Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite quick meal: the Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese! It’s a delightful mash-up of two classics that just warms my heart every time I make it. Picture this: crispy, buttery bread, melty mozzarella, and savory chicken all wrapped up in a gooey, cheesy hug. I love whipping this up on busy weeknights when I want something comforting but don’t have a ton of time. The best part? You can use leftover chicken, which makes it even easier! Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked on this cheesy delight. It’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious!
Ingredients List
- 2 slices of your favorite bread (I love using sourdough for that extra crunch!)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (leftover rotisserie chicken works like a charm!)
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought, whatever you’ve got on hand)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (the more, the merrier, right?)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for that extra cheesy goodness)
- 2 tablespoons butter (to slather on the bread for that golden crisp)
How to Prepare Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
- First things first, spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. This is where the magic happens, trust me!
- Now, heat a skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough to get that golden crust but not so hot that it burns.
- Place one slice of bread, butter side down, into the skillet. Feel that sizzle? That’s what you want!
- Next, add the shredded chicken right on top of the bread. You want it to be nice and even so every bite has that juicy goodness.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken. Don’t be shy; let it soak in a bit!
- Now, sprinkle that glorious mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Seriously, you can never have too much cheese!
- Top it off with the second slice of bread, butter side up. It’s gonna get cozy together in the skillet.
- Cook until the bottom slice is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Then, carefully flip it over and cook until the other side is golden and the cheese is all melty and gooey.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Combines the comforting flavors of chicken parmesan with the gooey goodness of grilled cheese.
- A fantastic way to use up leftover chicken, making it a great meal prep option.
- Each bite is bursting with melted cheese and savory marinara—what’s not to love?
- The crispy, buttery outside contrasts beautifully with the warm, cheesy filling.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, so you can serve it to family or impress friends!
Honestly, this Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is one of those meals that brings everyone together around the table. You’ll find yourself dreaming about it long after the last bite!
Tips for Success
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent any sticking and ensure easy flipping.
- Don’t rush the cooking; let it brown slowly for that perfect crispy crust.
- Feel free to mix up the cheeses! Try adding provolone or fontina for extra flavor.
- If you want a little kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce.
- Serve it with a side of extra marinara for dipping—trust me, it elevates the experience!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up your Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese! Try adding some sautéed spinach or arugula for a pop of color and nutrition. You could even swap the chicken for crispy eggplant slices for a vegetarian twist that’s just as satisfying. Want to spice things up? Toss in some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of your favorite Italian herbs. And don’t forget about the cheese—experiment with a blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar for a unique flavor combo. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), store your Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating it in a skillet over medium heat. This way, you’ll get that lovely, crispy exterior back while warming the inside. Just cover it with a lid for a few minutes to melt the cheese beautifully. You can also pop it in the toaster oven if you have one—it works wonders too! Enjoy every cheesy bite all over again!
Nutritional Information
As with any recipe, keep in mind that nutrition can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. For my Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese, a typical serving (which is one sandwich) contains approximately 450 calories. You’ll find about 25 grams of fat, with 12 grams being saturated fat. It packs in around 30 grams of protein, making it quite filling! Plus, there are 35 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber to keep you satisfied. It’s a deliciously hearty meal that balances flavors and nutrition beautifully!
FAQ Section
Can I use store-bought chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken can save you time and still give you that delicious flavor. Just shred it up and you’re good to go!
What can I use instead of marinara sauce?
If you don’t have marinara on hand, don’t worry! You can substitute it with pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even a simple tomato sauce. Get creative with what you have!
Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?
Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free bread, and you’re all set for a tasty gluten-free version of this Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese.
How can I make it extra cheesy?
Oh, I love this question! For that extra cheesy goodness, you can add a blend of cheeses like provolone or gouda along with the mozzarella and Parmesan. More cheese is always a good idea!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in a skillet for that crispy texture!
Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese: 7 Cheesy Bliss Bites
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is a quick and delightful meal that combines the flavors of chicken parmesan with the comfort of grilled cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Place one slice of bread, butter side down, in the skillet.
- Add shredded chicken on top of the bread.
- Pour marinara sauce over the chicken.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Top with the second slice of bread, butter side up.
- Cook until the bottom is golden brown, then flip and cook until the other side is golden and cheese is melted.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken for a quicker prep time.
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Adjust the amount of cheese to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese, Cheesy, Crispy Delight