Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese – You ever had those days when you’re craving something super specific, but the thought of all that work makes you want to order takeout instead? That’s exactly where I was the night I came up with this Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese. I had this craving for a big, messy chicken Parmesan sub, but honestly, the idea of breading and frying chicken… not happening. So, I did what I usually do when I want the flavors without the effort—I improvised. I threw some frozen chicken patties in the oven, grabbed my trusty jar of marinara, and went for it. When I sandwiched it all between two buttery slices of Italian bread and grilled it up, I realized I’d accidentally stumbled upon something amazing. Crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Sometimes cutting corners just leads you straight to something even better, right?
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe?
This recipe has everything you love about chicken Parm, but it’s way easier to pull off on a busy night. You’ve got that buttery, golden bread, gooey melted cheese, marinara, and crispy chicken, all in one bite. It’s like the grilled cheese version of chicken Parmesan without the hassle of frying or assembling a huge sub. So, if you’re craving something that’s comforting, a little indulgent, and ridiculously simple to make, this is the recipe for you. And hey, if you’re a fan of dipping sandwiches, that extra marinara on the side? Total game-changer.
Ingredient Notes:
Every ingredient has its job, and they all come together to make this sandwich taste just right without a ton of effort:
- Frozen Breaded Chicken Patties: The MVP here, giving you that crispy chicken vibe without all the frying. Just heat ‘em up, and they’re ready to go.
- Garlic Butter: Slathered on the bread, it adds this buttery, garlicky goodness that crisps up beautifully.
- Italian Bread: A solid choice because it’s got a little flavor on its own, and it’s sturdy enough to hold all that melty goodness without falling apart.
- Marinara Sauce: Brings in that classic chicken Parm flavor. I like a chunky marinara, but use whatever you’ve got.
- Dried Basil & Garlic Salt: Adds a little extra punch to the marinara, making it feel like you went the extra mile when you didn’t.
- Provolone Cheese: Melts like a dream and has that mild, slightly tangy flavor that works so well with marinara.
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan on top of the marinara takes this sandwich from good to ridiculously good.
How To Make Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese?
Let’s keep this simple. Here’s how you make this delicious mess of a sandwich:
- Bake the Chicken Patties
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Pop the frozen chicken patties on a baking sheet and bake them until they’re golden and crispy, about 20 minutes. Once they’re done, cut each patty in half so they’ll fit on the bread without falling over the edges. - Prep the Bread and Sauce
Spread garlic butter on one side of each slice of Italian bread. In a small bowl, mix the marinara sauce with a pinch of dried basil and garlic salt. Warm it up in the microwave for about 30 seconds to bring out the flavors—trust me, it makes a difference. - Assemble the Sandwich
Heat up a skillet over medium. Place one slice of bread in the skillet, butter-side down. Start layering: first two slices of provolone, then a spoonful of marinara, two chicken patty halves, another spoonful of marinara, and one more slice of provolone. Top it off with the second slice of bread, butter-side up. - Cook the Sandwich
Cook the sandwich for about 2-3 minutes per side, pressing down a little with a spatula to help everything stick together and melt evenly. Flip when the first side is golden and crispy, and cook the other side until the cheese is gooey and the bread is perfectly toasted. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve the sandwich with any leftover marinara (with a sprinkle of Parmesan) for dipping. It’s comfort food at its finest, no doubt about it.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Storage Options:
If you have leftovers (though I can’t imagine why you would), you can assemble the sandwiches and store them in the fridge uncooked. Then, when you’re ready to eat, just cook them up fresh on the stovetop or use a toaster oven for that perfectly crispy, warm finish. But honestly, these are best eaten hot off the skillet when the bread is at its crispiest and the cheese is at peak gooeyness.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to make this sandwich your own? Here are a few ideas:
- Fresh Chicken Instead of Frozen: Use shredded rotisserie chicken if you’ve got it—it adds a fresh, homemade touch.
- Mix Up the Cheese: Try mozzarella for an extra melty sandwich, or add a slice of sharp cheddar for a fun twist.
- Gluten-Free: Just use gluten-free bread and gluten-free chicken patties, and you’re good to go!
- Add Some Heat: Sprinkle a little red pepper flakes into the marinara if you like a spicy kick.
What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese?
For a full meal, pair this grilled cheese with:
- Caesar Salad: A fresh, crisp Caesar salad balances the richness of the sandwich and adds a nice crunch.
- Tomato Soup: Grilled cheese and tomato soup is a classic pairing, and it works so well with this version too.
- Roasted Veggies: Try broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or some roasted bell peppers for a little extra nutrition.
- Sweet Potato Fries: A perfect side if you’re looking for something sweet and savory to go with this cheesy sandwich.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen patties?
Of course! Rotisserie chicken works great here, just layer it on with the cheese and marinara for that homemade vibe.
Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?
You can! Just assemble them and keep them in the fridge, then cook fresh when you’re ready. They’re best enjoyed hot and crispy.
And there you have it! This Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is everything you crave in a sandwich—crispy, cheesy, a little messy, and totally satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight or just whenever you need some comfort food in your life. Give it a try, and let me know if you put your own twist on it!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 frozen breaded chicken patties
- 2 tablespoons garlic butter or to taste
- 4 slices 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
Instructions
Bake the Chicken Patties
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen chicken patties on a baking sheet and bake until cooked through and crispy, approximately 20 minutes. Once baked, cut each patty in half lengthwise.
Prepare the Bread and Marinara Sauce
- Spread garlic butter on one side of each slice of Italian bread. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the marinara sauce, dried basil, and garlic salt. Heat the mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring to blend the flavors.
Assemble the Sandwich
- Place one slice of Italian bread in a skillet, buttered side down. Layer with two slices of provolone cheese, one tablespoon of marinara sauce, two chicken patty halves (arranged to cover the bread), two more tablespoons of marinara sauce, an additional slice of provolone cheese, and then top with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
Cook the Sandwich
- Heat the skillet over medium heat. Cook the sandwich until the bread is crisp and golden, and the cheese has melted, about 2-3 minutes per side. Flip the sandwich carefully to avoid spilling the filling and cook until the second side is equally crisp.
Serve
- Sprinkle the remaining marinara sauce with shredded Parmesan cheese and serve alongside each sandwich for dipping.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
