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Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Chicken Parmesan Casserole
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Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and easy-to-make dinner combining tender chicken breasts, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this one-dish meal delivers the classic Italian flavors of chicken parmesan with minimal prep and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Cheese

  • 1 1/2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Topping

  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for toasting breadcrumbs)

Garnish (optional)

  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Cook the chicken breasts until just done by baking, poaching, or pan-searing. Allow to cool slightly, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces for easy layering in the casserole.
  2. Mix the sauce and seasoning: In a bowl, combine marinara sauce with Italian seasoning and garlic powder to infuse the sauce with herbal flavor and depth.
  3. Assemble the casserole: In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked chicken, spread half of the marinara sauce evenly over it, then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining chicken, sauce, and cheeses. Finally, toss breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle on top for a crunchy crust.
  4. Bake until bubbly: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, golden, and sauce bubbles around the edges.
  5. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top to brighten the flavors and add color before serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for a creamier, better-melting texture compared to pre-shredded options.
  • Toast breadcrumbs lightly in olive oil before topping to add crunch and prevent sogginess.
  • Let casserole rest a few minutes after baking to help layers set and make slicing easier.
  • Cook chicken evenly to keep it juicy and avoid overcooking before baking.
  • For a saucier casserole, increase marinara sauce amount slightly.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan casserole, easy dinner recipe, one dish meal, Italian casserole, weeknight dinner, cheesy chicken bake, family-friendly recipe

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/chicken-parmesan-casserole/