If you’ve ever wished you could transform the classic comfort of chicken parmesan into a cheesy, bubbly, no-fuss meal that feeds a family or a hungry group of friends, this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is exactly what you’re looking for. It captures all the irresistible flavors of Italian-American chicken parm—tender chicken, savory marinara, golden cheese, and a buttery, crispy top—layered in one unforgettable bake. With simple prep, flexible ingredient swaps, and crowd-pleasing results, this casserole is destined to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this ingredient list fool you—each component has a role to play in making this dish rich, flavorful, and ultra-satisfying. Stock your pantry and fridge with these essentials for a delicious, homemade Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe any night of the week.
- Cooked chicken breast: Shredded or cubed, chicken is the hearty base and perfect protein for this casserole—try using rotisserie or leftover grilled for extra convenience.
- Marinara sauce: A jar of good-quality marinara instantly brings depth and tangy tomato flavor, making the casserole moist and savory.
- Cooked pasta (penne or rotini): These short pasta shapes soak up sauce while holding their texture, so every bite has the perfect chew.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The ultimate melty, gooey cheese for that classic chicken parm stretch with every forkful.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty punch and golden color to the cheese layer.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These extra-crispy crumbs create the signature golden crust that everyone loves on chicken parmesan.
- Melted butter: Tossed with the panko, butter makes the topping rich, toasty, and irresistibly crunchy.
- Italian seasoning: A dried herb blend brings out all the classic Italian flavors.
- Garlic powder: A sprinkle here infuses the topping with just enough garlic warmth to make your kitchen smell like heaven.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste, making sure every layer is perfectly balanced.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley: These add a pop of fresh color and herby brightness as a garnish.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil, so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. This step sets the stage for all the delicious layers to come together perfectly.
Step 2: Combine Chicken, Marinara, and Pasta
In a large mixing bowl, toss together your cooked, shredded (or cubed) chicken with the rich marinara sauce and cooked pasta of your choice. This is the hearty foundation of your Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe, so feel free to sneak a taste here for seasoning—add a pinch of salt and pepper if you like.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Pour your saucy chicken and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. These melt into irresistible, bubbly layers that mimic the best parts of traditional chicken parmesan.
Step 4: Mix and Add the Crunchy Topping
In a separate bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until everything is nicely coated. This seasoned panko topping is what makes this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe truly special—generously sprinkle it over the cheese layer for maximum crunch and flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch for the cheese to bubble and the breadcrumb topping to turn golden brown and crispy. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking so everything sets and the flavors mingle.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, scatter a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top. This last touch adds vibrant color and a fresh, herby aroma that brings the whole Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe to life. Get ready for that first, mouthwatering bite!
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
The perfect garnish can take your casserole from homey to restaurant-worthy in a flash. Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of green and extra flavor; if you want even more depth, add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a swirl of good olive oil right before serving.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread to soak up every bit of sauce, or a crisp green salad with Italian dressing for a bit of balance. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or zucchini also round out the meal nicely, adding color and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style serving, bring the casserole dish straight to the table for everyone to dig in. If you want an elegant twist, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins and garnish each with a mini mozzarella ball and fresh basil leaf—perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. You can even layer in roasted veggies with the pasta for a colorful variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge. Simply transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days—making it perfect for relaxed lunches or quick reheats for busy evenings.
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap (right in the baking dish, if you like) and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before baking; thaw overnight in the fridge before finishing in the oven for that fresh-baked flavor.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, bake covered at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. For individual portions, a quick trip through the microwave works too—just add a sprinkle of extra cheese or a fresh drizzle of marinara to keep everything moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Penne and rotini are great choices, but you can use ziti, rigatoni, or any short pasta shape. Just be sure to cook it al dente before assembling so it doesn’t get too soft after baking.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead and bake later?
Yes, one of the joys of this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is that you can assemble it up to 24 hours ahead, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it off just before serving. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep or entertaining.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole for extra nutrition?
Definitely! Stir in steamed or roasted veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini with the chicken and pasta. They add color, nutrients, and another layer of flavor without much extra effort.
What’s the best way to make the topping extra crispy?
The key is mixing melted butter thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs, then spreading them in an even layer. For extra crunch, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking—just keep an eye out so it doesn’t burn.
Can I make this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and panko breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy all the flavors without worry.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fuss-free, joyfully cheesy way to satisfy that Italian comfort food craving, give this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe a try. With easy prep and unbeatable flavor, there’s every reason to make it part of your regular rotation—your friends and family will thank you!
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Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe is a delicious twist on the classic Italian favorite. It’s cheesy, comforting, and perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1½ lbs cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine chicken, marinara sauce, and pasta. Season, then pour into baking dish.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Mix breadcrumbs, butter, seasoning, and garlic powder. Sprinkle over casserole.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish and serve.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for convenience.
- For extra flavor, layer slices of fresh mozzarella or add a pinch of crushed red pepper.
- Serve with garlic bread or a side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
