Name: Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a game-changer for busy nights when you want the classic chicken Parmesan flavor but without all the hassle. The breaded chicken is perfectly cooked, the marinara sauce brings a tangy zest, and the melted cheese creates that gooey, irresistible texture. It’s a simple one-dish meal that’s full of flavor and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s great for leftovers, so you can enjoy it more than once!

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

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

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Dip each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked through at this point as it will bake in the oven.
In a baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce at the bottom.
Place the browned chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken breasts.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
If desired, sprinkle fresh chopped basil on top before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken breasts with eggplant slices for a vegetarian take on this casserole. Bread and cook the eggplant slices similarly to the chicken.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or top the casserole with spicy marinara sauce for extra heat.
Low-Carb: Swap the breadcrumbs for almond flour or another low-carb alternative to make a keto-friendly version.
Add Veggies: Include sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for an added vegetable boost.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover Chicken Parmesan Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes or until hot.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before breading to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere properly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and cook as directed.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works just fine for this recipe. If you prefer, you can also make your own marinara sauce for a more personalized touch.

Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan Casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble it and bake it as instructed, then allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly and freezing for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it in the oven from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 40-50 minutes.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Mozzarella is a classic choice, but feel free to substitute it with provolone, gouda, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique flavor profile.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.

Can I add more cheese?

Definitely! If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add extra mozzarella or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before baking.

Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Simply follow the same preparation steps and cook the casserole on low for 3-4 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.

Can I make this dish without breading the chicken?

Yes, you can skip breading the chicken for a lighter version, or use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb alternative.

Conclusion

Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the perfect combination of comfort food and convenience, with the familiar flavors of chicken Parmesan baked into a simple and hearty casserole. It’s great for feeding a family, making ahead of time, or storing for leftovers. This dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation!

Chicken Parmesan Casserole

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Chicken Parmesan Casserole brings together the classic flavors of chicken Parmesan in an easy-to-make casserole. Breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella create the perfect comfort meal that’s perfect for a family dinner. This hearty, flavorful dish is simple to prepare and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or meal prep!

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 30min
Total Time: 45min
Yield: 4servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Coat each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to cover both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the breaded chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown (the chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage).
In a baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce at the bottom.
Place the browned chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken breasts.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Optionally, sprinkle chopped basil on top before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with breaded eggplant slices.
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
For a low-carb version, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
You can also add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra veggies.
Leftovers can be stored for up to 3-4 days in the fridge and can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.