slice of bread. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on one side. Look for that golden brown color. Carefully flip the sandwich and grill the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Make sure the cheese melts completely. Once both sides are golden brown, take the sandwich out of the skillet. Let it cool for a minute. This prevents burns when you slice it. For a lovely touch, add fresh basil leaves on top. They give a pop of color and flavor. Serve your Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese warm. Enjoy every bite! For more details, check the Full Recipe. To make a great grilled cheese, choose the right bread. I love using sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta. These breads hold up well and add flavor. You want something that won’t get soggy. Keep the heat medium while grilling. High heat can burn the bread before the cheese melts. Medium heat lets everything cook evenly. It gives a nice golden brown crust while the cheese becomes gooey. You can easily make this dish your own! Add extra toppings or spices that you love. Try sliced tomatoes, jalapeños, or fresh herbs for a kick. For cheese, use what you have on hand. Cheddar, provolone, or gouda all work well. Mixing different cheeses can give your sandwich a unique flavor. Pair your lazy chicken Parmesan grilled cheese with sides like salad or soup. A simple green salad adds freshness. Tomato soup is a classic choice that complements the flavors. Consider creative dips for added flavor. A side of marinara sauce makes the dish fun and tasty. You can also try ranch or garlic aioli for a twist. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping chicken for vegetables or tofu. I love using bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These veggies add flavor and texture. For a tasty tofu option, cube it and sauté until golden. You should also change the sauce and cheese. Instead of marinara, try pesto or a creamy garlic sauce. For cheese, use a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a rich taste. These swaps keep the dish satisfying and delicious. If you want a low-carb version, use lettuce wraps instead of bread. Romaine or iceberg lettuce works best. It adds crunch without the carbs. Just layer your chicken mixture in the lettuce leaves. You can also adjust the cheese and fillings. Use a shredded cheese blend that melts well, like provolone or gouda. Add extra veggies for more flavor and texture. This way, you keep the taste while cutting carbs. For those who like heat, add jalapeños or spicy sauce to your chicken mixture. You can mix in diced jalapeños or drizzle hot sauce for an extra kick. This gives the dish an exciting twist. Adjust the seasoning as well. Add a bit more Italian seasoning or even some crushed red pepper flakes. This brings bold flavors that spice up your meal. Enjoy the heat and savor each bite! For the full recipe, check out Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese. To store your Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese, let it cool first. This step helps prevent sogginess when you refrigerate it. After cooling, wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and maintains texture. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, aim to keep the sandwich crispy. A skillet is great for this. Heat it on medium-low and add a little olive oil. Place the sandwich in the hot skillet and cover it. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side. This method ensures the bread gets crispy again while the cheese melts. If you're short on time, you can use a microwave, but the sandwich may lose its crunch. Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently. If you want to freeze your sandwiches, do it before grilling them. Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap and then in foil. This helps keep them fresh and prevents freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to a month. When you're ready to eat, thaw the sandwiches in the fridge overnight. Then, grill them as you normally would. This method makes sure you get that warm, crispy goodness every time. Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on classic grilled cheese. It combines chicken, cheese, and marinara sauce in a sandwich. You get a crispy outside with gooey cheese inside. The Italian seasoning adds a great flavor to the dish. It's simple to make and perfect for any meal. You'll love how easy it is to enjoy a favorite taste in a new way. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free bread. Many stores sell good options now. Look for sturdy types like gluten-free sourdough or ciabatta. These types hold up well when grilled. Always check labels to ensure they are truly gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty treat without worry. Yes, you can make the chicken mixture ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. This makes meal prep easy and quick. When you're ready to cook, just grab it and assemble the sandwich. This saves time on busy days and keeps meals tasty. In this blog post, I shared how to make Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese. We covered the key ingredients, preparation steps, and tasty variations. You learned about customizing the dish and clever storage options. This sandwich is simple and fun to make. It’s a great way to enjoy comfort food. Try out these tips and enjoy your meal!$