Chicken Parmesan Casserole

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a delicious, comforting twist on the classic Chicken Parmesan. With layers of tender chicken, marinara sauce, melted cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs, it’s an easy, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. This casserole is packed with flavor and is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings for Italian comfort food.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade if preferred)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the Pasta (Optional but recommended):

• 8 oz (225g) cooked pasta (penne, spaghetti, or any pasta of your choice)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
4. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken with the marinara sauce. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
3. Spread a layer of the chicken mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
4. Top with half of the cheese mixture. Repeat with another layer of chicken and the remaining cheese.

Step 3: Add the Breadcrumb Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt.
2. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the casserole.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. If serving with pasta, toss the cooked pasta with a little marinara sauce and spoon the casserole over the top.
2. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Tips for the Best Chicken Parmesan Casserole

✔ Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
✔ Add more veggies: You can stir in some cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
✔ For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking to brown the breadcrumbs even more.
✔ Use chicken thighs: If you prefer darker meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful casserole.

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a perfect comfort food dish that’s easy to make and absolutely delicious. It’s guaranteed to be a hit with your family or guests!