I combined the classic flavors of chicken Parmesan with the comfort of a grilled cheese sandwich—using frozen breaded chicken patties, marinara sauce, provolone and Parmesan, all toasted between garlic-buttered Italian bread. It’s a fun, hearty twist that’s ready in under 35 minutes.
Why I’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this sandwich brings everything I adore about chicken Parmesan into a melty, satisfying grilled cheese. I skip breading and deep frying by using pre-made chicken patties; it keeps prep simple but flavor rich. The garlic butter, melted cheese, marinara, and crispy chicken come together in a perfect bite every time.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Frozen breaded chicken patties (e.g. Tyson)
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Garlic butter
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Italian bread
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Marinara sauce
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Dried basil
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Garlic salt
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Provolone cheese slices
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Grated Parmesan cheese
directions
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I preheat the oven to 400 °F (200 °C) and bake the frozen chicken patties for about 20 minutes until cooked through and crispy, then slice each patty in half lengthwise.
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I spread garlic butter on one side of each slice of bread.
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I stir together marinara sauce with dried basil and garlic salt, then heat until warm.
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I warm a skillet over medium heat. I cook each sandwich by layering bread butter‑side down, topping with provolone, marinara, chicken patty halves, more marinara, another provolone slice, then the buttered bread slice on top. I grill each side 2–3 minutes until the bread is crisp and the cheese melts.
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I sprinkle grated Parmesan on the warm marinara served on the side or over the sandwich before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 2 sandwiches, perfect for 2 servings. Prep takes about 10 minutes, baking 20 minutes, and grilling 5 minutes, for a total of roughly 35 minutes.
Variations
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I sometimes use shredded cooked chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken with marinara instead of frozen patties for a fresher version
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I swap mozzarella for provolone slices or combine both cheeses for extra melty stretch.
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I add fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a flavor lift.
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I brush the outsides of the bread with olive oil instead of butter for a lighter crisp.
storage/reheating
I don’t recommend storing assembled sandwiches—they’re best fresh and crispy. However, if I have leftovers, I wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 day. To refresh, I reheat in a skillet over low heat until the cheese remelts and bread crisps again. I avoid microwaving, which makes the bread soggy.
FAQs
What chicken patties work best for this recipe?
I use frozen breaded chicken patties (like Tyson)—they bake crisp and slice easily, making prep effortless.
Can I make this with fresh chicken instead?
Yes—I shred or slice cooked chicken breasts and mix with marinara sauce for a lighter version without frozen patties.
Is provolone necessary, or can I use other cheese?
Provolone offers the best melt and mild flavor blend, but mozzarella, fontina, or even cheddar are tasty alternatives.
Should I use garlic butter or olive oil on the bread?
Garlic butter gives a rich, savory taste and crisp texture. Olive oil is a great lighter option and still browns nicely.
Can I assemble these ahead?
I prefer to assemble and grill right before serving for the best texture. If you must assemble early, wait to heat until ready to toast to keep the bread crisp.
Conclusion
I enjoy making this Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese because it combines beloved Italian flavors with the comfort of a melty sandwich—all with minimal work and maximum satisfaction. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy comfort meal, this fusion hits the spot every time. Happy to share ideas for vegetarian or gluten-free adaptations if you’d like!
Print
Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
Description
A quick and comforting fusion of crispy breaded chicken, gooey provolone, marinara sauce, and buttery bread—this Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese delivers all the flavor of chicken Parmesan in sandwich form, with minimal effort.
Ingredients
2 frozen breaded chicken patties (such as Tyson®)
4 slices Italian or sourdough bread
2 tablespoons garlic butter (or softened butter)
1 cup marinara sauce
½ teaspoon dried basil (optional)
Pinch of garlic salt (optional)
6 thin slices provolone cheese
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Arrange the frozen chicken patties on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, until cooked through and crispy. Slice each patty in half lengthwise.
Combine marinara sauce with dried basil and garlic salt in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until warmed through (30 sec–1 min), stirring.
Spread garlic butter on one side of each bread slice.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. On the unbuttered side of two bread slices, layer 2 slices of provolone, topping with two halves of chicken patty (overlapping), about 1 Tbsp marinara, then another layer of provolone. Top with the second bread slice, butter side up.
Grill sandwiches for 2–3 minutes per side until the bread is golden and cheese melted. Repeat with second sandwich.
Serve with remaining marinara sauce sprinkled with shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main course
