Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Comfort Meal
If you love the classic Chicken Parmesan dish but want something a little easier to prepare and serve, then Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the answer.
This dish combines all the comforting flavors of the traditional Chicken Parmesan – crispy chicken, marinara sauce, gooey cheese, and a savory breadcrumb topping – but with less effort and more crowd-pleasing appeal.
It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering and will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Easy to Make: No need to bread and fry chicken, just layer everything in one casserole dish and bake.
Comforting: The cheesy, tomatoey goodness with tender chicken will remind you of your favorite Italian restaurant.
Versatile: You can add your favorite veggies, like spinach or mushrooms, or even make it with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a healthier alternative.
Family-Friendly: This casserole is guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters in the house.
One-Pan Wonder: Cleanup is a breeze since it’s all baked in one dish.
Ingredients
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe is simple and uses ingredients you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6-8 chicken thighs)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Casserole:
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
For Serving:
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
A side of pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, prepare the chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook them for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage as it will finish cooking in the casserole). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
While the chicken is cooling slightly, prepare your casserole dish. A 9x13-inch dish works perfectly for this recipe.
Start by spreading about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the casserole dish. This will create a delicious base for the chicken.
Next, cut your cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or strips. Arrange the chicken pieces in an even layer over the marinara sauce.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top.
Step 3: Add the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Stir in a little olive oil for extra flavor and crunch. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole to create a crispy, golden topping when baked.
Step 4: Bake
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, the breadcrumbs are golden brown, and the chicken is fully cooked (the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and color.
Serve your Chicken Parmesan Casserole with a side of spaghetti, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It’s guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends!
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Use Quality Marinara Sauce: The marinara sauce is a big part of the flavor in this dish, so don’t skimp on quality. You can use store-bought or make your own for an extra special touch.
Add Veggies: You can easily make this casserole even healthier by adding some vegetables. Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms would all be great additions. Just sauté them first and layer them between the chicken and sauce.
Make It Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap out the breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or another gluten-free breadcrumb alternative.
Cheese Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. You can add provolone, gouda, or even a bit of ricotta cheese for an extra creamy texture.
Meal Prep-Friendly: This casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to eat. It also freezes well if you want to make a double batch for later.
Variations on Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Pasta: You can mix in cooked pasta to make a heartier meal. Simply stir in some cooked penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti before baking for a baked pasta version of the classic Chicken Parmesan.
- Baked Chicken Parmesan with Veggies: Try adding vegetables like roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to add more flavor and nutrition to your casserole.
- Buffalo Chicken Parmesan Casserole: For a spicy twist, drizzle buffalo sauce over the chicken before adding the marinara. You’ll get a perfect balance of heat and cheesy goodness.
- Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella Sticks: For an indulgent treat, top the casserole with frozen mozzarella sticks before baking. This adds an extra cheesy crunch on top!
Conclusion
Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a simple, satisfying dish that brings together all the flavors of the classic Chicken Parmesan in a convenient, easy-to-prepare casserole form.
Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend family meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
With its golden, cheesy topping and savory marinara sauce, it’s comfort food at its finest. Try this Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe next time you need an effortless yet delicious meal, and watch it quickly become a family favorite!
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