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Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Chicken Parmesan Casserole
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A cozy and cheesy Chicken Parmesan Casserole featuring tender chicken breasts layered with rich marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. This easy-to-make, family-friendly casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, offering classic Italian flavors in a convenient one-dish meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Sauces & Oils

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cheeses

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Toppings

  • 1 cup bread crumbs (or gluten-free bread crumbs for gluten-free option)

Instructions

  1. Prep and Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken approximately 5-7 minutes per side until golden and no longer pink inside. Remove and let rest briefly before slicing into strips or bite-sized pieces.
  2. Layer the Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a casserole dish to prevent sticking. Place half of the cooked chicken evenly over the sauce, spoon half of the remaining marinara on top. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese and a portion of Parmesan. Repeat layering with the remaining chicken, sauce, and mozzarella. Finish by mixing bread crumbs with remaining Parmesan cheese and sprinkling over the top for a crispy crust.
  3. Bake the Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
  4. Let It Rest Before Serving: Remove casserole from oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes to let the layers set and cool slightly, making it easier to serve.

Notes

  • Use fresh mozzarella for creamier melting and authentic texture.
  • Don’t over-sauce; too much marinara can make the casserole watery.
  • Precook the chicken thoroughly to ensure tenderness and safety.
  • Let the casserole rest after baking to firm up layers and prevent mess.
  • Mixing bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese gives the topping a flavorful crispy crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, casserole, easy dinner, family meal, Italian-inspired, weeknight recipe, cheesy casserole, chicken bake, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/chicken-parmesan-casserole/