Chicken Parmesan Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Chicken parmesan casserole: just the name conjures up images of bubbling cheese, tender chicken, and a comforting aroma filling your kitchen, doesn’t it? Forget complicated weeknight dinners; this is where classic Italian-American flavors meet effortless casserole convenience. I’m thrilled to share my take on this beloved dish, a recipe that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.

While Chicken Parmesan itself has roots in Italian-American cuisine, evolving from dishes like eggplant parmesan, the casserole version is a more recent innovation. It cleverly combines all the elements we adore – the crispy breaded chicken, the rich tomato sauce, and the gooey mozzarella – into one easy-to-assemble bake. Think of it as a deconstructed Chicken Parmesan, reimagined for busy weeknights!

What makes chicken parmesan casserole so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and tastes. The juicy chicken, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, contrasts beautifully with the tangy tomato sauce and the melted, stringy cheese. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes. But perhaps the biggest draw is its simplicity. With minimal prep time and straightforward instructions, even novice cooks can create a restaurant-worthy meal that everyone will rave about. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food – without spending hours in the kitchen!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Eggs: 2 large
• Breadcrumbs: 1 ½ cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
• Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, or to taste
• Olive Oil: ¼ cup, plus more for drizzling
• Marinara Sauce: 2 (24-ounce) jars of your favorite marinara sauce
• Mozzarella Cheese: 16 ounces, shredded
• Fresh Basil: ¼ cup, chopped (for garnish, optional)
• Pasta: 1 pound spaghetti, cooked according to package directions

Preparing the Chicken

Okay, let’s start with the chicken. This is the heart of our casserole, so we want to make sure it’s cooked perfectly and packed with flavor. I like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they’re easy to work with, but you could also use chicken cutlets if you prefer.

1. Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a large resealable bag. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes it more tender. Don’t go too crazy, you don’t want to tear the chicken.
2. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
3. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In another shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed. I like to use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor, but you can use plain breadcrumbs and add your own Italian seasoning blend.
4. Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg wash, making sure to coat both sides. Then, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere. Make sure the chicken is fully coated for maximum crispiness and flavor.

Cooking the Chicken

Now that our chicken is breaded, it’s time to cook it. We’re going to pan-fry it to get a nice golden-brown crust. You could also bake the chicken, but I find that pan-frying gives it a better texture.

1. Heat the Olive Oil: Heat ¼ cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate the chicken breasts without overcrowding. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
2. Cook the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
3. Remove and Drain: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This will help keep the chicken crispy.

Assembling the Casserole

Alright, the chicken is cooked, the pasta is ready, and now it’s time to assemble our masterpiece! This is where the magic happens, and all the flavors come together.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the bottom.
3. Layer the Pasta: Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
4. Add Marinara Sauce: Pour one jar of marinara sauce over the pasta, spreading it evenly.
5. Layer the Chicken: Arrange the cooked chicken breasts over the marinara sauce.
6. Top with Marinara Sauce: Pour the remaining jar of marinara sauce over the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully covered.
7. Add Mozzarella Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the marinara sauce. Don’t be shy with the cheese – the more, the merrier!
8. Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella cheese. This will give the casserole a nice, cheesy crust.

Baking the Casserole

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake the casserole until it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!

1. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This will help the casserole heat through without the cheese browning too quickly.
2. Remove Foil: Remove the aluminum foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning.
3. Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the casserole to set slightly and make it easier to slice.

Serving and Garnishing

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – serving and enjoying our delicious Chicken Parmesan Casserole! I like to add a little fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor, but that’s totally optional.

1. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the casserole.
2. Serve: Cut the casserole into squares and serve hot.
3. Enjoy! This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to make this recipe your own:

• Use Different Pasta: Feel free to use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, rigatoni, or ziti.
• Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables to the casserole, such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions. Sauté the vegetables before adding them to the casserole.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture or marinara sauce for a little heat.
• Use Chicken Cutlets: If you prefer, you can use chicken cutlets instead of chicken breasts.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Freeze it: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Parmesan Casserole!

Conclusion:

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a dish, and trust me, you absolutely need this in your recipe repertoire. We’ve taken all the best parts of classic chicken parmesan – the crispy, golden-brown chicken, the rich tomato sauce, and the gooey, melted cheese – and transformed it into an easy-to-assemble casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. Forget standing over a hot stove frying chicken cutlets; this recipe streamlines the process without sacrificing any of the delicious flavor.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly versatile, satisfying, and, let’s be honest, utterly irresistible. The layers of flavor meld together beautifully as it bakes, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken, making it both budget-friendly and environmentally conscious.

But the best part? It’s so easy to customize! Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta. Penne, rotini, or even rigatoni would work beautifully in place of the traditional spaghetti. Want to add some extra veggies? Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach would be delicious additions to the sauce. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce or use a spicy Italian sausage in place of some of the chicken.

Serving suggestions are endless! I personally love serving this Chicken Parmesan Casserole with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the casserole. A crusty loaf of garlic bread is also a must-have for soaking up all that delicious sauce. For a lighter option, try serving it with steamed green beans or asparagus. And don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness!

Variations to Try:

* Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with eggplant slices that have been breaded and lightly fried.
* Creamy Version: Stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese into the sauce before layering the casserole.
* Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage.
* Cheesy Goodness: Use a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy experience.

I truly believe this recipe will become a family favorite. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, creates memories, and leaves everyone feeling happy and satisfied. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible Chicken Parmesan Casserole.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much your family enjoyed it. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. I can’t wait to see your culinary creations!