Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

There’s something truly magical about a casserole. It’s the ultimate comfort food – warm, hearty, and often cheesy – perfect for a cozy night in or a potluck gathering. And when you combine the beloved flavors of chicken parmesan with the ease of a casserole? You get a weeknight dinner winner that’s guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. My family, let me tell you, are big fans of Italian food. But sometimes, after a long day, the thought of breading chicken cutlets and frying them feels like a Herculean task. That’s where this Chicken Parmesan Casserole swooped in to save the day – and our dinner sanity. It delivers all the deliciousness of classic chicken parmesan – juicy chicken, rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and that satisfying crispy topping – but in a streamlined, bake-and-forget format. Honestly, the first time I made this, the silence around the dinner table, broken only by happy chewing sounds, was all the validation I needed. Empty plates and requests for seconds followed, and it quickly became a regular in our meal rotation. If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that tastes like a hug in a dish, look no further. This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Casserole

This recipe utilizes simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a dish that’s both flavorful and convenient. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. Using cubed chicken ensures even cooking and bite-sized pieces throughout the casserole.
• Marinara Sauce: 24 ounces of your favorite marinara sauce. Whether you prefer homemade or store-bought, choose a sauce you love, as it forms the flavorful base of the casserole.
• Breadcrumbs: 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs. These provide a delightful crispy topping and add texture to the dish. Panko breadcrumbs can also be used for extra crunch.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that’s essential to chicken parmesan. We’ll use it both in the casserole and on top.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or cubed. Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and provides that classic gooey cheese pull we all crave in chicken parmesan. Low-moisture mozzarella can also be used, but fresh mozzarella offers a superior texture.
• Egg: 1 large egg, lightly beaten. The egg helps bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken and adds richness.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Enhances the savory flavor profile and complements the Italian seasonings.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, providing that authentic Italian taste.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil. Used for sautéing the chicken and adding richness.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh basil leaves, chopped parsley, extra grated Parmesan cheese for serving. These add a fresh, vibrant touch and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chicken Parmesan Casserole

This recipe is designed to be straightforward and easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. Here’s a detailed guide to creating your delicious Chicken Parmesan Casserole:

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make serving easier.
2. Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.
3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s lightly browned on all sides and cooked through. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage as it will finish cooking in the oven, but browning it adds flavor and texture. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Assemble the Casserole Layers:
   • Sauce Layer: Pour half of the marinara sauce into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly across the bottom. This creates a flavorful base for the casserole.
   • Chicken Layer: Arrange the sautéed chicken cubes evenly over the marinara sauce layer.
   • Cheese Layer (First): Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken. This adds a layer of savory cheese flavor.
   • Mozzarella Layer: Distribute the sliced or cubed mozzarella cheese evenly over the Parmesan cheese layer. Ensure the mozzarella is spread out so you get cheesy goodness in every bite.
   • Remaining Sauce Layer: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the mozzarella cheese, spreading it to cover the cheese as much as possible. This will help keep the casserole moist and flavorful.
5. Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping: In a separate small bowl, combine the Italian breadcrumbs and the remaining grated Parmesan cheese. In another small bowl, lightly beat the egg. Dip the breadcrumb mixture into the beaten egg, mixing until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened. This egg wash helps the breadcrumbs bind together and crisp up beautifully in the oven.
6. Top with Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the egg-coated breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top layer of marinara sauce. Distribute it as uniformly as possible to ensure a crispy topping across the entire casserole.
7. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly, heated through, and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be melted and gooey.
8. Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts for Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals can be helpful for making informed dietary choices. Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Servings: Approximately 8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450-550 calories

Estimated Nutritional Breakdown per Serving (Approximate):

• Protein: 35-45 grams
• Fat: 25-35 grams
• Saturated Fat: 10-15 grams
• Cholesterol: 150-200 mg
• Sodium: 800-1000 mg
• Carbohydrates: 25-35 grams
• Fiber: 2-4 grams
• Sugar: 10-15 grams

Important Notes:

• These values are estimations and can vary depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients used, as well as portion sizes.
• Using leaner chicken, low-fat cheese, or whole wheat breadcrumbs can slightly alter the nutritional profile.
• For more precise nutritional information, you can use online nutritional calculators and input the specific ingredients and quantities you use.

