Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese | Crispy, Cheesy, Comfort-Food Perfection
Golden buttery bread, crispy chicken cutlets, melty mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce—this lazy chicken parmesan grilled cheese packs all the flavors of classic chicken parm into a quick, satisfying grilled sandwich. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or comfort food cravings!
Ingredients
For the Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese:
- 2 crispy chicken cutlets store-bought or homemade
- 4 slices sturdy bread sourdough, Italian, or gluten-free
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup marinara sauce plus more for dipping
- 2 tbsp butter
Optional:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Red pepper flakes
- Garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep your ingredients. Warm marinara sauce in a small saucepan.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
- Step 3: Place two slices of bread, butter side down, in the skillet. Top each with shredded mozzarella.
- Step 4: Add a crispy chicken cutlet on top of the cheese. Spoon marinara sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Step 5: Top with remaining bread slices, butter side up. Cook until the bottom is golden, about 3–4 minutes.
- Step 6: Flip carefully and cook the other side until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3–4 more minutes.
- Step 7: Slice and serve with extra marinara for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
Secret Tips for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
- Choose thin, crispy chicken cutlets for the best balance of flavor and texture. I often use air-fried or oven-baked cutlets to keep this lazy chicken parmesan grilled cheese lighter but still delicious.
- Don’t skip the Parmesan—it’s key to creating that classic chicken parmesan grilled cheese flavor! Grate it fresh for the best melt and nutty depth.
- Butter the bread generously and cook over medium heat. This ensures perfectly golden, crispy edges without burning—a must for any crispy chicken sandwich.
- Add fresh basil or a sprinkle of Italian herbs to your marinara for an extra layer of flavor. I often stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Let your cooked sandwich rest for 1–2 minutes before slicing. This allows the melty mozzarella to set just enough for clean, gooey layers in every bite.
- Use sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta so it holds up to the fillings. If making a high-protein sandwich for meal prep, ciabatta rolls or gluten-free artisan bread work wonderfully.
- For meal prep: Store components separately and assemble fresh for the best crisp factor. You can pre-cook your crispy chicken cutlets and freeze them to have ready for future lazy chicken parmesan grilled cheese cravings.