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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Chicken: Cook and shred or dice the chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 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.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Make Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Spread this mixture over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
- 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