Preparation Time for Chicken Parmesan Casserole

One of the great advantages of this recipe is its relatively quick preparation time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes (This includes chopping chicken, preparing ingredients, and assembling the casserole)
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (Baking time in the oven)
• Total Time: Approximately 45-55 minutes

This timeline allows for a delicious and satisfying meal to be on the table in under an hour, perfect for those evenings when time is of the essence but you still want a home-cooked dinner.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to create a complete and balanced meal:

• Pasta:
  • Spaghetti: A classic pairing! Serve over a bed of cooked spaghetti or other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine.
  • Penne or Ziti: Short pasta shapes are also excellent for soaking up the delicious sauce.
  • Angel Hair Pasta: For a lighter option, angel hair pasta works beautifully.
• Salads:
  • Caesar Salad: The crispness and creamy dressing of a Caesar salad provide a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
  • Italian Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and a vinaigrette dressing complements the Italian flavors.
  • Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a light and flavorful side.
• Vegetables:
  • Garlic Bread: Classic and always a crowd-pleaser, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
  • Steamed or Roasted Broccoli: A healthy and simple side that adds a pop of green and nutritional value.
  • Sautéed Green Beans: Green beans sautéed with garlic and olive oil are a delicious and easy vegetable side.
  • Asparagus: Roasted or grilled asparagus provides a sophisticated and flavorful side.
• Other Options:
  • Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty Italian or French bread for dipping in the sauce.
  • Polenta: Creamy polenta can be a comforting and gluten-free alternative to pasta.
  • Mashed Potatoes: For an extra comforting meal, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes.

Serving Tips:

• Portion Control: Casseroles can be quite filling, so consider portion sizes, especially if serving with pasta.
• Garnish: Fresh basil, parsley, or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese can elevate the presentation.
• Buffet Style: Chicken Parmesan Casserole is ideal for buffet-style serving at gatherings.

Additional Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan Casserole

To ensure your Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a resounding success, here are five helpful tips and tricks:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: When sautéing the chicken cubes, cook them just until browned and cooked through. Overcooking at this stage can result in dry chicken after baking. Remember, it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Use Quality Marinara Sauce: The marinara sauce is a key component of the flavor profile. Invest in a good quality store-bought sauce or, for an even richer flavor, use homemade marinara sauce. The depth of flavor in your sauce will directly impact the overall taste of the casserole.
• Toast the Breadcrumbs (Optional but Recommended): For an extra layer of flavor and enhanced crispiness, toast the breadcrumbs before adding them to the casserole topping. Simply spread the breadcrumbs on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden and fragrant. Let them cool slightly before mixing with Parmesan and egg.
• Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: Chicken Parmesan Casserole is all about the cheesy goodness! Use a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to ensure a gooey and flavorful result. Fresh mozzarella is highly recommended for its superior melt and texture.
• Make Ahead for Easy Weeknights: This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the baking step) earlier in the day or even the day before. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making and enjoying Chicken Parmesan Casserole:

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken, to make this casserole faster?

A: Yes, absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe. Simply shred or cube the rotisserie chicken and skip the sautéing step. Proceed directly to assembling the casserole layers, starting with the sauce, then the chicken, and so on. This will significantly reduce the prep time.

Q2: Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan Casserole?

A: Yes, Chicken Parmesan Casserole freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping or leftovers. To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then with a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or bake directly from frozen (covered with foil initially, then uncovered for the last 20-30 minutes) adding approximately 30-45 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly.

Q3: I don’t have Italian breadcrumbs. Can I use regular breadcrumbs?

A: Yes, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs if you don’t have Italian breadcrumbs on hand. To get closer to the Italian breadcrumb flavor, you can mix plain breadcrumbs with a pinch of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a little grated Parmesan cheese.

Q4: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

A: Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of the casserole. Some vegetables that would work well include:

• Sautéed onions and bell peppers: Add them to the skillet while sautéing the chicken or layer them in with the chicken.
• Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy flavor.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach can be wilted and layered in with the cheese.
• Zucchini or eggplant: Sautéed or roasted zucchini or eggplant can be added for a heartier casserole.

Q5: My breadcrumb topping is getting too brown before the casserole is heated through. What should I do?

A: If your breadcrumb topping is browning too quickly, you can tent the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. This will help prevent the topping from burning while allowing the casserole to continue baking and heating through. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking to allow the topping to crisp up further if needed.

Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Chicken Parmesan Casserole! It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite and a go-to for easy and satisfying meals.

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