Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the enticing aroma of marinara and melted cheese wafted through the air, transporting me back to family gatherings filled with laughter and love. That’s precisely the memory my Best Chicken Parmesan Casserole evokes, delivering all the delightful flavors of a classic Chicken Parmesan but with an effortless twist. Perfect for those bustling weeknights or cozy family dinners, this easy-to-make cheesy casserole brings together tender chicken, rich sauce, and gooey cheese, all in one pan! Plus, the crispy breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch that everyone will adore. Trust me, this comforting dish is destined to become a staple on your dinner table. Are you ready to elevate your weeknight meals with this simple and delicious recipe? Let’s dive in! Why is this Chicken Parmesan Casserole special? Comforting flavors: Experience the nostalgic taste of Chicken Parmesan in a fuss-free casserole that the whole family will love. Easy preparation: With minimal effort required, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time—perfect for busy weeknights! One-pan wonder: Forget the mess; everything cooks together seamlessly, making cleanup a breeze. Crispy topping: The panko breadcrumb crust delivers an irresistible crunch, elevating the dish to new heights! Versatile options: Swap in turkey or a plant-based protein to suit your dietary preferences, while still enjoying delightful flavors. Don’t forget, pairing this casserole with a side of garlic bread from my Garlic Parmesan Chicken makes for a complete meal that’ll impress everyone at your table! Best Chicken Parmesan Casserole Ingredients For the Casserole Cooked Shredded Chicken – You can use rotisserie chicken for an easy, quick option. Marinara Sauce – This adds the essential moisture and flavor; homemade marinara can offer a fresher taste. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – It creates a creamy texture; try combining with provolone for a richer experience. Grated Parmesan Cheese – This adds a sharp, nutty flavor that beautifully complements the casserole. For the Topping Panko Breadcrumbs – Use them for a delightful crispy topping; regular breadcrumbs can be a substitute, but they won’t be as crunchy. Melted Butter – It helps bind the breadcrumbs and boosts crispiness; olive oil provides a lighter alternative. Italian Seasoning – This herb blend adds fantastic flavor; swap it out with fresh basil or oregano for an aromatic twist. For Garnish Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional) – These herbs brighten your dish; feel free to use any fresh herbs you have on hand. Each of these ingredients plays a vital role in crafting the best Chicken Parmesan casserole you’ll ever make, combining comfort and convenience effortlessly! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Best Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe Step 1: Preheat Your Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, gather your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light greasing with cooking spray or olive oil to ensure easy serving later on. This step sets the stage for your Best Chicken Parmesan Casserole, ready to bake to perfection. Step 2: Prepare the Base Layer Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Next, take your shredded chicken and layer it over the sauce, ensuring it covers the area fully. Finish this step by pouring the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, creating a flavorful base that will keep the casserole moist during baking. Step 3: Add the Cheese Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the marinara-covered chicken, covering it well for that classic cheesy goodness. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese, which provides a nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. This cheesy layer is essential for creating the rich, creamy texture you expect from the best Chicken Parmesan casserole. Step 4: Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping In a medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until all breadcrumbs are coated with the butter, which will help achieve a crispy topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer, ensuring every bite of your casserole will have that delightful crunch. Step 5: Bake the Casserole Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake it uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want it to bubble and turn a beautiful golden brown on top, signifying that it’s cooked to perfection. This step is vital for achieving the comforting, hearty flavors of your Best Chicken Parmesan Casserole. Step 6: Broil for Extra Crispiness To elevate the crunch, switch your oven setting to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch closely to avoid burning, as this will enhance your casserole, creating a delectable crispy crust. The bubbling cheese and fragrant aroma will let you know it’s almost ready! Step 7: Cool and Serve Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly—about 5 minutes. This cooling period helps everything set and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, adding a pop of color and freshness to your delicious Best Chicken Parmesan Casserole before serving! Make Ahead Options Preparing your Best Chicken Parmesan Casserole ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time during busy weeknights! You can assemble the casserole completely up to 24 hours in advance. Simply layer the shredded chicken and marinara, then add the cheese and breadcrumb topping, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. For optimal quality, avoid adding the breadcrumb topping until just before baking to maintain its crispiness. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, adding an extra 2-3 minutes under the broiler for that perfect golden crust. With this make-ahead strategy, you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal with minimal effort! Best Chicken Parmesan Casserole Variations Feel free to get creative with this recipe, tailoring the flavors and textures to make it your very own masterpiece! Turkey Alternative: Substitute shredded chicken with cooked turkey for a different protein that’s just as tasty. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy leftovers! Plant-Based Protein: Swap in your favorite plant-based protein like chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian twist without missing out on flavor. They’ll soak up the marinara beautifully! Gouda Goodness: Try using gouda or a blend of mozzarella and gouda for a smoky, rich flavor that adds a gourmet touch to your casserole. Each bite is a delightful surprise! Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat if your family enjoys a little more spice in their meals. It’s amazing what a pinch can do! Veggie Boost: Sneak in some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. This addition makes your casserole even heartier, satisfying everyone at the table! Creamy Twist: Mix in a bit of cream cheese or ricotta with the mozzarella for an extra creamy texture that brings a new level of comfort to your casserole. The richness is irresistible! Herb Swap: Replace the Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist that elevates the dish’s aroma and flavor profile. Your kitchen will smell heavenly! Cheesy Layers: Layer with fresh mozzarella slices instead of shredded for a gooey effect, creating an indulgent bite every time—perfect for cheese lovers! And if you’re looking for delightful sides, consider serving it with garlic bread or a light salad to complete your meal experience—after all, we’re all about balance! What to Serve with Easy & Cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Imagine a cozy dinner table, filled with aromas of Italian spices and cheerful conversation, perfectly complemented by delightful side dishes. Garlic Bread: The warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the rich marinara sauce. It adds a delightful crunch and aromatic taste that enhances the meal. Simple Side Salad: A crisp garden salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole. The refreshing crunch complements the cheesy layers beautifully. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots not only add color but also provide a nutritious and tasty contrast. Their natural sweetness pairs well with the savory flavors of the casserole. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a vibrant pop of green to your plate. Its mild flavor and crunchy texture serve as a lovely counterpoint to the creamy, cheesy casserole. Wine Pairing: A light Pinot Grigio or Chianti perfectly complements the hearty flavors of the casserole. The crisp acidity cuts through the richness and enhances the overall dining experience. Dessert Option: Serve with a classic tiramisu or a scoop of creamy gelato to round off your meal on a sweet note. The smooth textures and coffee flavor provide a delightful ending to the feast. Expert Tips for Best Chicken Parmesan Casserole Prep Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. This allows flavors to meld, making your weeknight cooking even easier! Chicken Safety: Always ensure your cooked chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This keeps your Best Chicken Parmesan Casserole safe and delicious. Breadcrumb Crunch: For maximum crunch, avoid overcrowding the breadcrumbs on top. Ensure an even layer to create that perfect crispy topping every bite! Broiling Caution: When broiling for extra crispness, keep a close eye on your casserole. It can go from perfectly toasted to burnt quickly, so monitor it closely! Flavor Variations: Experiment with different cheese blends like gouda or cheddar, or replace the chicken with cooked turkey or a plant-based protein to suit your preferences. How to Store and Freeze Chicken Parmesan Casserole Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring the casserole remains fresh and tasty. Freezer: For long-term storage, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This keeps the crispiness intact in your Chicken Parmesan Casserole. Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes weeknight meals a breeze! Best Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right chicken for this casserole? Absolutely! For this casserole, I recommend using cooked shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic option for easy prep; just shred and use! Ensure the chicken is moist and well-seasoned to enhance the overall flavor of the casserole. How should I store leftovers of the Chicken Parmesan Casserole? Very! To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, your casserole remains fresh and delicious, ready to be enjoyed again! Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan Casserole? Yes, you can! To freeze, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. What should I do if the breadcrumb topping isn’t crispy enough? Very! If you find your breadcrumb topping isn’t crispy, check a couple of things. First, make sure the breadcrumbs are evenly spread and not overcrowded. Also, consider broiling the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking while carefully watching it to avoid burning. This will give you that crispy finish! Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble your Chicken Parmesan Casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights! Just bake it when you’re ready. Is there a way to adapt the casserole for dietary restrictions? Very! You can easily swap the cooked chicken for turkey or a plant-based protein like chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian twist. Additionally, using dairy-free cheese options can cater to those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Feel free to customize it to meet your family’s preferences! Best Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights This Best Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe combines comforting flavors and easy preparation, perfect for family dinners. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 50 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Casserole4 cups Cooked Shredded Chicken Rotisserie chicken works well.2 cups Marinara Sauce Homemade is preferable for freshness.2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Combine with provolone for richer flavor.1 cup Grated Parmesan CheeseFor the Topping1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Regular breadcrumbs can be substituted.4 tbsp Melted Butter Olive oil is a lighter alternative.1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Substitute with fresh herbs if desired.For Garnish1 cup Fresh Basil or Parsley Optional, for garnish. Equipment 9x13 inch baking dishMedium bowl Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.Spread half of the marinara sauce across the bottom of the baking dish, then layer the shredded chicken on top. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the chicken.Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and sauce.In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle over the cheese layer.Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness, watching closely to avoid burning.Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg NotesAssemble in advance and refrigerate to enhance flavors. For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
