There’s something truly comforting about grilled cheese, and as a baker who thrives on comfort food with a twist, this Easy Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese has quickly become one of my go-to meals when I want something hearty, flavorful, and simple. I came up with this recipe on a busy weekday when I had leftover chicken in the fridge and a craving for something cheesy and satisfying. Instead of opting for the traditional Chicken Parmesan, which can be a bit time-consuming, I decided to reinvent it with fewer steps and less cleanup—without sacrificing the taste I love.
This recipe takes the crispy, cheesy essence of Chicken Parmesan and fuses it with the melty, golden-brown perfection of a grilled cheese sandwich. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like you’ve put in a lot of effort, but in reality, it’s incredibly easy and fast. Whether you’re feeding your family on a rushed weeknight, looking for a quick solo lunch, or wanting to impress a guest with something unexpectedly delicious, this recipe is a winning choice.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Easy Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese for many reasons. First, it’s comfort food made simple. There’s no breading station, deep frying, or baking required. Everything comes together right on the stovetop, making the whole process feel effortless. It delivers crispy golden bread, melty cheese, flavorful marinara, and juicy chicken—all in every single bite.
It also pairs perfectly with a side salad, soup, or even potato wedges for a complete meal. Whether you love Italian classics or just appreciate a good sandwich, this one is bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Versatile
This sandwich is very adaptable. You can use shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breast, or even leftover chicken tenders. The cheese can be swapped for whatever you have—mozzarella, provolone, or a combination of both. Want to add herbs or extra seasoning? Go for it. Prefer a spicy kick? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the marinara. You can also easily make it meat-free by replacing the chicken with grilled vegetables.
Affordable
This recipe is also wallet-friendly. It uses simple, everyday ingredients that are easy to find and often already in your fridge or pantry. It’s an excellent way to use up leftover chicken and bread, and you don’t need any special equipment or fancy tools. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this recipe delivers great value for both taste and cost.
Ingredients for the Recipe:
– 2 slices of sandwich bread (white, sourdough, or whole wheat)
– 1/2 cup cooked shredded chicken (grilled or rotisserie)
– 1/4 cup marinara sauce
– 2 slices mozzarella cheese (or 1/2 cup shredded)
– 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons butter (softened, for spreading)
– Optional: dried oregano or Italian seasoning for extra flavor
How to Prepare Easy Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
Making this Easy Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is exactly what the name promises—simple, quick, and absolutely delicious. It comes together in under 15 minutes and doesn’t require any complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. If you’ve ever made a grilled cheese sandwich before, you’re already halfway there. The twist lies in the flavorful filling: tender shredded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and a cheesy duo of mozzarella and Parmesan, all sealed between two crispy, golden slices of buttery bread.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
Start by placing your cooked, shredded chicken in a small bowl. If it’s straight from the fridge, warm it slightly in the microwave or a skillet—just enough to take the chill off. Mix in the marinara sauce and stir until the chicken is well-coated. This will ensure that each bite has that delicious Italian flavor.
Step 2: Prep the Bread
Take two slices of your favorite sandwich bread. Spread softened butter generously on one side of each slice. This will be the outer side that crisps up in the skillet. On the opposite side (the inner part), place one slice of mozzarella on the bottom half of the sandwich.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
Spoon the saucy chicken evenly on top of the mozzarella slice. Sprinkle with a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese and add a pinch of oregano or Italian seasoning if you like. Layer the second slice of mozzarella on top of the chicken to help seal it in with gooey cheese. Finally, top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
Step 4: Toast the Sandwich
Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the sandwich onto the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes on one side, pressing gently with a spatula to help it brown evenly. Flip the sandwich carefully and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for about a minute before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to cut without the filling spilling out. Slice it in half and serve immediately while it’s hot and the cheese is beautifully melty.
Quick and Easy
This sandwich is ideal for those moments when you need something warm and satisfying without turning on the oven or dirtying a lot of dishes. It’s a stovetop recipe with minimal prep and even fewer dishes to clean. From start to finish, it takes no more than 15 minutes, and the ingredients are so flexible that you’ll likely already have most of them on hand.
