Introduction
Combining the beloved flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan with the ease of a casserole, the Chicken Parmesan Casserole stands as a testament to comfort food. Layers of tender chicken, rich marinara, melty cheese, and crunchy breadcrumbs come together for a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you’re in the mood for something hearty and delicious. Let’s dive into this simple, yet mouthwatering recipe that brings a fresh twist to a traditional favorite.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 3-4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the marinara sauce. Mix until the chicken is well-coated.
- Spread the chicken and sauce mixture evenly into a casserole dish (around 9×13 inches).
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken mixture.
- In a separate bowl, toss together the Panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This mixture should be slightly moist and well-seasoned.
- Evenly distribute the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer in the casserole dish.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.
Notes
- You can add layers of thinly sliced fresh mozzarella for an extra cheesy version.
- If you’d like some added veggies, consider layering in some thinly sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
- For a bit of spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking.