Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is a beloved Italian-American classic that combines crispy breaded chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and melted cheese. When this iconic dish is turned into a casserole, it takes on a new level of delicious comfort. Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole offers all the familiar flavors of Chicken Parmesan but in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing format that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks.

In this recipe, you’ll find everything from the ingredients list to step-by-step instructions, along with tips, variations, and serving suggestions. Whether you’re looking to make this dish in a healthier or more indulgent way, there’s something here for everyone.

Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comfort food masterpiece, combining the crispy breaded chicken, savory marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese into a convenient casserole format. This dish offers the same flavors as the traditional Chicken Parmesan but with the ease of a bake-and-serve recipe.

The casserole approach also has the advantage of being easy to make in large batches, perfect for feeding a group. The layers of tender chicken, marinara sauce, and cheese meld together during the baking process, creating a dish that is flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for anyone who loves Italian cuisine.

What makes this casserole even better is that it’s versatile. You can adjust the level of seasoning, use whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs, or swap out cheese types to match your preferences. It’s a recipe that’s not only simple to prepare but also incredibly adaptable.

Preparation Steps

Before you begin cooking, make sure to gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven. The preparation process involves several components, including breading and frying the chicken, preparing the marinara sauce, and assembling the casserole. Here are the key prep steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare the chicken and other ingredients.

2. Prep the Chicken:

   • Trim any fat from the chicken breasts and then slice each breast horizontally to create thinner pieces, if preferred. This helps them cook more evenly and faster.
   • Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Breading Station:

   • In one shallow dish, beat the eggs.
   • In another shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   • Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down to ensure a nice, even coating.

4. Prepare the Marinara Sauce:

   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
   • Add the marinara sauce to the skillet along with dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for 10–15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

5. Prepare the Casserole Dish:

   • Lightly grease the casserole dish with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that all the components are ready, follow these steps to make your Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole:

Step 1: Brown the Breaded Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once the skillet is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken pieces and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. The chicken does not need to be cooked all the way through at this point, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
3. Remove the browned chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange the browned chicken breasts in the casserole dish, slightly overlapping if necessary.
3. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated with sauce.
4. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
5. Repeat the layering if using more chicken (you can layer the chicken and sauce if you have more than one layer).
6. Top the final layer with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 3: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the casserole dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning during baking.
2. Bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
3. If you like extra crispy cheese, you can broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Breadcrumbs: Use fresh, homemade breadcrumbs for the best texture and flavor. Alternatively, panko breadcrumbs can give you an extra crispy coating.
• Chicken Thickness: If the chicken breasts are particularly thick, you may want to slice them into thinner cutlets to ensure they cook through properly during baking.
• Cheese: Use whole-milk mozzarella for a creamier, meltier texture. You can also add provolone or even a little ricotta cheese to the layers for variation.
• Marinara Sauce: If you have the time, make your own marinara sauce with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs. It’s easy to make and can elevate the dish.
• Extra Veggies: Add sliced mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the marinara sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
• Freezing: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and freeze it before baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance it with a few side dishes to round out the meal:

• Garlic Bread: A classic side that complements the flavors of the casserole.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with tangy Caesar dressing provides a nice contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans make for a healthy and colorful side.
• Pasta: If you want to go all out, serve this casserole with a side of spaghetti or another favorite pasta.

Variations and Modifications

1. Healthier Version:

• Use whole wheat breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a healthier take.
• Bake the breaded chicken instead of frying it for a lighter option.
• Use part-skim mozzarella cheese to reduce the fat content.

2. Vegetarian Version:

• Swap out the chicken for eggplant slices for a delicious Eggplant Parmesan casserole.
• You can also use a plant-based chicken substitute if you prefer a vegetarian or vegan alternative.

3. Spicy Version:

• Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce to give the casserole a spicy kick.
• Use hot Italian sausage in the sauce for a spicy twist.

Conclusion

Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a delicious, satisfying dish that offers all the flavors of the classic Chicken Parmesan in an easy-to-make casserole format. It’s perfect for busy nights, family dinners, or even meal prepping for the week. With layers of crispy chicken, savory marinara sauce, and melted cheese, this dish is sure to please anyone at the table.

By following the steps outlined in this recipe, you can create a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent, while also being customizable to suit dietary preferences. Whether you make it as is or experiment with the variations, Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Yield: 6-8

Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

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Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parmigiana, is a beloved Italian-American classic that combines crispy breaded chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and melted cheese. When this iconic dish is turned into a casserole, it takes on a new level of delicious comfort. Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole offers all the familiar flavors of Chicken Parmesan but in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing format that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), cooked and cubed
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
   
2. Prepare Chicken: Cook the chicken breasts (grill, bake, or pan-fry) until fully cooked, then cube them into bite-sized pieces. You can also use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal.
   
3. Mix Casserole Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
   
4. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly. Top the casserole with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
   
5. Add Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of olive oil (if using). Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
   
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. If you want extra crispiness, you can broil the casserole for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end.
   
7. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve over pasta, rice, or enjoy as-is.

Notes

• Chicken Variations: You can substitute the boneless chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or use pre-cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to add more cheese if you like it extra cheesy, or use a mix of mozzarella and provolone for a different flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with garlic bread, a side salad, or over a bed of pasta for a complete meal.