Ever bitten into a bubbling layer of cheese and marinara, layered brilliantly with tender chicken? Welcome to the world of Chicken Parmesan Casserole! This dish combines the best of crispy, cheesy comfort food with the ease of a one-pan meal that keeps everyone coming back for more. Get ready to impress your family or guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Why Make This Recipe
You’ll love this Chicken Parmesan Casserole because:
- Easy Cleanup: Who wants to spend hours washing dishes? With this one-stop wonder, you’ll only deal with one baking dish.
- Affordable Ingredients: Using shredded rotisserie chicken helps you save time and money—what’s not to love about this budget-friendly option?
- Family-Friendly Fun: It’s cheesy, it’s saucy, and let’s face it, who doesn’t love a meal that feels like a hug? Perfect for picky eaters!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (e.g., rotisserie chicken)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups cooked pasta (e.g., penne or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions
Follow these simple steps for a delicious Chicken Parmesan Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, half of the Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the pasta mixture and mix until everything is evenly distributed.
- Pour the casserole mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
- Top the casserole with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if using. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole (Overview)
Making this Chicken Parmesan Casserole is as easy as pie! Start by preparing your skillet with trimmed chicken, then combine everything else in a big bowl—really, you just can’t mess it up. Don’t skip toasting the garlic in the oil; it adds extra flavor that makes your taste buds rejoice. Bake the whole masterpiece until it’s hot and bubbly, and voilà! You’ve got a delicious dinner on the table.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Serving this dish is where the magic happens. Picture this: a steamy portion of casserole, topped with glistening melted cheese, surrounded by a sprinkle of vibrant green basil. Pair it with a fresh salad for some crunch and a glass of red wine for that perfect aroma. Oh, and don’t forget the garlic bread—because a cozy meal always needs a sidekick!
How to Store Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Leftovers? No problem! This casserole keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it—just make sure to follow up with some thoughtful reheating. Microwave or pop it back in the oven until heated through, and it’ll taste like homemade all over again!
Tips to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For a creamier texture, mix in a bit of cream cheese or ricotta.
- Want a crunch? Top with a mixture of Panko breadcrumbs and olive oil before the final bake for added texture!
- Adjust the seasonings to fit your family’s taste—add some red pepper flakes for a kick!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the chicken for vegetarian options like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even some roasted zucchini to make it a fabulous veggie casserole. You can also experiment with different types of cheese—imagine it with gouda or pepper jack for a slightly different flavor profile!
FAQs
1. Can I use uncooked chicken?
Yes, but you’d need to adjust your cooking time significantly. Make sure it’s fully cooked through!
2. How do I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and bake when you’re ready.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Just portion them out, store in airtight containers, and enjoy them later.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, half of the Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the pasta mixture and mix until everything is evenly distributed.
- Pour the casserole mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
- Top the casserole with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if using. Serve warm and enjoy!
