Name: Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Imagine your favorite Italian comfort food, bubbling away in the oven, filling your kitchen with toasty aromas—now picture just how simple it is to pull off! This Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe delivers everything you love about classic chicken parmesan, but in a fuss-free, layered casserole form. With juicy chicken, a blanket of tangy marinara, melty cheese, and a golden breadcrumb topping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish transforms humble ingredients into weeknight magic—and you won’t even need to lift a frying pan!

Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe plays an important role: from the succulent chicken to the perfect blend of cheeses and crisp breadcrumbs, each one brings something special to the table. Don’t be daunted by the ingredient list—these are straightforward staples you probably already have, and they come together to create something truly extraordinary.

Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces for juicy results and easy scooping.
Marinara sauce: A quality marinara infuses the casserole with rich, tangy tomato flavor—homemade or store-bought both work!
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, giving the dish that signature gooey, cheesy stretch.
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds sharp, nutty depth and that classic Italian taste in every bite.
Panko breadcrumbs: Panko creates an ultra-crispy topping that makes every forkful irresistible.
Olive oil: Tossing the breadcrumbs in olive oil brings out their flavor and ensures that gorgeous golden finish.
Garlic powder: A touch of garlic powder infuses the whole casserole with aromatic warmth.
Italian seasoning: This blend delivers all those beloved, herby notes that make the dish taste authentically Italian-American.
Salt and pepper: Simple but essential—seasoning the chicken guarantees the flavors shine through.
Fresh basil or parsley: For an optional finishing touch, a sprinkle of fresh herbs adds color and a burst of freshness.

How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), then lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier later. Set your dish aside—it’s nearly time to start assembling!

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Spread your bite-sized chicken pieces evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Generously season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This step lays the foundation for all the bold, savory flavors that make the Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe so memorable.

Step 3: Add the Marinara Sauce

Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the seasoned chicken. A good marinara will seep into every nook and cranny, keeping the chicken moist and infusing it with that tart-sweet tomato richness we all crave.

Step 4: Layer the Cheeses

Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses right on top. This duo not only gives the casserole that gooey, molten pull but also brings a wonderful balance of mild creaminess and sharp bite.

Step 5: Top with Crunchy Breadcrumbs

In a separate bowl, toss your panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until every crumb is lightly coated. Scatter this mixture evenly over the cheese layer—it’s the secret to that crisp, golden top everyone will fight over!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole, uncovered, into your preheated oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the top is deliciously crispy and golden. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this helps everything set and makes serving easier.

Step 7: Add a Fresh Garnish

Right before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top if desired. It’s amazing how this last touch lifts the flavors and adds a pop of color to your Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe.

How to Serve Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing finishes this casserole quite like a shower of fresh herbs. Try using a combination of torn basil and finely chopped parsley for a bright, fragrant flourish. If you want to boost the cheesy appeal, grate a little extra Parmesan over the top right before serving—trust me, no one will complain!

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but it shines even brighter paired with classic sides. Garlic bread or warm focaccia are perfect for sopping up every bit of sauce. For something a little lighter, serve alongside a leafy green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette or a simple helping of roasted vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress up your Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe for a family dinner or special gathering by serving it over a bed of buttery spaghetti, or layering it on toasted hoagie rolls for irresistible chicken parm sandwiches. You could even portion it into individual ramekins for the cutest, restaurant-style presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover casserole is almost better the next day! Let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer portions to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat whenever the craving strikes.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, the Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the entire (cooled) casserole tightly with foil, or portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months; just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual servings into the microwave, or cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. For that fresh crispy top, uncover it for the last few minutes of reheating. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs after warming to revive those bright flavors.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious and add a bit more richness to the casserole. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs and double-check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy swap.

Can I prep the casserole in advance?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking straight from the fridge, add an extra 5–10 minutes to the cook time.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken will be done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The casserole should be bubbling around the edges, and the top should be a gorgeous golden brown.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Using rotisserie chicken makes assembly extra fast. Just layer the shredded or chopped cooked chicken, then proceed with the recipe as written. Since the chicken is already cooked, you can reduce the bake time by about 10 minutes—just bake until heated through and browned on top.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe really is comfort food made easy. It’s always a hit at my table, and I hope you find it just as satisfying. Gather your loved ones and give this recipe a try—your kitchen is about to smell (and taste) absolutely amazing!

Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this delicious and comforting Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole, a flavorful twist on the classic Italian favorite. Tender chicken, savory marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs come together in this easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

For the Casserole:

1 cup marinara sauce
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer Chicken: Spread the chopped chicken in the dish, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Add Sauces and Cheese: Pour marinara sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Top with Breadcrumbs: Mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil, coat evenly, and sprinkle over the cheese.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until chicken is cooked through and top is golden and crispy.
Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with basil or parsley and serving.