Name: Chicken Parm Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken (cubed or shredded); 2 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini, optional); 3/4 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter; Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the effort out of traditional chicken parmesan without sacrificing any flavor. It’s quick to assemble, requires no frying, and uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. The casserole format means it feeds a crowd, making it great for families or leftovers. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite pasta, sauces, or extra cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest—with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked chicken (cubed or shredded)
Marinara sauce
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Cooked pasta (like penne or rotini, optional)
Panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
Olive oil or melted butter
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
If using pasta, spread the cooked pasta evenly in the bottom of the dish.
Layer the cooked chicken over the pasta or directly in the dish if skipping pasta.
Pour marinara sauce over the chicken, spreading evenly.
Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the sauce.
Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter until coated. Sprinkle over the cheese layer.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Low-carb: Skip the pasta and use only chicken, sauce, and cheese.
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use a spicy marinara sauce.
Vegetable-packed: Layer in sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
Cheese lovers: Add ricotta or provolone for a richer, cheesier dish.
Shortcut version: Use rotisserie chicken and jarred sauce for even faster prep.

Storage/Reheating

Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or until heated through.
Individual portions can be microwaved in 1-minute intervals.
To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken in this recipe?

No, the chicken should be fully cooked before assembling the casserole to ensure even cooking and food safety.

What kind of chicken works best?

Any cooked chicken works—grilled, roasted, or rotisserie. Shredded or cubed both work well.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara is perfect for this recipe. Choose your favorite brand or homemade if you prefer.

Should I cover the casserole while baking?

No, bake it uncovered so the breadcrumb topping becomes golden and crispy.

Can I add pasta to make it more filling?

Absolutely. Adding cooked pasta like penne or rotini makes it a complete, hearty meal.

How do I make it extra crispy on top?

Use panko breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil or butter and broil the last 2 minutes of baking if needed.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, freeze individual portions or the whole casserole. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Definitely. It stores and reheats well, making it ideal for planning meals ahead.

What sides go well with Chicken Parm Casserole?

Serve with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Chicken Parm Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make comfort food that brings all the classic flavors of chicken parmesan to your table with less mess and more convenience. Perfect for family dinners, leftovers, or meal prepping, this dish is sure to become a repeat favorite. Whether you keep it simple or add your own twist, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Chicken Parm Casserole

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Chicken Parm Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly baked dish that captures all the flavors of classic chicken parmesan in a simple, no-fry casserole. It’s layered with tender chicken, marinara, cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs—perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
If using pasta, spread the cooked pasta evenly in the bottom of the dish.
Layer the cooked chicken over the pasta or directly in the dish if skipping pasta.
Pour marinara sauce over the chicken and spread evenly.
Sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the sauce.
Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter until coated, then sprinkle over the cheese layer.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken and jarred marinara for a quick shortcut.
Skip the pasta for a low-carb version.
Broil the last 2 minutes for an extra crispy topping.
Make ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Great for freezing—assemble and freeze unbaked for later use.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 470
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 95mg