Chicken Parmesan Casserole: A Family-Friendly Comfort Food Recipe
If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare, Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the perfect solution. This dish combines the crispy, cheesy goodness of traditional Chicken Parmesan with the convenience of a casserole. It’s a one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting family and friends. Full of tender chicken, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this casserole is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Simplified Chicken Parmesan: Enjoy all the flavors of Chicken Parmesan without the hassle of breading and frying each piece of chicken.
- Family-Friendly: This casserole is a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
- Quick and Easy: With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a hearty meal in no time.
- Customizable: Whether you want to add extra veggies or switch up the cheese, this recipe is easily adaptable to suit your tastes.
Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups crushed breadcrumbs (preferably panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a touch of heat)
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Kitchen Tools Needed
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork (for beating the egg)
- Large pan (for sautéing chicken)
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, cube the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed chicken to the pan and sauté for about 5–7 minutes until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. This will give the casserole its signature crunchy topping. For extra flavor, you can add a tablespoon of melted butter to the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease your 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of the dish. Place the sautéed chicken pieces over the sauce in an even layer.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is well-covered. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce.
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, whisk the egg and pour it over the breadcrumb mixture. Mix the breadcrumbs well to ensure they are coated with the egg. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create the perfect crispy topping.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbling. If you like the top extra crispy, you can place the casserole under the broiler for an additional 1–2 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a burst of color and extra flavor. Serve hot with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad.
Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Use Fresh Chicken: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Frozen chicken can release too much moisture during cooking.
- Customize the Sauce: You can use homemade marinara sauce or a store-bought version. If you want a creamier twist, try adding a little ricotta or cream cheese to the sauce before layering it in the casserole.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this casserole gluten-free. You can also try almond flour for a different texture.
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead of time. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or until heated through.
Why Chicken Parmesan Casserole is Perfect for Every Occasion
- Weeknight Dinner: With simple ingredients and easy steps, this casserole is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
- Meal Prep: It’s easy to make a large batch of this casserole ahead of time. You can store it in the fridge or even freeze it for later use.
- Comfort Food: The combination of cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and marinara sauce makes this dish the ultimate comfort food.
- Feeding a Crowd: This casserole is ideal for feeding a large group, making it perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or dinner parties.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
Conclusion
Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the ultimate family-friendly comfort food, combining the best elements of Chicken Parmesan with the convenience of a casserole. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from busy weeknights to special gatherings. With its cheesy, crispy topping and flavorful chicken, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit!
Enjoy this dish with your favorite side or on its own—either way, you’ll have a delicious, satisfying meal in no time!