Parmesan Chicken Casserole Recipe

Few dishes capture the comforting essence of home cooking quite like a classic Parmesan Chicken Casserole. This hearty, satisfying meal embodies everything we love about casseroles—simple preparation, layered flavors, and the warmth of a baked dish fresh from the oven. At its core, Parmesan Chicken Casserole is a celebration of crispy, golden chicken coated in savory Parmesan, nestled in a rich, creamy sauce, often combined with tender pasta or vegetables, and baked until bubbling and irresistibly fragrant.

Parmesan cheese, with its nutty, sharp, and salty profile, elevates this dish from an everyday meal to something special without demanding hours in the kitchen. The cheese’s ability to form a crisp, golden crust and blend seamlessly into creamy sauces is key to the casserole’s signature appeal. When paired with succulent chicken breasts or thighs, and balanced by elements like garlic, herbs, and sometimes mushrooms or spinach, the result is a dish that delights all the senses.

This casserole also shines as a practical meal for busy families and entertaining alike. It’s a one-dish wonder that can be prepped ahead of time, refrigerated or frozen, and baked when you’re ready. The aroma of Parmesan, garlic, and baked chicken filling your home invites everyone to gather around the table, making it a natural choice for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.

Beyond its taste and convenience, Parmesan Chicken Casserole carries the nostalgic charm of classic American comfort food with a slight Italian twist—rooted in traditions of cheese-rich cooking and the homey appeal of casseroles. Its flexibility means it can be adapted for different dietary needs, swapped with various cheeses or vegetables, or even turned into a creamy, crustless bake for lighter options.

In this detailed guide, we will walk you through every step of crafting the perfect Parmesan Chicken Casserole—from selecting the ideal cut of chicken to making the creamiest sauce, preparing complementary ingredients, assembling the casserole layers, and baking to golden perfection. You’ll also find tips for ingredient substitutions, ideas for side dishes and wine pairings, make-ahead strategies, and advice to troubleshoot common issues.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook looking to perfect your casserole game or a beginner eager to try a reliable and rewarding recipe, this guide offers everything you need to make Parmesan Chicken Casserole a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Parmesan Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Gather and Prepare Ingredients

Before you begin, make sure you have all the ingredients ready and prepped for smooth cooking. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless

• Grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)

• All-purpose flour (for dredging)

• Eggs (for an egg wash to coat the chicken)

• Bread crumbs or panko (for a crispy topping)

• Garlic (minced or powdered)

• Onion (finely chopped or powdered)

• Heavy cream, half-and-half, or milk (for the sauce)

• Butter (for sautéing and sauce)

• Olive oil or vegetable oil (for searing chicken)

• Chicken broth or stock (to add depth to the sauce)

• Mozzarella or other melting cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

• Fresh or dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, parsley)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Trim and Flatten:
   Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts or thighs. For even cooking, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick, using a meat mallet or rolling pin, placing the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.

2. Season:
   Lightly season both sides of each chicken piece with salt, pepper, and a bit of garlic powder or fresh minced garlic.

3. Dredge:
   Set up a dredging station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.

   • First, coat each chicken piece lightly with flour, shaking off excess.

   • Dip into the beaten eggs until fully coated.

   • Finally, press into the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture to create an even crust.

4. Sear the Chicken:
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil or butter. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. Sauté Aromatics:
   In the same skillet (add more butter if needed), sauté minced garlic and finely chopped onions over medium heat until fragrant and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.

2. Create a Roux (Optional for thicker sauce):
   Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let melt. Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.

3. Add Liquids:
   Slowly whisk in 1 ½ cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version). Stir constantly to avoid lumps.

4. Simmer and Thicken:
   Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5–7 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

5. Add Parmesan and Season:
   Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or parsley to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Layer Chicken:
   Place the seared chicken pieces evenly in the baking dish.

3. Pour Sauce:
   Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated.

4. Add Toppings:
   Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella evenly over the top for a golden, bubbly crust.

5. Optional Crunch:
   For extra texture, sprinkle a handful of additional bread crumbs or panko mixed with melted butter over the cheese layer.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover and Bake:
   Cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

2. Uncover and Brown:
   Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).

3. Rest:
   Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Portion:
   Serve the casserole warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired.

2. Suggested Sides:
   This Parmesan Chicken Casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.