Description
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting and delicious twist on the classic Italian dish, combining tender shredded chicken with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Baked to golden perfection, it makes an easy and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Cheeses
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Breadcrumb 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare Chicken Layer: Spread the shredded cooked chicken evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish to create the base layer of the casserole.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken layer and spread it out evenly, coating the chicken thoroughly for flavor and moisture.
- Add Cheese Layers: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the marinara sauce to create a rich, cheesy layer.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine seasoned breadcrumbs with melted butter, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated for a flavorful crust.
- Add Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer, adding a crunchy texture to the casserole.
- Top with Remaining Cheese: Add the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top of the breadcrumbs to ensure a gooey, melted cheesy finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top turns golden brown, indicating it is cooked through and ready.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh chopped basil if desired, and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- For extra heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinara or breadcrumb mixture.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used to make this dish gluten free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
