Last week, my daughter came home from school, dropped her backpack on the floor, and asked with the most dramatic sigh, “What’s for dinner?” It had been one of those whirlwind days, groceries still in the car, laundry half-folded, and me with exactly zero motivation to cook anything elaborate. But I had two breaded chicken patties in the freezer, a few slices of provolone left from lunches, and some fresh Italian bread from the weekend. I thought, let’s get creative.
I’ve made chicken Parmesan a dozen ways over the years—baked, layered, rolled—but tonight, I needed something faster, cozier, and yes, a bit lazy. That’s how this Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese was born.
By the time my husband walked through the door, the kitchen smelled like an Italian deli, garlicky, toasty, cheesy heaven. The kids devoured theirs in minutes, dunking every corner into warm marinara like it was a sport. My husband looked up mid-bite and said, “Okay, you have to put this on the blog.”
It’s now our go-to when we want something warm, filling, and satisfying but don’t want to fuss with too many pots or pans. I’ve made it twice again since then—once for lunch, once for dinner, and let me tell you, it’s a keeper.
Short Description
This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese takes all the comfort of a chicken parm dinner and turns it into a crispy, cheesy sandwich that comes together fast—perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends.
Key Ingredients
Main Components:
- 2 frozen breaded chicken patties
- 4 slices Italian bread
- 6 thin slices provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 pinch garlic salt
Spreads:
-
2 tablespoons garlic butter
Tools Needed
- Baking sheet
- Sharp knife
- Skillet (nonstick or cast iron)
- Spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Small spoon or brush for spreading butter
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Chicken
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place frozen chicken patties on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until hot and crispy. Slice each patty in half lengthwise once cooled slightly.
Step 2: Prep the Bread and Sauce
Spread garlic butter on one side of each slice of Italian bread. In a small microwave-safe bowl, mix marinara sauce, dried basil, and a pinch of garlic salt. Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then stir well.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
In a skillet (off heat), place one slice of bread, butter-side down. Add:
- 2 provolone slices
- 1 tablespoon of the warmed sauce
- 2 chicken patty halves (overlapping to cover the bread)
- 2 more tablespoons marinara
- 1 provolone slice on top
Finish with another slice of bread, butter-side up.
Step 4: Grill the Sandwich
Turn on the heat to medium. Cook sandwich for 2 to 3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Adjust heat if the bread browns too fast before cheese melts.
Step 5: Repeat and Serve
Repeat the process for the second sandwich. Warm remaining marinara sauce and stir in shredded Parmesan. Serve sandwiches hot with sauce on the side for dipping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Bomb: Gooey provolone, crispy chicken, garlicky bread, and rich marinara—every bite is packed with flavor.
Quick and No-Fuss: Frozen chicken patties and pantry staples make this doable in under 30 minutes.
Kid-Approved: Melty, cheesy sandwiches always win at the dinner table.
Versatile: Works for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night snack.
Budget-Friendly: Affordable ingredients, and no need for takeout.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Burning the Bread: If your skillet is too hot, the bread will char before the cheese melts. Solution: Use medium or medium-low heat and press gently while cooking.
Soggy Bottoms: Overloading with sauce inside can make the sandwich soggy. Solution: Stick to the recommended amount and serve extra on the side.
Cold Chicken Center: Undercooked patties ruin the texture. Solution: Always fully bake and slice after cooking.
Cheese Slippage: Cheese melting out the sides? Solution: Layer it strategically inside, not too close to the edges.
Dry Sandwich: Not enough sauce? Solution: Keep extra marinara warm on the side for dipping.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Best Way to Serve: Cut in halves or quarters for easy dipping and sharing.
Great with: A crisp Caesar salad, roasted veggies, or a simple tomato soup.
Drink Pairings: Sparkling water with lemon, iced tea, or a light red like Pinot Noir.
Serving Style: Serve it plated with a ramekin of sauce on the side, or family-style on a wooden board with extra napkins.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To Store: Wrap cooled sandwiches in foil or place in airtight containers. Refrigerate up to 2 days.
To Reheat:
Oven: 350°F for 10–12 minutes wrapped in foil
Air fryer: 325°F for 6–8 minutes
Avoid microwave if you want to keep the bread crispy
Extra Marinara: Store in a sealed jar in the fridge up to 5 days. Reheat in 30-second bursts in the microwave.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of frozen patties?
Yes! Just bread and pan-fry it, or use it plain with a little extra cheese for texture.
2. What’s the best bread for this sandwich?
Italian bread is great, but sourdough or thick Texas toast also hold up well.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Sure—use breaded eggplant slices or a plant-based patty instead.
4. Do I need to use provolone cheese?
Provolone melts beautifully, but mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack work too.
5. Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can bake the chicken and prep the sauce ahead. Assemble and grill fresh for best results.
Tips & Tricks
Toast your bread lightly before assembling if you like a crispier crunch.
Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinara for a spicy kick.
Use a panini press if you have one for evenly golden results.
Grate your own Parmesan, it melts and tastes better than the pre-packaged kind.
Double the batch and keep extras warm in a 200°F oven for a crowd.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Kick Version:
Add crushed red pepper to the sauce
Use pepper jack cheese instead of provolone
BBQ Style Chicken Melt:
Swap marinara for BBQ sauce
Use cheddar and smoked gouda for the cheese
Add red onion slices for crunch
Caprese-Inspired Version:
Add fresh basil leaves between layers
Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving
Swap Parmesan for fresh mozzarella
Low-Carb Option:
Skip the bread and serve the chicken, cheese, and sauce as a layered casserole
Bake in ramekins at 375°F for 15 minutes
Final Thoughts
If I had a dollar for every time this sandwich saved dinner, I’d have a small stash for Friday night takeout. But honestly, this recipe is just as satisfying, if not more. It checks every box for busy weeknights, picky kids, and “I forgot to defrost something” moments. It’s comforting, flavorful, and best of all—it doesn’t ask for much.
Even when life feels a little too loud, a good grilled cheese has a way of grounding the whole evening. Add crispy chicken and warm marinara to the mix, and you’ve got something that feels special without being complicated. That’s my kind of cooking—simple, smart, and always ready to make someone at the table smile.
Give it a try and let me know how yours turns out, I’ll be here, apron on, probably making another batch.
Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
Main Components:
- 2 frozen breaded chicken patties
- 4 slices Italian bread
- 6 thin slices provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 pinch garlic salt
Spreads:
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake frozen patties for 20 minutes until crispy. Cool slightly and slice each in half lengthwise.
- Spread garlic butter on one side of each bread slice. Mix marinara, basil, and garlic salt in a bowl; microwave for 30–60 seconds and stir.
- In a skillet (off heat), layer: Bread (butter-side down), 2 provolone slices, 1 tbsp sauce, 2 chicken halves, 2 more tbsp sauce, 1 provolone slice, top bread slice (butter-side up)
- Cook on medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cheese melts. Press gently and adjust heat if needed.
- Repeat for second sandwich. Warm leftover sauce, add Parmesan, and serve for dipping.
