Description
Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese: Quick, cheesy, comfort food with crispy bread, melty mozzarella, chicken, marinara sauce. Perfect for a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 slices sturdy white or sourdough bread (thick-cut, about ½-inch slices)
- 2 tablespoons (28g) butter, softened
- 1 cup (113g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (140g) cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- ¼ cup (60ml) marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the chicken mixture In a small bowl, combine the diced or shredded chicken with marinara sauce, half of the Italian seasoning, minced garlic (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir gently until the chicken is evenly coated. Microwave for 15-20 seconds just to take the chill off if using refrigerated chicken.
- Step 2: Prepare the cheese mixture In another bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to ensure even distribution of both cheeses throughout your **Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese**.
- Step 3: Assemble the sandwiches Lay out your bread slices on a clean work surface. Butter the outside of each slice—this will be the exterior of your sandwich that contacts the pan. Flip two slices over and layer as follows: add a thin layer of the cheese mixture, then distribute the chicken-marinara mixture evenly, followed by another generous layer of the cheese blend. Sprinkle the remaining Italian seasoning over the cheese.
- Step 4: Complete the sandwiches by placing the remaining bread slices on top, buttered-side facing outward. Press gently to compact the sandwiches slightly.
- Step 5: Cook to golden perfection Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Once warm, add the olive oil and swirl to coat. Place both sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
- Step 6: Flip carefully using a spatula and cook the second side for another 3-4 minutes until equally golden and the cheese has completely melted. If the bread is browning too quickly but the cheese hasn’t fully melted, lower the heat and cover the pan with a lid for 30 seconds to create steam that will help melt the cheese.
- Step 7: Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 1 minute before slicing diagonally. This brief rest allows the molten cheese to set slightly, making for cleaner slices and that perfect cheese pull when served.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1025mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 120mg