Ultimate Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Recipe

Okay, here we go, my mom tribe! Let’s talk about the Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese.

You know those days? The ones where the 5 PM panic hits hard? The fridge is staring back at you, and the kids are already asking, “What’s for dinner?!” I’ve been there – more times than I can count! That’s when my brain goes into overdrive, searching for something quick, easy, and, most importantly, something that everyone will actually eat. And guess what often saves the day? The magical Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese.

One day, my youngest declared he was “over” regular grilled cheese. (The audacity, right?) But I had leftover Chicken Parmesan from the night before. A lightbulb went off. Why not combine the comfort of grilled cheese with the deliciousness of Chicken Parmesan? It was a stroke of genius, if I do say so myself. The first time I made it, little Timmy took one bite and said, “Mom, you’re a rock star!” It became a regular meal after that.

This Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is a total game-changer. It’s like a warm hug in sandwich form. It’s the perfect solution for using up leftovers, satisfying picky eaters, and getting dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. It fits right into our beautiful chaos, and I’m pretty sure it will in yours, too. So, fellow kitchen warriors, let’s get cooking! Trust me, this cheesy Chicken Parmesan delight will become a family favorite. I am so excited to share this recipe.

Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

• 4 slices of your favorite bread: I usually go with sourdough or Italian, but any bread works. (My gluten-free friends can use their preferred bread, too!)
• 4 tablespoons butter, softened: You can use salted or unsalted, depending on your preference.
• 1 cup cooked Chicken Parmesan, shredded or chopped: Leftovers are perfect, or you can quickly cook some chicken.
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce: Store-bought or homemade, whatever you have on hand.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The classic choice for that gooey, cheesy goodness.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds that extra cheesy, nutty flavor.
• Optional: Garlic powder, Italian seasoning: For an extra touch of flavor, I like to sprinkle a little of each on the buttered bread.

Trust me, this Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! You can grab the mozzarella and Parmesan at Target while doing your regular grocery run. This Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese doesn’t have to break the bank. I try to buy chicken breasts in bulk when they are on sale and freeze them in portions. Then, when I need them, I pull them out the night before.

No worries if you don’t have mozzarella – I use provolone all the time in my version of Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese. It adds a slightly different flavor that my family enjoys. As for storage wisdom, if you happen to have leftover Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese (which is rare in my house!), wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It’s best reheated in a skillet or toaster oven to keep the bread crispy. My family loves when I add extra mozzarella, and I don’t blame them!

Let’s Make This Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Happen!

1. First, spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little garlic powder and Italian seasoning on the buttered side.
2. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, in the skillet.
3. Top each slice of bread with half of the marinara sauce, spreading it evenly. Then, add half of the shredded Chicken Parmesan.
4. Next, sprinkle each sandwich with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Don’t be shy – cheese is the best part!
5. Place the remaining slices of bread on top, butter-side up.
6. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Here’s where I used to mess up my Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese – don’t make my mistake! I used to rush the cooking process and the cheese wouldn’t be melted.
7. Remove from skillet and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

While your Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! In my chaotic kitchen, this Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese usually takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, which is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Don’t panic if your Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese looks a little messy – that’s part of the charm! Remember, we’re going for “good enough,” not perfect.

Your Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese should smell amazing by now – if it doesn’t, you may need to turn up the heat a bit. While you are waiting, this is the perfect time to fold that laundry pile! Here is a mom hack: I always make sure to have pre-shredded cheese and pre-cooked or leftover chicken, so it makes making this Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese even faster!

How We Love to Eat This Scrumptious Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese!

The kids devour this Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese when I serve it with a simple side salad or some carrot sticks. It’s a complete meal that’s both satisfying and (relatively) healthy. This Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something quick and easy.

My husband loves dipping his Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese in extra marinara sauce. I usually put a small bowl of it on the table for everyone to enjoy. Presentation-wise, I just slice the sandwich in half and arrange it nicely on a plate. The kids don’t care about fancy presentation – they just want to eat!

If we have leftover Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese, I usually chop it up and add it to a salad for lunch the next day. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and add some extra flavor and protein to your salad. During the summer, I like to grill the sandwich on the barbecue for a smoky flavor. In the winter, I sometimes add a slice of provolone cheese for extra cheesiness. When I have friends over, they always ask me to make this cheesy Chicken Parmesan sandwich. I think everyone loves it because it is so comforting and familiar.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

• Can my picky eater handle this Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese? Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is that you can customize it to your picky eater’s preferences. If they don’t like marinara sauce, try using pesto or just plain butter. You can also use different types of cheese or leave out the chicken altogether.
• What if I burn my Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!) We’ve all been there! Don’t worry, it happens. If your sandwich is slightly burnt, just scrape off the burnt parts and keep going. If it’s severely burnt, well, that’s a good excuse to make another one! This happened to me once and my kids still ate it! They said it tasted like campfire grilled cheese!
• Can I make this Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese ahead for meal prep? You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but I don’t recommend making the sandwich completely ahead of time. The bread will get soggy. Instead, you can shred the chicken, grate the cheese, and have the marinara sauce ready to go. Then, when you’re ready to make the sandwich, it will only take a few minutes.
• What kind of bread works best for this recipe? I prefer sourdough or Italian bread because they’re sturdy and hold up well to the fillings. But honestly, any bread will work. Use what you have on hand or what your family likes best.
• Can I use different types of cheese? Definitely! Mozzarella and Parmesan are the classic choices, but you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack.
• What if I don’t have any cooked Chicken Parmesan? No problem! You can quickly cook some chicken breasts in a skillet or bake them in the oven. Or, you can use leftover rotisserie chicken.
• Is this recipe freezer-friendly? I don’t recommend freezing the finished sandwich. The bread will get soggy when it thaws. However, you can freeze the cooked Chicken Parmesan for later use.

Final Thoughts on This Irresistible Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese

This Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese is more than just a recipe; it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s a way to use up leftovers, satisfy picky eaters, and get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Most importantly, it’s a reminder that even the simplest meals can bring joy and connection to our families.

My Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese Mom Hacks:

• Use pre-shredded cheese to save time.
• Cook chicken in bulk and freeze it for later use.
• Keep a jar of marinara sauce in the pantry for quick and easy meals.

Family-Tested Variations of Chicken Parmesan Goodness:

• Spicy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
• Pesto Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese: Use pesto instead of marinara sauce.
• Veggie Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese: Add some sliced tomatoes or spinach to the sandwich.

My son, Timmy, prefers the classic version with extra mozzarella. My daughter, Lily, loves the spicy version with red pepper flakes. My husband likes to dip his Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese in extra marinara sauce. As for me, I love them all! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your family as it has to mine. So go forth, fellow kitchen warriors, and conquer that 5 PM panic with this amazing Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese!

If this Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese reminds you of other quick and easy meals, check out my recipe for pretzel crusted chicken. For a sweet treat, my cinnamon roll honeybun cheesecake is always a hit. This Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese also brings to mind similar recipes like the lazy chicken parmesan grilled cheese recipe, and even the CHICKEN PARM GRILLED CHEESE, so why not give them a try? For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out why you’ll love this chicken parmesan grilled cheese recipe?

 

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