Description
Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting and cheesy baked dish that layers shredded cooked chicken with marinara sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. This hearty casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner, combining the flavors of classic chicken Parmesan in a convenient one-dish meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Topping
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is properly heated for baking the casserole.
- Prepare the chicken layer: Evenly spread the shredded cooked chicken over the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish to create an even base for the casserole.
- Add marinara sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken layer, spreading it out evenly to cover the meat completely for flavor and moisture.
- Sprinkle cheeses: Distribute half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the marinara sauce layer.
- Make breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, mix the seasoned breadcrumbs with melted butter, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated, creating a flavorful crunchy topping.
- Apply breadcrumb topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer for texture and added flavor.
- Add remaining cheese: Top the breadcrumb layer with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a rich, cheesy finish.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown, indicating it is fully heated and cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with chopped fresh basil, let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy your hearty and delicious meal.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken for convenience; rotisserie chicken works well.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Make sure not to overbake to prevent the casserole from drying out.
- Fresh basil garnish adds a bright, fresh flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
