Description
A quick and easy twist on classic chicken parmesan, this Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese combines crispy baked breaded chicken patties, melted provolone cheese, and flavorful marinara sauce between buttery grilled Italian bread slices. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a comforting, savory sandwich perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinara
- 2 frozen breaded chicken patties (such as Tyson®)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or to taste)
- Pinch of garlic salt (or to taste)
Sandwich
- 4 slices Italian bread
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter (or to taste)
- 6 thin slices provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bake the Chicken Patties: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen breaded chicken patties on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, or until they become crispy and are cooked through. Once baked, carefully cut each chicken patty in half lengthwise to prepare for the sandwich assembly.
- Prepare the Marinara Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the marinara sauce, dried basil, and a pinch of garlic salt. Heat the mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until warm, then stir well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread garlic butter evenly on one side of each slice of Italian bread. Heat a skillet over medium heat and place one slice of bread, buttered side down. Layer this bread slice with two slices of provolone cheese, one tablespoon of warm marinara sauce, two halves of the chicken patty, an additional two tablespoons of marinara sauce, two more slices of provolone cheese, and finally top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
- Grill the Sandwich: Cook the sandwich in the skillet for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Flip carefully and continue cooking until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside has melted fully. Repeat the process for the second sandwich.
- Serve with Parmesan Marinara: Sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over any remaining marinara sauce and serve it alongside the grilled sandwiches as a flavorful dipping sauce to complement every bite.
Notes
- Using frozen breaded chicken patties makes this recipe very quick and effortless.
- Adjust the garlic butter amount on the bread slices according to your taste for a richer flavor.
- Make sure the skillet is preheated properly before grilling the sandwich to achieve a perfect golden crust.
- You can substitute provolone with mozzarella cheese if desired for a different cheese flavor.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce mix.
