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
Scale
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.
