Cozy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe for Hungry Hearts

Comfort arrives with this chicken parmesan casserole that reimagines a classic Italian-American favorite.

Layers of crispy chicken, melted cheese, and rich marinara sauce promise a delightful meal.

Weeknight dinners just became more exciting and delicious.

Cheesy goodness meets hearty protein in a single stunning dish.

Everyone around the table will ask for seconds of this crowd-pleasing creation.

Home cooks can effortlessly assemble this simple yet impressive meal in minutes.

Savor each bite and watch faces light up with pure culinary joy.

Why Chicken Parmesan Casserole Is A Cheesy Dream

• Savor Family-Friendly Comfort: A classic dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table with its irresistible cheesy goodness and familiar flavors.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken with other proteins like turkey or add extra veggies to personalize the recipe and match your family's taste preferences.
• Master One-Pan Cooking: Streamline your meal preparation with a simple cooking method that minimizes cleanup and delivers maximum flavor in a single baking dish.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe transforms traditional chicken parmesan into a convenient and delicious casserole that impresses without complicated techniques.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Chicken Parmesan Casserole

• Chicken Breast: High-quality meat that serves as the main protein for this classic Italian-American dish.

• Breadcrumbs, Flour: Create a crispy and flavorful exterior that adds texture to the chicken.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent to help the breading stick to the chicken.

• Dried Seasonings: Provide depth and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Marinara Sauce: Adds moisture and traditional Italian-style tomato flavor to the casserole.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Contribute a rich, melty, and savory topping that completes the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and preventing sticking in the baking dish.

Simple Steps To Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating

• Breadcrumbs
• Flour
• Dried seasonings

Blend ingredients until they form a uniform breading mixture with consistent texture.

Step 3: Prepare Egg Wash

Whisk eggs in a separate bowl until smooth and well combined, creating a perfect binding agent for chicken coating.

Step 4: Coat Chicken Pieces

Dunk each chicken breast into the whisked eggs, ensuring complete coverage. Gently press the chicken into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, helping crumbs stick firmly to the surface.

Step 5: Sear Chicken To Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear each breaded chicken piece until a beautiful golden brown develops, cooking approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 6: Arrange Chicken In Baking Dish

Transfer seared chicken to the prepared baking dish. Position pieces in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure even cooking.

Step 7: Add Sauce Layer

Pour marinara sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece receives a generous coating of rich, tangy sauce.

Step 8: Sprinkle Cheese Topping

Distribute mozzarella and parmesan cheeses across the top, creating a complete and luxurious cheese coverage.

Step 9: Bake Until Delicious

Slide the uncovered dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer.

Step 10: Rest And Serve

Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to set and flavors to meld, creating a harmonious and mouthwatering dish ready to be enjoyed.

Tips To Perfect Chicken Parmesan Casserole

• Achieve Golden Perfection: Pat chicken breasts dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness and help breading stick better.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Place a wire rack in the baking dish to elevate chicken, allowing excess moisture to drip away and maintaining crispy texture.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for smoother melting and richer flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a gluten-free, lower-carb alternative that still provides delightful crunch.
• Temperature Control: Let chicken rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and more consistent cooking results.

Easy Twists On Chicken Parmesan Casserole

• Mediterranean Chicken Parmesan: Replace marinara with a zesty Greek-style tomato sauce, adding kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese on top for a Mediterranean flair.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Parmesan: Mix chili powder and cumin into breadcrumbs, top with pepper jack cheese, and serve with fresh cilantro and jalapeño slices.
• Pesto Chicken Parmesan: Swap marinara for homemade basil pesto, use provolone cheese, and garnish with toasted pine nuts for an herbaceous version.
• Herb-Crusted Chicken Parmesan: Incorporate dried thyme, rosemary, and oregano into the breadcrumb mixture, use a blend of gruyère and parmesan for extra depth of flavor.

What Goes Well With Chicken Parmesan Casserole

• Pair Zesty Red Wine: Select a bold, medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, savory chicken parmesan's tomato and cheese flavors.
• Serve Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light, crisp mixed green salad with basil, arugula, and parsley dressed in a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's hearty profile.
• Match Garlic Parmesan Bread: Prepare warm, crusty Italian bread brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with extra parmesan cheese to soak up the marinara sauce and add textural contrast.

How To Store Chicken Parmesan Casserole The Right Way

• Store leftover chicken parmesan casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve for up to 3 months, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
• Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive drying and ensure even heating.
• Divide the casserole into individual servings before storing, making it easier to reheat only the amount needed and keeping the remaining portion fresh and untouched.

Chicken Parmesan Casserole Questions, Answered

• Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of fresh chicken breasts?

Fresh chicken works best for achieving the perfect crispy breading and texture. Pre-cooked chicken might become dry and won’t develop the same golden-brown crust.

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents undercooking.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

You can create a substitute by mixing dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. This will provide a similar flavor profile to the original recipe.

• Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory chicken parmesan casserole combines classic Italian flavors in a hearty one-pan meal. Crispy chicken, melted cheese, and marinara sauce create a comforting dish perfect for family dinners with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Breading Ingredients:

• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of olive oil.
2. Combine breadcrumbs, flour, and all dried seasonings in a shallow dish, creating a uniform breading mixture.
3. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl to create a smooth binding agent for coating the chicken.
4. Dip each chicken breast into the whisked eggs, ensuring complete coverage, then carefully dredge through the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and quickly sear each breaded chicken piece until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
6. Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish, arranging pieces in a single layer without overcrowding.
7. Pour marinara sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is generously coated.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses across the top, creating a complete cheese coverage.
9. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and cheese is melted and slightly bubbling.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow cheese to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, ensuring the same crispy texture without compromising taste.
• Use skinless chicken breasts to reduce overall fat content and create a leaner protein option for health-conscious diners.
• Add fresh basil or parsley as a garnish just before serving to introduce a vibrant, fresh element that elevates the dish’s visual appeal and provides a bright herbal note.
• For a lighter version, consider baking the chicken instead of pan-searing, which reduces oil usage while maintaining a golden exterior through careful oven-browning techniques.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 155 mg