Name: Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese: An Easy Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 slices thick-cut bread (like sourdough or Italian); 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly); 1/2 cup marinara sauce; 4 slices mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons softened butter or mayonnaise (for spreading); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional); 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional); Extra marinara sauce for dipping; Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

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My Love Affair with Chicken Parmesan
Key Takeaways
Why This is the Ultimate Easy Dinner
The Magic of Leftover Rotisserie Chicken
Perfect for a Busy Weeknight Meal
How to Make it Even Better
The Easiest Family-Friendly Meal
Looking for More Easy Dinners?
Full Recipe Details
Notes & Tips

Key Takeaways

This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese transforms a classic comfort food into a quick, 20-minute meal. It’s the perfect use for leftover rotisserie chicken, making it a budget-friendly and incredibly simple dinner recipe. With minimal prep and a familiar, cheesy flavor, it’s a guaranteed hit for busy weeknights and a fantastic, family-friendly meal that everyone will love.

My Love Affair with Chicken Parmesan

Hey everyone, it’s Patricia from Patricia Universe! Let’s talk about one of my all-time favorite comfort foods: chicken parmesan. There’s something about that perfect combination of crispy chicken, tangy marinara, and gooey melted cheese that feels like a warm hug. But let’s be real—between breading, frying, and baking, the traditional version isn’t exactly a quick fix for a Tuesday night. That’s exactly why I created this lazy twist. This recipe is my go-to easy dinner recipe when I crave those iconic flavors but don’t have the time or energy for the full production. It’s a lifesaver, and I promise it delivers on every cheesy, savory note you’re hoping for.

Why This is the Ultimate Easy Dinner

What makes a great weeknight dinner? For me, it needs to check three boxes: fast, familiar, and foolproof. This sandwich hits all three. You’re essentially making a gourmet grilled cheese, which is a skill most of us have mastered. By skipping the breading and frying steps of classic chicken parm, you cut the active cooking time in half. The result is a quick and easy meal that feels indulgent without the wait. It’s the kind of simple dinner you can pull off even when you’re tired, making it a true hero for busy schedules.

The Magic of Leftover Rotisserie Chicken

The secret weapon here is pre-cooked chicken. A store-bought rotisserie chicken is a kitchen superstar, and using the leftovers for this sandwich is pure genius. It’s already perfectly seasoned and tender, so all you need to do is shred it and mix it with the sauce. This trick not only saves you at least 20 minutes but also makes this one of the most family-friendly meals in your arsenal—it’s incredibly hard to mess up! If you don’t have leftovers, using a can of high-quality chunk chicken or even some diced chicken breast you cooked earlier in the week works beautifully too.

Perfect for a Busy Weeknight Meal

We’ve all been there: it’s 6 PM, everyone’s hungry, and the idea of cooking something complicated is overwhelming. That’s when this recipe shines. From grabbing the ingredients to taking your first cheesy bite, you’re looking at about 20 minutes. The process is straightforward—mix, assemble, grill, and serve. It requires minimal cleanup, too, especially if you use the same bowl for mixing the filling. This efficiency is what makes it my top recommendation for a reliable busy weeknight meal. It turns a potential stress point into a delicious, satisfying win.

How to Make it Even Better

While the basic version is fantastic, don’t be afraid to make it your own! Here are a few of my favorite tweaks: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture. If you have fresh herbs like basil or oregano, chopping a tablespoon and stirring it in adds incredible freshness. For the ultimate melty experience, try using a combo of mozzarella and provolone cheese. And for dipping? Warm up a little extra marinara on the side—it’s a game-changer.

The Easiest Family-Friendly Meal

If you’re looking for a meal that both kids and adults will devour, look no further. The familiar format of a grilled cheese is an instant hit with younger eaters, while the savory chicken parmesan flavors satisfy the grown-ups. It’s a versatile easy dinner recipe that pleases a crowd. I love serving it with a simple green salad or some carrot sticks to round out the plate. It’s proof that you don’t need a complicated, multi-course dinner to create a happy, well-fed family.

Looking for More Easy Dinners?

If this lazy chicken parm grilled cheese has become a new staple in your home (and I have a feeling it might!), I’ve got plenty more where that came from. Over at Patricia Universe, I’m all about creating delicious, approachable recipes that fit into real life. From one-pot wonders to 30-minute marvels, you’ll find a whole collection designed to make getting dinner on the table a joy, not a chore. Be sure to browse the site for your next quick and easy dinner inspiration!

Full Recipe Details

Ready to make it? Jump to the recipe card below for the complete ingredient list and step-by-step instructions to create your own Lazy Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese.

Notes & Tips

Find all my helpful hints, storage instructions, and customization ideas in the Notes & Tips section following the recipe.