If you’re a fan of Chicken Parmesan but don’t have the time (or patience) for breading, frying, and layering individual pieces, this Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the answer to your dinnertime prayers. This one-dish wonder combines all the cheesy, saucy goodness of the classic recipe with the simplicity of a casserole. Trust me—your family will be asking for seconds!

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Hearty, Cheesy, and Irresistible: The gooey mozzarella and crispy breadcrumb topping create a delightful combination of textures in every bite.

Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike. No picky eaters here!

Easy to Make: This casserole skips the frying and goes straight to the baking dish. Less time, less mess, same great taste.

Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats like a dream, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or next-day lunches.

What Does Chicken Parmesan Casserole Taste Like?

Picture this: tender, juicy pieces of chicken smothered in marinara sauce, blanketed with bubbling mozzarella, and crowned with a golden breadcrumb topping. The rich tomato flavor mingles with creamy, melted cheese, while the crunchy topping adds a satisfying finish. It’s like a warm, edible hug.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Quick and Convenient: Dinner on the table in under an hour.
• Customizable: Perfect for adding extra veggies or swapping in gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced or shredded.
• Marinara Sauce: Your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded for melty goodness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Regular or panko for that irresistible crunch.
• Olive Oil: Helps toast the breadcrumbs.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth to the topping.
• Italian Seasoning: For extra flavor in every layer.

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking dish (9×13-inch works perfectly)
• Mixing bowls
• Cheese grater
• Spatula

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• Add Veggies: Toss in sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for a boost of nutrients.
• Swap the Cheese: Try provolone or fontina for a twist on flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check your marinara for any hidden gluten.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat while you prepare the casserole.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Cook and shred or dice your chicken. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

• Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the baking dish.
• Add the cooked chicken, evenly distributing it.
• Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan evenly across the top.

Step 5: Make the Breadcrumb Topping

In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle the mixture over the cheese layer.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the casserole uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan Casserole

• Pasta: Spaghetti or penne tossed with olive oil and garlic makes a great side.
• Salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the richness.
• Garlic Bread: Because who doesn’t love extra carbs?

Tips for the Perfect Casserole

• Don’t Skimp on Sauce: The marinara keeps everything moist and flavorful.
• Toast Breadcrumbs Ahead: If you love extra crunch, pre-toast the breadcrumbs before adding them to the casserole.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better and tastes fresher than pre-shredded.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Chicken?

Yes! Cook and shred the chicken before using it in the casserole.

Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I Make This Low-Carb?

Yes—replace the breadcrumbs with a mixture of crushed pork rinds and Parmesan cheese for a keto-friendly option.

Wrapping It Up

There you have it! This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—simple, hearty, and bursting with flavor. It’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again, whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving something cozy on a weeknight.

Love this recipe? Be sure to check out these equally delicious options:

• Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake Recipe
• Easy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bars
• Double Dark Chocolate Zucchini Bread

If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your delicious creations.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 25g

Chicken Parmesan Casserole

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Chicken Parmesan Casserole combines juicy chicken, marinara sauce, bubbling mozzarella, and a crispy breadcrumb topping in one easy, comforting dish. Perfect for family dinners, leftovers, or meal prep, this recipe simplifies the classic Italian favorite without sacrificing flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs boneless (skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cooked and shredded or diced))
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Chicken: Cook and shred or dice the chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
3. Layer Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Evenly distribute the chicken, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over it.
4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
5. Make Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Spread this mixture over the cheese layer.
6. Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
7. Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Pair with pasta, salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Notes

• Vegetable Additions: Add sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: American, Italian

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan Casserole, chicken casserole, cheesy chicken bake, easy chicken recipes, family dinner ideas, Italian chicken casserole, comfort food recipes