Hello, fellow food lovers! If you’ve been craving a delicious Chicken Parmesan sub but don’t have the time or energy for the full cooking process, you’re in for a treat. Today, I’m sharing an easy yet irresistibly tasty twist on a classic – the Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese. With this recipe, you’ll enjoy all the gooey cheese and crispy chicken goodness without the fuss of breading and frying. Let’s dive into this comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a quick, indulgent lunch!
Introduction: The Ultimate Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
Who doesn’t love a classic Chicken Parmesan? But let’s face it, not everyone has the time to make it from scratch, especially on a busy day. That’s where this Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese comes to the rescue! By using frozen chicken patties and pre-prepared ingredients, you get all the flavors of a chicken parm sub in the form of a gooey, cheesy sandwich, with fewer calories thanks to sliced Italian bread. It’s comfort food with a quick and healthy twist. Trust me, fans of both Chicken Parmesan and grilled cheese will fall in love with this easy-to-make dish!
Ingredients for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
To whip up this delightful sandwich, here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 frozen breaded chicken patties (such as Tyson®)
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter (or to taste)
- 4 slices of Italian bread
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried basil (or to taste)
- 1 pinch garlic salt (or to taste)
- 6 thin slices provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Optional Substitutions:
- Swap provolone cheese with mozzarella for a stretchier texture.
- If you’re gluten intolerant, use gluten-free bread and chicken patties.
- For a lower-calorie option, replace garlic butter with a light olive oil spread.
How to Make Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese – Step by Step
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Patties
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen chicken patties on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes until they are cooked through and crispy. Once done, cut each patty in half lengthwise.
Step 2: Toast the Bread
While the chicken is baking, spread garlic butter on one side of each slice of Italian bread. This will give your sandwich that perfect golden-brown crisp.
Step 3: Heat the Marinara Sauce
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the marinara sauce, basil, and a pinch of garlic salt. Heat the mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until warm.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
Take one slice of bread and place it butter-side down in a heated skillet over medium heat. Layer it with 2 slices of provolone cheese, 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce, and 2 chicken patty halves. Add 2 more tablespoons of marinara sauce, another slice of provolone cheese, and top it off with another slice of bread, butter-side up.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Cook the sandwich for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is crispy and golden brown, and the cheese has melted into gooey goodness.
Step 6: Serve with Parmesan
Sprinkle the remaining shredded Parmesan cheese over the leftover marinara sauce, and serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
Helpful Tips for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
- Tip 1: Use a panini press for extra crispy bread if you prefer a firmer texture.
- Tip 2: Want more flavor? Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a bit of heat.
- Tip 3: If you have fresh basil, use it as a garnish for a burst of freshness and color.
Cooking Tips for the Best Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
- Tip 1: For extra crispiness, toast the bread in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes before assembling the sandwich.
- Tip 2: Make sure to cook the sandwich over medium heat to avoid burning the bread while allowing the cheese to melt perfectly.
- Tip 3: Use a good-quality Italian bread for added flavor and texture. Thicker slices will help hold all the fillings without getting soggy.
Serving Suggestions for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
This delicious sandwich pairs perfectly with:
- A simple side salad with Italian dressing to balance the richness.
- Crispy sweet potato fries for a comforting, hearty meal.
- A cold glass of sparkling lemonade to brighten up the cheesy flavors.
You can also serve it with a light minestrone soup on the side for a satisfying lunch or dinner. The possibilities are endless!
Nutritional Information for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
While this sandwich is a treat, it’s also packed with nutrients.
- Calories: 540 per serving
- Protein: 29g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 29g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Calcium: 30% DV
For a healthier twist, you can reduce the amount of cheese or opt for lower-fat cheese options.
Storage and Leftovers for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Storage: Wrap the sandwiches tightly in foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the sandwich in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
Avoid microwaving, as this can make the bread soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
Q1: Can I use mozzarella instead of provolone?
Absolutely! Mozzarella will give you an even stretchier, gooey cheese pull.
Q2: What can I substitute for marinara sauce?
You can use pizza sauce or even a light Alfredo sauce for a different flavor profile.
Q3: How do I make this gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free bread and gluten-free chicken patties to make the recipe suitable for gluten-intolerant diets.
Q4: Can I make this in advance?
You can pre-cook the chicken patties and assemble the sandwich just before grilling to save time.
Related Recipes for Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Lovers
Check out these delicious alternatives for more sandwich inspiration:
- Avocado Mozzarella and Tomato Grilled Cheese Recipe
: A fresh take on the classic grilled cheese.
- Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken Recipe
: Another quick and easy chicken dish packed with flavor.
Conclusion
This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is the perfect fusion of two comfort food favorites – grilled cheese and Chicken Parmesan – without the hassle of breading and frying chicken. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this sandwich will surely become a new family favorite. Try it out and let me know how it turned out for you! Don’t forget to share any personal twists you’ve made to the recipe.
Happy cooking!
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Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese – Easy Recipe Idea
Description
Hello, fellow food lovers! If you’ve been craving a delicious Chicken Parmesan sub but don’t have the time or energy for the full cooking process, you’re in for a treat. Today, I’m sharing an easy yet irresistibly tasty twist on a classic – the Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese. With this recipe, you’ll enjoy all the gooey cheese and crispy chicken goodness without the fuss of breading and frying. Let’s dive into this comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a quick, indulgent lunch!
Ingredients
- 2 frozen breaded chicken patties (such as Tyson®)
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter (or to taste)
- 4 slices of Italian bread
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried basil (or to taste)
- 1 pinch garlic salt (or to taste)
- 6 thin slices provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
Optional Substitutions:
- Swap provolone cheese with mozzarella for a stretchier texture.
- If you’re gluten intolerant, use gluten-free bread and chicken patties.
- For a lower-calorie option, replace garlic butter with a light olive oil spread.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Patties
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen chicken patties on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes until they are cooked through and crispy. Once done, cut each patty in half lengthwise.
Step 2: Toast the Bread
While the chicken is baking, spread garlic butter on one side of each slice of Italian bread. This will give your sandwich that perfect golden-brown crisp.
Step 3: Heat the Marinara Sauce
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the marinara sauce, basil, and a pinch of garlic salt. Heat the mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until warm.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
Take one slice of bread and place it butter-side down in a heated skillet over medium heat. Layer it with 2 slices of provolone cheese, 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce, and 2 chicken patty halves. Add 2 more tablespoons of marinara sauce, another slice of provolone cheese, and top it off with another slice of bread, butter-side up.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Cook the sandwich for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is crispy and golden brown, and the cheese has melted into gooey goodness.
Step 6: Serve with Parmesan
Sprinkle the remaining shredded Parmesan cheese over the leftover marinara sauce, and serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Tip 1: Use a panini press for extra crispy bread if you prefer a firmer texture.
- Tip 2: Want more flavor? Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a bit of heat.
- Tip 3: If you have fresh basil, use it as a garnish for a burst of freshness and color.
