Description
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting, flavorful baked dish featuring tender chicken breasts layered with zesty marinara sauce, melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, and a crispy Italian breadcrumb topping. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings, it combines the classic flavors of chicken parmesan into one easy, cheesy casserole that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Chicken and Protein
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4 pieces)
Sauces & Cheese
- Marinara sauce (2 cups)
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (2 cups)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup)
Toppings & Seasonings
- Italian breadcrumbs (1 cup)
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp)
- Fresh garlic, minced (2 cloves)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (3 tbsp)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts until browned and nearly cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. This ensures a juicy interior after baking.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a casserole dish. Place the cooked chicken breasts on top, then pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese generously across the top.
- Add the Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix Italian breadcrumbs with olive oil and minced garlic. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake Until Bubbly and Golden: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the chicken in the skillet since it will finish cooking in the oven and remain tender.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting and flavor.
- Evenly coat the chicken with marinara sauce to prevent dryness.
- For extra crispy breadcrumbs, toss them in melted butter before sprinkling on top.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley sprinkled on just before serving add bright flavor and nice presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg