Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love that this takes all the comforting flavors of chicken parmesan—gooey cheese, tangy sauce, crispy chicken—and transforms them into an easy, handheld grilled cheese. Using frozen patties keeps prep minimal, and layering provolone, Parmesan, and sauce delivers that classic Italian flavor with zero hassle
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Frozen breaded chicken patties
• Garlic butter
• Italian bread slices
• Marinara sauce
• Dried basil
• Garlic salt
• Provolone cheese slices
• Parmesan cheese
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 400 °F and bake the chicken patties for about 20 minutes until crispy and cooked through, then slice them in half lengthwise
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I spread garlic butter on one side of each bread slice.
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I warm the marinara sauce mixed with dried basil and garlic salt in the microwave until hot, about 30 seconds to 1 minute
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On the unbuttered side of two slices, I layer: provolone, marinara, chicken halves, more sauce, another provolone slice; then I top with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up
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I grill each sandwich in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, until the bread is golden and the cheese is gooey
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I finish by sprinkling Parmesan on top or serving it alongside for dipping
Servings and timing
• Servings: 2 sandwiches
• Prep time: ~10 minutes
• Cook time: ~25 minutes (20 min bake + 5 min grill)
• Total time: ~35 minutes
Variations
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Different cheese: I use mozzarella or mix with Parmesan instead of—or along with—provolone.
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Bread upgrades: I choose brioche, sourdough, or even Texas toast for extra flavor and sturdiness .
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Skip frozen patties: I sub in homemade or pre-cooked grilled chicken for a fresher taste.
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Spice it up: I add red pepper flakes or spread a layer of pesto or garlic aioli on the bread.
storage/reheating
I eat them hot but save leftovers wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm them in a skillet or toaster oven—it crisps the bread and melts the cheese nicely.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen patties?
Yes—grill or pan-sear seasoned chicken breasts or cutlets, slice them to fit, and layer them in the sandwich.
2. What’s the best bread for this?
I love sturdier breads like sourdough, brioche, or Texas toast—they hold up well and get beautifully crisp
3. Can I make extra for later?
Definitely—assemble uncooked, wrap each in foil, refrigerate, and grill or bake when ready.
4. What dips pair well?
Warm marinara or garlic butter are perfect for dipping—and extra Parmesan on the side never hurts.
5. How can I make it less indulgent?
I use lighter bread, low-fat cheese, and switch to oven-baked or homemade chicken patties to reduce calories.
Conclusion
Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese gives me all the satisfaction of chicken parm in a simplified, cheesy sandwich form. It’s perfect for busy evenings, and its handheld format is a fun twist on a classic. I’m excited for you to try it!
Print
Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
- Total Time: ~35 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
Description
Crispy breaded chicken, marinara, and melted provolone grilled between garlic butter bread—your favorite Italian dinner in sandwich form.
Ingredients
Frozen breaded chicken patties
Garlic butter
Italian bread slices
Marinara sauce
Dried basil
Garlic salt
Provolone cheese slices
Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake chicken patties for ~20 minutes until crispy. Slice in half lengthwise.
Spread garlic butter on one side of each bread slice.
Warm marinara sauce in a bowl with dried basil and garlic salt (30 seconds–1 minute).
On the unbuttered side of two bread slices, layer:
Provolone slice
Spoonful of marinara
Chicken halves
More sauce
Another slice of provolone
Top with remaining bread slices, butter-side facing up.
Grill sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Serve hot, optionally topped or paired with Parmesan and extra marinara for dipping.
Notes
Use mozzarella, cheddar, or a provolone-Parmesan blend for variety.
Try brioche, sourdough, or Texas toast for more structure and flavor.
Homemade or grilled chicken cutlets can replace frozen patties.
Add spice with red pepper flakes or spread pesto or garlic aioli inside the sandwich.
Assemble and refrigerate uncooked sandwiches for up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (20 minutes baking + 5 minutes grilling)
- Category: Main Course, Sandwich
- Method: Oven + Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
