Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe – Easy, Cheesy & Flavorful
🍽️ Few comfort foods can rival the hearty goodness of Chicken Parmesan. Crispy chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese come together in this Italian-American classic. But what if we told you that you can enjoy all those flavors in an easy-to-make casserole? That’s where the Chicken Parmesan Casserole comes in—a family-friendly, fuss-free twist on the traditional recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the full recipe, expert chef advice, nutrition insights, serving suggestions, health tips, and FAQs to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time. 🇮🇹✨
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✔️ Comfort food classic, simplified into a one-dish meal.
- ✔️ Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
- ✔️ Crispy, cheesy, and saucy with minimal prep.
- ✔️ Can be made ahead and baked when ready to serve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 chicken breasts, butterflied
- 1.5 cups panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 bunch fresh basil, chopped
- 2.5 cups marinara sauce
- 1.5 teaspoon salt
- Pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly season the butterflied chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
In a shallow bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs, half the Parmesan cheese, oregano, and parsley. Dredge each chicken breast in the mixture until well coated.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a greased casserole dish. Place the breaded chicken breasts on top. Pour remaining marinara sauce evenly over the chicken.
Step 4: Add Cheese & Herbs
Sprinkle the mozzarella, remaining Parmesan, and chopped basil evenly over the top.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and basil for extra flavor. 🌿
Expert Chef Tips 👩🍳
- Chef Bobby Flay: “For maximum crispiness, toast the panko crumbs in a skillet with olive oil before coating the chicken.”
- Gordon Ramsay: “Always butterfly chicken evenly for consistent cooking. Uneven thickness leads to dry meat.”
- Ina Garten: “Use fresh mozzarella instead of pre-shredded—it melts creamier and adds gourmet appeal.”
- Ree Drummond: “Make it family-style by doubling the recipe and serving straight from the casserole dish.”
Health Tips & Safety Considerations 🥗
- Use whole wheat panko for added fiber and a healthier crust.
- Choose a low-sodium marinara to reduce salt intake.
- If meal prepping, store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Always check chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F for food safety.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
| Ingredient | Amount | Key Nutrients | Health Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 4 breasts (~600g) | Lean protein, B vitamins | Supports muscle growth and repair |
| Panko Bread Crumbs | 1.5 cups (75g) | Carbs, fiber | Provides energy, crisp texture |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1 cup (100g) | Calcium, protein | Strengthens bones, adds umami flavor |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 1 cup (100g) | Calcium, protein | Supports bone health, adds creaminess |
| Marinara Sauce | 2.5 cups (600g) | Vitamin C, lycopene | Rich in antioxidants, boosts immunity |
| Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Oregano) | 1/2 bunch + 3 tbsp | Antioxidants, vitamin K | Anti-inflammatory, supports heart health |
Serving Suggestions 🍝
- Pair with spaghetti or penne pasta for a classic Italian feast.
- Serve with garlic bread to soak up extra sauce.
- Balance the richness with a fresh Caesar salad.
- For a lighter option, serve with roasted vegetables.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken works well. Reduce bake time to 20 minutes since the chicken is pre-cooked.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
3. Can I freeze chicken parmesan casserole?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F for about 50 minutes.
4. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Fresh mozzarella and Parmesan are ideal, but provolone or fontina can add depth of flavor.
5. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed rice crackers for the panko.
6. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely. Zucchini, spinach, or eggplant make excellent additions.
7. Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes. Add red pepper flakes to the marinara or sprinkle on top before baking.
8. How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Butterflying ensures even cooking, and covering with sauce keeps moisture locked in.
9. What sides pair best with this casserole?
Classic pasta, garlic bread, or a green salad are excellent pairings.
10. How long do leftovers last?
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
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Final Thoughts 🍴
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole brings together the best of Italian comfort food in an easy, crowd-pleasing format. With layers of tender chicken, crispy breadcrumbs, savory marinara, and melty cheese, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. Serve it with pasta, bread, or veggies, and watch it disappear quickly from the table. ❤️