Customizable
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. You can use whole wheat or sourdough bread for added texture, or switch up the cheese blend—think provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a spicy variation. The chicken can be spiced differently, too. Try tossing it with a bit of garlic powder, onion powder, or chili flakes before adding the marinara. Want it even cheesier? Add an extra layer. Want it healthier? Use whole grain bread and low-fat cheese.
For a vegetarian option, you can replace the chicken with grilled zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms. For a lighter version, try using light butter or spray oil and low-sodium marinara.
Popular with Many People
This sandwich is always a hit, no matter who I serve it to. Kids love the cheesy center and familiar flavors. Adults appreciate the nostalgic comfort of grilled cheese with an Italian twist. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, lazy weekend lunches, or even as a quick bite before heading out. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this recipe fits right in.
It also makes a great addition to lunchboxes—just wrap it in foil to keep it warm. The combination of crispy bread, melty cheese, and saucy chicken makes it irresistible at any temperature.
Whether you’re new to the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe is foolproof, fast, and full of flavor.
PrintEasy Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
This Easy Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese brings all the flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan into a quick, satisfying sandwich. It’s the perfect mix of juicy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, pressed between two slices of buttery toasted bread. Ideal for busy days, cozy nights, or anytime you crave something warm and cheesy without the fuss.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 8
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
Ingredients
- 2 slices sandwich bread (white, sourdough, or whole wheat)
- 1/2 cup cooked shredded chicken (grilled or rotisserie)
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce
- 2 slices mozzarella cheese (or 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened, for spreading)
- Optional: pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with marinara sauce. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated. Warm slightly if cold.
- Prepare Bread: Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. These will be the outer sides for grilling.
- Assemble Sandwich: On the unbuttered side of one bread slice, place one mozzarella slice. Spoon the sauced chicken mixture over the cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan and optional herbs. Top with the second mozzarella slice. Cover with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
- Grill the Sandwich: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side until golden and crisp. Carefully flip and grill the other side for another 3–4 minutes until both sides are golden and the cheese has melted.
- Serve: Remove the sandwich from the pan and let rest for 1 minute. Slice in half and serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
Use leftover grilled chicken or store-bought rotisserie for convenience
Add crushed red pepper for a spicy kick
Try different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for variation
For a vegetarian version, use grilled vegetables in place of chicken
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for using up leftover grilled, roasted, or shredded chicken. If your chicken is already seasoned, it will add even more flavor. Just make sure to warm it slightly before mixing it with the marinara sauce for the best results.
Can I make this recipe without butter?
Yes, you can. While butter adds richness and helps create that golden crust, you can substitute it with olive oil or a light cooking spray if you prefer a lighter option. Just brush the bread lightly before toasting to ensure it crisps properly.
What kind of bread works best?
Any sturdy bread that holds up well to toasting will work. Sourdough, white sandwich bread, whole wheat, or even Texas toast are great options. Avoid thin or overly soft bread, as it may become soggy from the marinara.
Can I prepare it in advance?
While this sandwich is best served hot and fresh, you can prepare the filling (chicken and marinara mixture) ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, simply assemble the sandwich and cook it. You can also make the sandwich and reheat it in a pan or sandwich press later for a quick meal.
What cheeses can I substitute for mozzarella?
Mozzarella is the traditional choice for that stretchy, melty texture, but you can use provolone, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses. Just make sure the cheese melts well for that gooey finish.
Is there a way to make it healthier?
Yes. Use whole grain bread, low-fat cheese, and light marinara sauce. You can also reduce the butter amount or use an olive oil spray. It’s an easy recipe to adapt based on your dietary needs.
Can this be made vegetarian?
Definitely. Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or portobello mushrooms. You’ll still get that delicious, savory flavor, and the texture works beautifully with the cheese and sauce.
Does it freeze well?
It’s not ideal for freezing once assembled, as the texture of the bread can become soggy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the chicken and marinara filling separately and assemble the sandwich fresh when ready to cook.
What sides go well with it?
This sandwich pairs well with a light green salad, tomato soup, sweet potato fries, or roasted vegetables. It’s a complete comfort meal that doesn’t need much to feel satisfying.