Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Imagine the irresistible aroma of bubbling cheese and Italian herbs wafting through your kitchen as you pull a golden-brown Chicken Parmesan Casserole from the oven. This comforting dish transforms the classic chicken parmesan into an easy, family-friendly casserole that delivers all the flavor with half the effort. The combination of tender chicken, tangy marinara, and a blanket of melted cheese creates a meal that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. You’ll learn how to create this hearty, crowd-pleasing Chicken Parmesan Casserole with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation for good reason. Unlike traditional chicken parmesan that requires breading and frying individual cutlets, this casserole version simplifies the process while maintaining all the delicious flavors you crave. The contrast between the tender chicken pieces, the tangy tomato sauce, and the crispy breadcrumb topping creates an irresistible texture experience in every bite.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and convenience. You can prepare it ahead of time for busy weeknights or serve it at gatherings where it’s guaranteed to impress. The layered approach means the flavors meld together beautifully, with the chicken soaking up the rich marinara while the cheese forms a gooey, stretchy topping that creates those Instagram-worthy cheese pulls when served. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one dish, minimizing cleanup and maximizing enjoyment.

Ingredients

For this delicious Chicken Parmesan Casserole, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed (about 4 cups)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

The quality of your marinara sauce significantly impacts the final flavor, so choose a premium brand or make your own if time permits. For the cheeses, freshly grated options melt more smoothly than pre-packaged varieties and deliver superior flavor in this parmesan chicken bake.

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect Chicken Parmesan Casserole comes down to mastering a few key techniques:

First, don’t overcook your chicken before adding it to the casserole. Cook it just until it reaches 165°F internally, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Slightly undercooking it initially will ensure the chicken stays juicy and tender in the final dish. For a time-saving shortcut, rotisserie chicken works beautifully in this recipe.

Second, create texture contrast by ensuring your breadcrumb topping gets crispy. The secret is to mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling them on top, and waiting until the last 10 minutes of baking to add them. This prevents the crumbs from becoming soggy in the sauce and creates that desirable crunch that makes chicken parmesan so satisfying.

Finally, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking. This resting period allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to settle, making serving easier and each portion more defined. It’s tempting to dig in immediately, but patience yields a better textured baked chicken parmesan dish.

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. If you haven’t already cooked your chicken, season it with salt and pepper, then either bake, grill, or poach it until just cooked through. Once cooled slightly, cut into bite-sized cubes.

Step 2

In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. This step ensures that the chicken itself is flavorful, not just the sauce surrounding it.

Step 3

Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This prevents the chicken from sticking and begins the layering process that makes this Chicken Parmesan Casserole so delicious.

Step 4

Add the seasoned chicken pieces in an even layer over the sauce. Don’t pack the chicken too tightly; some space between pieces allows the sauce to penetrate and flavors to meld.

Step 5

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly covered. Sprinkle the minced garlic throughout for pockets of aromatic flavor.

Step 6

Layer the shredded mozzarella and ¾ cup of the Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce. The combination of these two cheeses creates that authentic chicken parmesan flavor profile we all love.

Step 7

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. This mixture will create that irresistible crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the saucy layers below.

Step 8

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil for a pop of color and fresh flavor. This rest time is crucial for the casserole to set properly.

Variations

The classic Chicken Parmesan Casserole is delicious as is, but there are several ways to customize it to your preferences:

For a healthier version, try using whole wheat breadcrumbs and part-skim mozzarella. You can also add layers of vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers between the chicken and sauce for added nutrition and flavor in your chicken parm casserole.

To make it more substantial, incorporate cooked pasta into the casserole. Simply mix 8 ounces of cooked penne or ziti with the marinara sauce before layering with the chicken. This creates a complete one-dish meal that combines the best elements of chicken parmesan and baked pasta.

For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or mix in diced pepperoncini peppers with the chicken layer. The heat balances wonderfully with the rich cheese and tangy sauce, creating a more complex flavor profile.

Storage and Serving

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes), or microwave individual portions at 70% power.

For serving, pair this hearty casserole with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for sopping up the delicious sauce. For a complete Italian feast, start with a small portion of the casserole alongside pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs.

If entertaining, present the Chicken Parmesan Casserole in the baking dish directly on the table, garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan for guests to help themselves – the bubbling cheese and golden topping make for an impressive presentation.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Chicken Parmesan Casserole and often provide more moisture and flavor. Just ensure they’re fully cooked before adding to the casserole.

How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers mixed with Italian seasonings. Always check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well.

Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything up to the point of baking, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

My breadcrumb topping isn’t browning well. What should I do?
If your topping needs more color, switch the oven to broil for the final 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this recipe?
For the juiciest results, poach the chicken in chicken broth with aromatics like garlic and bay leaf, or use a rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.

Conclusion

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a crowd-pleasing transformation of a beloved Italian classic into an accessible weeknight meal. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles, combining familiar flavors in a format that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy evening, preparing meals for the week ahead, or looking for a dish to share at a potluck, this casserole delivers on flavor, convenience, and that wonderful feeling of homemade goodness that makes dinnertime special.

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