If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that brings all the flavors of classic Italian fare into one bubbly, cheesy dish, look no further than Chicken Parmesan Casserole. This recipe transforms tender chicken, tangy marinara, and a crust of buttery, golden breadcrumbs into a sizzling, crowd-pleasing bake that’s both easy and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or entertaining friends with rustic charm, Chicken Parmesan Casserole deserves a spot in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a few staple ingredients stand between you and a bubbling Chicken Parmesan Casserole fresh from the oven. Each item is chosen for its power to build flavor, add irresistible texture, or lend that signature Italian color we all crave.
- Cooked shredded or diced chicken (3 cups): Rotisserie chicken is a real time-saver here, but any cooked chicken, shredded or chopped, gives wonderful texture and flavor.
- Marinara sauce (2 cups): Choose your favorite for the bold, bright tomato backbone, or go homemade for an extra special touch.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Fresh garlic wakes up the whole casserole with fragrant warmth.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): This blend infuses every bite with classic herb flavor, from oregano to basil.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for balancing the marinara and pulling the flavors together.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick that brightens the rich, cheesy layers.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1½ cups): Melts into those irresistible, gooey stretches you expect from Chicken Parmesan Casserole.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Brings nutty flavor and a golden finish to every slice.
- Garlic croutons or panko breadcrumbs (1½ cups): These bake into a crunchy, buttery topping that mimics fried chicken parm’s crispy crust.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Ensures the topping browns beautifully and adds rich flavor.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle at the end gives color and summery freshness.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by getting your oven nice and hot at 375°F. This ensures the Chicken Parmesan Casserole bakes up bubbly in the center with a perfectly crisp, golden topping. Take a moment to grease your 9×13-inch baking dish to make serving and clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken and Sauce
In a large bowl, combine your cooked chicken, marinara, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is coated and evenly distributed. This step is where those classic Italian flavors truly come together, wrapping each piece of chicken in saucy goodness.
Step 3: Layer in the Baking Dish
Spoon the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. This will create a hearty base, ensuring every serving scoops up the ideal ratio of chicken to sauce.
Step 4: Add the Cheesy Layers
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire casserole, followed by the grated Parmesan. This combination bubbles up in the oven to create that signature Chicken Parmesan Casserole cheesiness—stretchy, melty, and golden brown.
Step 5: Prep and Add the Crunchy Topping
In a separate, small bowl, toss your garlic croutons or panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until coated. Scatter this mixture over the cheese. The result is a crispy, buttery crust that gives every bite a satisfying crunch, reminiscent of traditional chicken parm.
Step 6: Bake and Rest
Pop your casserole, uncovered, into the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch as it becomes hot, bubbly, and irresistibly golden on top. Once it comes out, let it sit for just five minutes before you dig in—the flavors settle and slicing is a breeze.
Step 7: Add Freshness With Garnish
If you like, finish your Chicken Parmesan Casserole with a shower of chopped fresh basil or parsley. This last touch brings vivid color and a bright, herbaceous flavor that ties everything together.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped fresh basil or parsley isn’t just for looks—it brings a fresh aroma that makes the whole casserole even more inviting. For extra flair, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dusting of extra grated Parmesan just before serving.
Side Dishes
Keep things classic and pair your Chicken Parmesan Casserole with a crisp green salad or some garlic-buttered pasta. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or broccoli also make excellent, colorful companions, soaking up the saucy, cheesy goodness on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve generous scoops over creamy polenta or nestle them into warm, toasted sandwich rolls for Chicken Parmesan Casserole subs. Want to impress? Cut the casserole into tidy squares and arrange on a platter with toothpicks for party-style, bite-size nibbles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a gift for future you! Allow it to cool completely, then cover the baking dish with foil or transfer slices into airtight containers. Refrigerated, it will stay delicious for up to three days, making lunch tomorrow a mouthwatering no-brainer.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the entire (cooled) casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or portion out servings into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. If freezing before baking, just assemble but hold off on the crunchy topping until you’re ready to bake.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop leftovers (covered with foil) in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last five minutes to re-crisp the topping. You can also microwave slices for a quick lunch—just note the topping won’t be quite as crisp.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for Chicken Parmesan Casserole because it’s flavorful, juicy, and shreds easily. It also shaves precious time off your prep.
Is there a gluten-free version of this casserole?
Yes! Swap the croutons or panko for your favorite gluten-free breadcrumb alternative, and double-check that your marinara and seasoning blends are gluten-free.
What’s the best way to make it low carb?
To make Chicken Parmesan Casserole low carb, simply leave off the crouton or breadcrumb topping or opt for a low-carb alternative—crushed pork rinds or almond flour work beautifully as a crunchy topping.
Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the buttery crouton topping. Cover and refrigerate, then add the topping right before baking for best results.
What kind of cheese melts best in Chicken Parmesan Casserole?
Mozzarella is a classic for that gorgeous, gooey melt, while Parmesan gives a nutty, slightly salty finish. Feel free to add some provolone or fontina for extra richness if you love your cheese blends!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to bring the cozy magic of Chicken Parmesan Casserole into your kitchen. It’s a dish that satisfies cravings, earns instant repeat requests, and proves you don’t need a special occasion for a little dinnertime joy. Give it a try, share with someone you love, and bask in the cheesy, saucy comfort with every single forkful!
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Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and hearty Chicken Parmesan Casserole, a delicious twist on the classic dish. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender chicken, savory marinara sauce, and gooey cheeses baked to perfection with a crispy topping.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture:
- 3 cups cooked shredded or diced chicken
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Layer:
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping:
- 1½ cups garlic croutons or panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, mix chicken, marinara sauce, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
- Create Topping: Toss croutons or breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle over casserole.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil or parsley.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works well.
- For a low-carb option, skip or replace croutons with a low-carb alternative.
- Pair with salad or pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
