Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole: A Family Favorite Recipe

Craving the rich, cheesy goodness of Chicken Parmesan but want something quicker and easier? This Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe is your perfect solution.

Packed with tender chicken, marinara sauce, and a crispy, cheesy topping, this casserole brings all the flavors of the classic dish without the hassle. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding a hungry crowd, this recipe delivers a comforting, delicious meal that everyone will love.

Ready in under an hour, it’s the ideal blend of convenience and flavor, making it a go-to family favorite. Let’s dive into this simple, hearty recipe that will surely become a staple in your kitchen.

Recipe Information

• Serves: 6-8 people
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Equipment Needed

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• 3 shallow bowls for breading station
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoons
• Aluminum foil
• Oven mitts

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

For the Casserole:

• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Cooking spray

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2: Set Up Breading Station

Create your breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece first in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help the coating adhere.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, brown the breaded chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Layer the browned chicken pieces over the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and the remaining ½ cup parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and parsley. Serve hot with your favorite pasta, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrition values are approximate and based on 8 servings

Tips for Perfect Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Don’t Skip the Browning: Taking the time to brown the chicken before baking adds incredible flavor and helps maintain texture in the casserole.

Use Quality Marinara: Since the sauce is a star ingredient, choose a high-quality marinara or make your own for the best flavor.

Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the layers set and makes serving much easier.

Cheese Combinations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends. A mix of mozzarella, provolone, and romano creates amazing depth of flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it completely up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it’s starting from cold.

Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be reheated in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. For longer storage, individual portions can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Variations to Try

Chicken Parmesan Pasta Casserole: Add 12 oz of cooked penne or rigatoni to the casserole for a heartier meal.

Veggie-Loaded Version: Layer in sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Spicy Kick: Use spicy marinara sauce or add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.

Lighter Version: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor, or substitute part-skim mozzarella to reduce calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With layers of flavor and that irresistible combination of crispy coating, tender chicken, and melted cheese, it’s destined to become a family favorite that you’ll make again and again.