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Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe

I’ll be honest — I didn’t expect this Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese to taste this good the first time I made it. I threw it together on a weeknight when I was too tired to cook a full meal but still wanted something warm, crispy, and comforting. The combination of crispy chicken, melty cheese, and garlicky butter between perfectly toasted bread hit all the right notes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 frozen breaded chicken patties such as Tyson® – Using frozen patties keeps this recipe quick and easy. Bake until golden and crispy for that perfect crunch.
  • 2 tablespoons garlic butter or to taste – Garlic butter adds richness and enhances the parmesan flavor. You can use store-bought or make your own with butter, minced garlic, and a pinch of parsley.
  • 4 slices Italian bread – Italian bread works beautifully because it’s sturdy yet soft enough to soak up the buttery flavor. Avoid very thin or airy bread as it won’t hold the fillings well.
  • 1 cup marinara sauce – A good-quality marinara brings a tangy sweetness that complements the cheese. Go for one with simple ingredients or make your own for a fresh taste.
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil – Adds a subtle herbal touch that makes the sauce more aromatic.
  • 1 pinch garlic salt – Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them. A little goes a long way.
  • 6 thin slices of provolone cheese – Melts beautifully and gives a creamy mild flavor. Freshly sliced from the deli counter works best.
  • 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese – Sprinkled over the sauce for that classic chicken parm flavor. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a more intense nutty taste.

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen chicken patties on a baking sheet and bake them for about 20 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and crispy on the outside. Once done, slice each patty in half lengthwise so they fit nicely in the sandwich.
  2. Spread garlic butter generously on one side of each slice of Italian bread. In a small microwave-safe bowl, mix marinara sauce, dried basil, and garlic salt. Heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute, just until warm and fragrant.
  3. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, on your heated skillet. Add two slices of provolone cheese, a spoonful of marinara sauce, and the halved chicken patties on top. Add another spoonful of sauce, another slice of provolone, and then top it with the second slice of bread (butter side up).
  4. Cook the sandwich over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey. Keep an eye on the heat — you don’t want to burn the bread before the cheese melts.
  5. Warm up the remaining marinara sauce and stir in the shredded Parmesan. Serve this sauce on the side for dipping — it’s the perfect cheesy, tangy complement to your sandwich.

Notes

  • Always let the chicken patties rest for a few minutes after baking so they stay crispy inside the sandwich.
  • Don’t skimp on the garlic butter — it’s what gives the bread that golden crunch.
  • Use fresh provolone and Parmesan for a more authentic, rich flavor.
  • If you like extra melty cheese, cover your skillet with a lid for a minute while grilling.
  • I sometimes add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a slight kick — totally worth it!