Chicken Parmesan is a favorite dish for many, but sometimes making individual servings can take time. This Easy Chicken Parm Casserole is the perfect way to enjoy all those classic flavors with a lot less effort. It’s a hearty and comforting dish, filled with tender chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, all baked together. It’s great for a quick weeknight meal, and the whole family will love it!
| Servings | Total |
| 8 | 40mins |
History of Chicken Parm Casserole
Chicken Parmesan, or “Chicken Parmigiana,” originated from Italian cuisine but was adapted in the United States over time. Traditionally, the dish involves breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Turning it into a casserole became popular because it’s easier to prepare for a crowd and has that same delicious flavor without all the frying.
Why Chicken Parm Casserole
This casserole version of Chicken Parmesan is perfect for busy families or anyone who loves simple, flavorful meals. It’s much quicker to prepare than individual chicken cutlets, and it allows you to feed a crowd with minimal effort. You still get the crispy breadcrumbs, rich marinara, and melted cheese, but all in one easy dish.
What is Chicken Parm Casserole Made of?
Chicken Parm Casserole is made with:
- Cooked, shredded, or diced chicken
- Marinara or tomato sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Bread crumbs (for that crispy topping)
- Olive oil and seasonings like garlic powder and Italian herbs
What to Have with Chicken Parm Casserole
You can serve Chicken Parm Casserole with:
- A simple Caesar or garden salad
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Pasta on the side (spaghetti or penne works great)
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans
Is Chicken Parm Casserole Healthy?
Chicken Parm Casserole can be made lighter by using lean chicken, reducing the amount of cheese, or using a low-sodium marinara sauce. Baking instead of frying also reduces the fat content compared to traditional Chicken Parmesan. If you want a healthier option, you can use whole-wheat breadcrumbs and increase the veggies on the side.
Kitchen Equipment
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan (optional for warming sauce)
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Foil (for covering while baking)
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Layer Chicken: Spread the cooked, shredded chicken evenly in a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Add Marinara: Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, spreading it out so all the chicken is covered.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the marinara-covered chicken.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is combined.
- Top the Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the cheese layer.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Crunchy Top: For an extra crunchy topping, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes after baking.
- Healthier Option: Swap out regular breadcrumbs for whole-wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs, and use a lower-fat cheese.
Conclusion
Easy Chicken Parm Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that combines all the flavors of classic Chicken Parmesan into one convenient meal. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, and you can easily adapt it to make it lighter or more indulgent, depending on your preference. Serve it with a fresh salad or pasta, and you’ve got a meal the whole family will love.
MORE RECIPES
Easy Chicken Parm Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan (optional for warming sauce)
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Foil (for covering while baking)
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Spread the cooked, shredded chicken evenly in a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, spreading it out so all the chicken is covered.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the marinara-covered chicken.
- In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is combined.
- Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the cheese layer.
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.