Ultimate Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
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Ultimate Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
A rich and comforting chicken parmesan casserole with layers of seasoned chicken, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Total Time: 65
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
✓ 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
✓ 2 cups marinara sauce
✓ 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
✓ 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
✓ 1 teaspoon dried oregano
✓ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
✓ 1 teaspoon onion powder
✓ ½ teaspoon salt
✓ ½ teaspoon black pepper
✓ 1 cup cooked pasta
✓ Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
✓ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
✓ In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
✓ Rub this seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
✓ Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
✓ Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and slightly golden.
✓ Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
✓ In the same skillet, add the marinara sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm through.
✓ Cut each chicken breast into thick slices and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
✓ Pour the warm marinara sauce over the chicken.
✓ Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce and chicken.
✓ Add the cooked pasta if using, and distribute it on top.
✓ Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
✓ Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
✓ Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
✓ Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
For a crispier top, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking. If you don’t have cooked pasta, you can add raw pasta directly to the sauce and cook it in the casserole for 10-15 minutes before adding cheese. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 520
- Fat: 22
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 32
There’s something deeply satisfying about a hearty, cheesy, oven-baked casserole that brings together the comfort of pasta with the richness of Italian flavors. The Ultimate Chicken Parmesan Casserole is that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and indulgent. This dish combines tender, seasoned chicken with a rich marinara sauce, layered with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving a home-cooked meal, this casserole delivers on both taste and satisfaction.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need to be a master chef to create a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant. With just a few pantry staples and some fresh ingredients, you can build a casserole that’s rich, flavorful, and oh-so satisfying. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper, giving it a deep, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the tangy marinara. The mozzarella melts into a creamy, stretchy layer, while the Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty finish. If you’re feeling fancy, you can add a cup of cooked pasta for a heartier serving, or keep it lean and light.
This casserole is ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even a cozy weekend meal. It’s a versatile dish that can be made ahead and reheated, making it a great option for meal prep. It also adapts well to dietary preferences—whether you’re looking for a dairy-free version or want to add extra vegetables, this recipe is easily customizable. The key to a great chicken parmesan casserole is the balance of flavors, the right amount of cheese, and the perfect texture from the chicken and sauce.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked pasta (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and slightly golden. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the marinara sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm through. Cut each chicken breast into thick slices and arrange them in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the warm marinara sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce and chicken. Add the cooked pasta if using, and distribute it on top. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- For a crispier top, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- If you don’t have cooked pasta, you can add raw pasta directly to the sauce and cook it in the casserole for 10-15 minutes before adding cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
