If you’re craving gooey, golden, and utterly comforting Italian-American flavors, this Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Taking everything you adore about traditional chicken parm—the tangy marinara, savory cheeses, and crunchy topping—and reimagining it as a cozy, family-friendly bake, this casserole delivers all the satisfaction with far less fuss. Perfect for busy evenings or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat, you’ll love how this dish truly brings everyone together around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole is in its straightforward ingredients, each earning its place for flavor, texture, or a punch of color. These staples combine to create that mouthwatering meltiness and delightful crunch in every bite!
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1½ pounds): Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and soak up all the saucy, cheesy goodness.
- Marinara sauce (1 jar, 24 oz): Pick your favorite jarred sauce or homemade—this brings rich tomato flavor and ties everything together.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): The classic stretch and creaminess come from a generous sprinkle of mozzarella.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): For salty, nutty depth and that signature parm kick.
- Garlic croutons or panko breadcrumbs (1½ cups): Adds unbeatable crunch on top—go gluten-free if needed!
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Lightly coats the croutons or crumbs for a perfectly golden topping.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of classic herbs for big, herby flavor in every bite.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Lends subtle savory aroma that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning each layer and waking up all the flavors.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): A bright, fresh garnish that makes the casserole pop when serving.
How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Chicken
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F and giving a 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of cooking spray or olive oil, so nothing sticks. Arrange the chicken pieces evenly in the dish. Sprinkle them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, ensuring every piece is seasoned. This step guarantees flavorful, juicy bites in your finished Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole.
Step 2: Layer on the Marinara Sauce
Spoon the marinara sauce over the chicken, spreading it out for full coverage. That tangy, herby tomato layer is one of the secrets to a saucy, satisfying casserole—don’t skimp!
Step 3: Add the Cheese Layers
Next, pile on the shredded mozzarella, followed by a generous scattering of grated Parmesan. These two cheeses melt into an irresistible, gooey blanket that ties all the classic chicken parmesan flavors together in one baking dish.
Step 4: Make and Add the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, combine your croutons or panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Toss until well coated—this little step ensures a crisp, golden crust that perfectly contrasts all that melty cheese. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cheese.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and the top is bubbling and beautifully golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, so the flavors settle, making it easier to slice and serve.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Garnishes
A fresh finish brings everything together. Sprinkle your Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole with ribbons of basil or parsley—the pop of green looks as good as it tastes, adding a hint of freshness that balances all the richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs perfectly with piles of al dente pasta, sautéed zucchini noodles, or a crisp green salad for a lighter touch. Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce from your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping individual servings into shallow pasta bowls for a rustic, cozy feel, or make mini versions in ramekins for a playful dinner party twist. Leftovers also transform beautifully into hot sub sandwiches; just spoon the casserole onto toasted rolls and enjoy a handheld Italian-American treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen, so next-day slices are still every bit as crave-worthy.
Freezing
This casserole freezes like a dream! Cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months; just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To recapture that crispy top and bubbly cheese, reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven until hot, about 15-20 minutes. For smaller portions, the microwave works in a pinch—just add a splash of marinara to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or any cooked, shredded chicken cuts down on prep time. Reduce baking time to 20–25 minutes since the chicken just needs to heat through and the topping to crisp up.
Is Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole gluten-free?
It can be! Simply use gluten-free croutons or panko for the crunchy topping, and double-check your marinara sauce for hidden gluten sources.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole—minus the topping—a day in advance and store it, covered, in the fridge. When ready to bake, add the croutons or panko, then proceed as usual for freshly crisp results.
What’s the best way to ensure juicy chicken?
Make sure your chicken pieces are similar in size so they cook evenly. Don’t overbake; start checking at 30 minutes and pull from the oven as soon as the chicken reaches 165°F.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to layer in spinach, roasted red peppers, or sautéed mushrooms between the chicken and sauce for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole is truly comfort food at its best—simple, satisfying, and bursting with classic flavor in every bite. Make it once and you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe whenever you want an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner. Give it a try and watch it disappear!
Print
Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, marinara sauce, and gooey cheeses, all topped with a crispy seasoned breadcrumb layer. Perfect for a family dinner!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Sauce and Cheese:
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Breadcrumb Topping:
- 1½ cups garlic croutons or panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the chicken: Spread the chicken pieces in an even layer in the bottom of the dish and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Add sauce and cheese: Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, toss the croutons or panko with olive oil until coated. Spread the topping over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool briefly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, zucchini noodles, or with a side salad.
- You can use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time—adjust baking time accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
