If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that bursts with classic Italian flavors, this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table. Combining tender shredded chicken, rich marinara sauce, melty mozzarella, and a perfectly crisp Parmesan breadcrumb crust, it’s a layered masterpiece that brings all the goodness of traditional chicken Parmesan into one easy-to-bake casserole. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want an impressive yet simple weeknight meal, this recipe offers a warm, cheesy hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each bringing a special note to the dish—from creamy cheese layers to savory baked chicken and a crunchy, golden topping that’s irresistible. Let’s break down what you’ll need to make this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe shine.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use leftover chicken or rotisserie for tender, flavorful meat.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: A robust tomato sauce provides the perfect saucy base and keeps the casserole moist.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully to create that gooey, cheesy texture everyone loves.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a nutty, salty punch to complement the mozzarella perfectly.
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs: Gives the top a satisfying crunch and a savory flavor boost.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Helps the breadcrumbs crisp up nicely and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties all the ingredients together with herbs like oregano and basil.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that elevate the overall flavor.
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and aroma before serving.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot for baking. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick, setting the stage for a perfectly cooked and easily served meal.
Step 2: Layer the Shredded Chicken
Spread the shredded cooked chicken evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This base layer brings hearty protein to the casserole and anchors all the delicious layers to come.
Step 3: Add the Marinara Sauce
Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, spreading it out evenly so every bite gets a tangy, savory tomato hit. This sauce not only adds moisture but also infuses the casserole with that signature Italian flavor that brings it to life.
Step 4: Cheese, Glorious Cheese!
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the sauce, layering that irresistible cheesy goodness. This first cheese layer begins the luscious, melty texture that will define your casserole.
Step 5: Make the Breadcrumb Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs, melted butter, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter and seasoning—this mixture will create that perfect golden crust once baked.
Step 6: Top with Breadcrumbs and Remaining Cheese
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. This double cheese and breadcrumb topping ensures a bubbling, golden finish with a crunchy contrast.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly, golden brown, and irresistibly crunchy. This stage melds all flavors and textures into that iconic Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe experience.
Step 8: Garnish and Rest
Optional but highly recommended, sprinkle chopped fresh basil onto your casserole right after removing it from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the layers set slightly for cleaner portions.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves make a stunning garnish, adding vibrant color and a fragrant lift to the rich casserole. You could also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan right before serving for a salty finish that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or steamed vegetables. The freshness and crunch from these sides add balance to the richness of the cheesy casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, serve the casserole straight from the baking dish so everyone can scoop out generous portions. If you’re hosting, consider individual ramekins layered in the same way for a charming single-serve presentation that’s both elegant and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe has cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it great for quick next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble it, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time. Leftover baked casserole freezes well too—just be sure to cool completely before wrapping.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly again, about 20-25 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch but may soften the crunchy top, so the oven is best to maintain texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this casserole?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices here, you can mix in provolone, fontina, or even a little sharp cheddar for a different flavor twist that still melts beautifully.
Is it necessary to use cooked chicken?
Yes, because this recipe relies on layering and baking rather than cooking raw meat thoroughly. Using pre-cooked chicken keeps the dish easy and ensures the chicken is tender without drying out during baking.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply substitute the seasoned breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Make sure your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well, and you’ll have a safe and delicious gluten-free version.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini into the layers is an excellent way to boost nutrition and add extra flavor and texture, making the dish even more hearty.
What can I do with leftover Chicken Parmesan Casserole?
Leftovers make fantastic sandwiches or can be served over pasta or rice for a quick meal. You can also turn them into individual mini casseroles by layering in smaller dishes and reheating for a fresh meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the cozy comfort of a homemade Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe to bring smiles to the dinner table. With its layers of tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and crispy topping, it’s a dish that feels like a warm embrace in every serving. I hope you give this recipe a try and discover your new favorite go-to meal for family dinners or easy entertaining.
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Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish combining shredded chicken, marinara sauce, and a rich blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, it offers a cheesy, savory meal that’s easy to prepare and great for feeding a family or gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken Layer
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
Sauce & Cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Breadcrumb Topping
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the casserole.
- Prepare the chicken layer: Spread the shredded cooked chicken evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish to form the base layer of the casserole.
- Add marinara sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken and spread it out evenly to cover the chicken completely.
- Layer cheeses: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the marinara sauce layer.
- Make breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs, melted butter, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the butter and seasonings.
- Apply breadcrumb topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer to add a crunchy texture.
- Final cheese topping: Top the breadcrumb layer with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to create a rich finishing layer.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top turns golden brown and crisp.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh chopped basil if desired, and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Parmesan Casserole!
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute seasoned breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Adding fresh basil or parsley as garnish adds a fresh herb flavor and brightens the dish visually.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If you prefer, add a bit of crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix for a spicy kick.
