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

Scale

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.

Notes

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.