Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

If you love the classic flavors of chicken parmesan but are looking for a fuss-free, cozy way to enjoy them, this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with rich marinara, melty Italian cheese, and a crunchy crouton topping that gives you all the familiar comforts of chicken parmesan—just without the extra steps of frying and breading.

What I adore about this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is how perfect it is for busy weeknights or casual gatherings when you want something hearty but simple. It’s also forgiving, which means you don’t have to be a pro chef to nail it. Trust me, I’ve made this dish countless times, and it’s become my go-to when I want comfort food without the hassle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe lies in how these ingredients come together seamlessly—each adding a layer of flavor or texture that makes the final dish sing. When you shop, just look for fresh chicken breasts and your favorite marinara sauce. Pro tip: opt for a high-quality shredded Italian blend cheese for that perfect melt.

• Chicken breasts: Choose skinless, boneless breasts of even thickness for even cooking and tender results.
• Livia’s Seasoning Salt: This mix of salt, pepper, and garlic is a simple way to boost flavor without fuss.
• Marinara sauce: Pick a smooth, flavorful sauce—homemade or store-bought—just make sure it’s well-seasoned.
• Shredded Italian blend cheese: A mix of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan brings creamy richness and great melt.
• Croutons: These add an unexpected crunch that turns the casserole’s top into a crispy highlight.

Variations

One thing I love about this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. Whether you want to lighten it up, pack in more veggies, or target a specific dietary need, it adapts well. Feel free to play around with the base recipe to suit your family’s tastes.

• Low-carb version: I swap croutons for crushed pork rinds or almond flour topping to keep things crunchy but cut back on carbs.
• Extra veggies: Toss in sautéed spinach or mushrooms between chicken and marinara—this adds freshness and nutrition.
• Spicy kick: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the sauce gives the casserole a nice warmth that my family really enjoys.
• Cheese swaps: Try using fresh mozzarella balls for a creamier texture or add parmesan on top for an extra cheesy crust.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken

Start by trimming any excess fat off your chicken breasts. I like to pound them gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin so they’re all the same thickness—this is a game changer for even cooking. Then, lay them out in a single, flat layer in your 9×13 inch baking dish. Trust me, it avoids those annoying spots where some pieces end up dry while others are still undercooked.

Step 2: Season Like a Pro

Sprinkle Livia’s Seasoning Salt generously on both sides of the chicken. This mix packs salt, pepper, and garlic so you get bold flavor without added steps. If you want, you can add a pinch of Italian herbs here too. Seasoning well at this stage really infuses the chicken with flavor, so don’t be shy.

Step 3: Layer the Sauce, Cheese, and Croutons

Pour about 1½ cups of marinara sauce evenly over the chicken. The sauce keeps the chicken moist as it bakes and adds that familiar tomato richness. Next, sprinkle the shredded Italian blend cheese on top, spreading it out to cover evenly. Finally, top everything with a generous layer of croutons. This crunchy topping is what sets this casserole apart—adding a beautiful golden crust once baked.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop your casserole into the oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. About halfway through, peek in to check the croutons—if they’re browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil to keep them from burning while the chicken finishes cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken hits 165°F (74°C) internally for safe and juicy results.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh basil leaves over the casserole once out of the oven—its bright, herbal aroma adds a fresh pop that balances the rich cheese and sauce. Shredded parmesan on top is another favorite for an extra cheesy finish. A drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can jazz things up, too.

Side Dishes

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with classic pasta tossed in olive oil or garlic butter—something simple to soak up the sauce. Lately, I’ve also served it alongside steamed green beans or a crisp Caesar salad to keep the meal balanced and fresh. Sometimes, garlic bread makes a perfect accompaniment if you’re really craving comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve baked this casserole in smaller individual ramekins—each portion comes out perfectly crispy on top and looks really pretty. Another fun idea is layering thin slices of zucchini or eggplant beneath the chicken for a vegetable-packed twist that’s both elegant and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftover casserole into airtight containers and store them in the fridge. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days and actually tastes even better the next day because the flavors have had time to meld. Just make sure to cover it tightly to keep that crunchy crouton topping from sogging.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a few times with great results. Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish and wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake until heated through and bubbly. It’s a lifesaver when you want a quick, homemade meal on hand.

Reheating

To keep the croutons crisp, I reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes instead of using the microwave. If you’re in a hurry, microwave first to warm the inside, then pop it in the oven or under the broiler for a few minutes to revive the crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe has become one of my favorite weeknight meals because it’s so simple but feels indulgent and satisfying. I love how it brings those classic Italian-American flavors into a hands-off casserole form that even busy days can handle. If you’re looking to make a comforting dinner with minimal fuss but maximum flavor, you’ll really enjoy giving this recipe a try—you might just end up making it again and again like I do!

Print