The aroma of melted cheese and zesty marinara fills the air, teasing your taste buds with the promise of a comforting Chicken Parmesan Casserole. Picture tender chicken pieces smothered in a rich tomato sauce, layered under gooey mozzarella—this dish is like a warm hug on a chilly evening. one pot smoked sausage and rice baked chicken legs and rice For more inspiration, check out this Italian Sausage Pasta recipe.
Remember that time you planned a dinner party but forgot to prepare anything? You found yourself frantically tossing ingredients together while hoping for a miracle. Well, this Chicken Parmesan Casserole is that miracle! Perfect for any occasion, it brings friends and family together over comforting flavors that will make you the culinary hero of the night. For more inspiration, check out this Chicken and Dumplings Recipe recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
- The blend of spices and cheeses creates an irresistible flavor explosion
- Its vibrant layers make it a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins, this dish adapts easily to your pantry staples
I remember the first time I made this casserole; my kids devoured it so fast I thought they were training for a competitive eating contest.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts, adjusting based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
Marinara Sauce: A good quality jarred sauce works wonders here, saving you time without sacrificing flavor.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for whole milk mozzarella for that extra gooeyness that makes this dish unforgettable.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a nutty flavor; skip the powdered stuff if you can!
Bread Crumbs: Use Italian seasoned bread crumbs for an added layer of flavor and crunch.
For the Seasoning:
Garlic Powder: A must-have seasoning; it enhances overall flavor without overpowering the dish.
Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs provides that authentic Italian flavor we all crave.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in your casserole.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. egg roll in a bowl recipe.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial as it ensures even cooking throughout your casserole.
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Grease a large baking dish with non-stick spray or olive oil. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier later.
Cook The Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Sauté them in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add The Marinara Sauce : Pour marinara sauce over the sautéed chicken in the dish, stirring gently to combine everything evenly. The sauce should coat each piece beautifully.
Layer The Cheeses : Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the chicken mixture, followed by half of the parmesan cheese. Repeat this layering process with remaining ingredients.
Bake It Up : Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Enjoy sharing this delightful casserole with friends and family while relishing every cheesy bite!
You Must Know
- This Chicken Parmesan Casserole combines classic flavors into a quick, hearty dish
- Its cheesy goodness and crispy topping make it irresistible
- It’s a perfect weeknight meal that simplifies the cooking process without sacrificing taste
- Your family will love this comforting favorite!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the chicken first, then layer with pasta and sauce for even flavor distribution. Tuscan chicken bake Bake until bubbly for best results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add vegetables like spinach for extra nutrition and color. Experiment with spices!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect chicken, ensure it’s cooked through but not dry
- Use fresh herbs to elevate flavor
- Don’t skip the cheese; it adds essential creaminess to this casserole!
Sharing this dish with friends always brings smiles—they rave about the gooey cheese and warm flavors that remind them of home-cooked meals.
FAQ
Can I make Chicken Parmesan Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it a day before, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Crushed crackers or panko work well as alternatives for added crunch.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze portions for up to three months; just reheat directly from frozen!
Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting, cheesy delight that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. This easy-to-make dish features tender chicken smothered in zesty marinara sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this casserole promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins, making it as versatile as it is delicious!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and sauté in olive oil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Pour marinara sauce over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly.
- Layer half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the chicken mixture, then repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (255g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey or add vegetables like spinach for added nutrition. Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.