Description
This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese recipe combines crispy baked breaded chicken patties with melted provolone and Parmesan cheeses, layered inside garlic buttered Italian or sourdough bread. Finished with warm marinara sauce, it’s an easy and delicious twist on classic chicken parmesan transformed into a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Bread
- 2 frozen breaded chicken patties (such as Tyson®)
- 4 slices Italian or sourdough bread
Butter and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter (or softened butter)
- ½ teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- Pinch of garlic salt (optional)
Cheese and Sauce
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 6 thin slices provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bake 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 until fully cooked and crispy. Once done, slice each patty in half lengthwise to prepare for layering.
- Warm Marinara Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the marinara sauce with dried basil and a pinch of garlic salt, if using. Heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until warm, stirring to mix well.
- Prepare Bread Slices: Spread garlic butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread to add flavor and help brown the sandwich during grilling.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Heat a skillet over medium heat. On the unbuttered side of two bread slices, layer 2 slices of provolone cheese, then place the halved chicken patties overlapping. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the warmed marinara sauce over the chicken, add another layer of provolone slices, and top with the second slice of bread, butter side facing up.
- Grill Sandwiches: Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese has melted completely. Repeat this process for the second sandwich.
- Serve: Serve the grilled cheese sandwiches hot with the remaining warmed marinara sauce on the side, sprinkled generously with shredded Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Notes
- Using garlic butter adds extra savory flavor and helps achieve a perfectly crisp crust on the grilled sandwiches.
- Freezing and slicing chicken patties lengthwise helps them fit well inside the sandwich while keeping the chicken crispy.
- Opt for Italian or sourdough bread for best flavor and texture.
- Feel free to customize the herbs in the marinara sauce or add red pepper flakes for some heat.
- To make cleanup easier, use a non-stick skillet or a sandwich press if available.
