The Ultimate Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe Everyone Loves

Chicken parmesan casserole crafts a classic Italian-American favorite into a hearty, family-friendly meal that promises comfort and satisfaction.

Layers of crispy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Home cooks appreciate how this dish simplifies traditional preparation methods while maintaining incredible flavor profiles.

The casserole approach means less fuss and more enjoyment during meal preparation, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Combining tender chicken with robust seasonings and gooey cheese ensures each bite delivers maximum deliciousness.

Ingredients come together seamlessly, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that appeal to all ages.

Comfort food enthusiasts will adore this streamlined version of a restaurant classic.

All the Comfort of Parm, Now in a Bake

• Crave-Worthy Comfort: This chicken parmesan casserole delivers a mouthwatering blend of crispy breaded chicken, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta that hugs your taste buds with pure comfort food magic.
• Hassle-Free Crowd-Pleaser: The layered casserole method makes this dish incredibly easy to prepare, with simple breading techniques and one-pan baking that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal anyone can master.
• Texture Sensation: Experience a delightful contrast between the crunchy golden chicken breading, silky marinara sauce, and stretchy melted mozzarella that creates an irresistible eating experience in every single bite.
• Quick Family Favorite: From prep to plate, this recipe takes less than an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings where you want maximum flavor with minimal kitchen time.

What You’ll Need for Casserole Greatness

• Rigatoni: Classic pasta shape with ridges that hold sauce well, choose high-quality Italian brands.
• Marinara Sauce: Bright, tangy tomato sauce that adds moisture and flavor to the casserole.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that provides main substance, select fresh, boneless cuts.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates initial dry coating for breading, helps breadcrumbs stick to chicken.
• Seasoned Salt: Adds flavor and enhances chicken's natural taste, use a blend with herbs and spices.
• Black Pepper: Provides mild heat and depth to the breading, freshly ground preferred.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps breadcrumbs adhere to chicken, creates crispy exterior.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides crunchy texture and golden-brown coating, plain or Italian-style work well.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor, use freshly grated for best taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides creamy, melty texture, whole milk variety recommended.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish, adds color and light herbal note.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create golden chicken crust.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps fry chicken evenly, neutral flavor preferred.

Layer, Top, and Bake Like a Cozy Pro

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pasta

• Marinara sauce
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Set the pasta mixture aside.

Step 2: Chicken Coating Adventure

• Pat chicken dry
• Slice into 1/2-inch strips

Create three seasoning stations:

• Flour
• Seasoned salt
• Black pepper

• Whisked eggs

• Breadcrumbs

Dip chicken first in flour mixture, then egg wash, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

• 1/4 inch oil
• Butter

Cook over medium-high heat. Fry chicken until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Let excess oil drain on paper towels. Chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Layer and Bake Casserole

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it. Create delicious layers:

• Half of the pasta
• Chicken pieces
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Repeat the layers one more time.

Bake for 25 minutes.

For extra crispy top, broil at 425°F for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Serve alongside warm garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Handy Tips for Cheesy, Saucy Success

• Pasta Perfection: Undercook pasta by one minute to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring a perfect al dente texture in the final dish.
• Breading Brilliance: Use one hand for dry ingredients and another for wet to keep your hands clean and achieve an even, crispy chicken coating.
• Oil Temperature Magic: Test oil heat by dropping a breadcrumb – it should sizzle immediately but not burn, guaranteeing golden-brown chicken.
• Layer Like a Pro: Create even layers for consistent flavor distribution and ensure every bite has a mix of pasta, chicken, and cheese.
• Crispy Top Secret: Broiling for the last 5 minutes adds a gorgeous golden crust and elevates the casserole's visual and textural appeal.

Store Casserole Without Losing Its Crunchy Top

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled casserole into an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping flavors fresh and preventing bacterial growth.
• Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, restore crispy texture by baking in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the casserole's delicious taste and texture.

Perfect Matches for This Hearty Chicken Dish

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, cheesy chicken parmesan flavors. The wine's acidity cuts through the dish's richness while enhancing the marinara's tangy notes.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Toss a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heaviness. Add some shaved Parmesan and toasted pine nuts for extra texture and brightness.
• Serve with Herbed Garlic Bread: Elevate the garlic bread by brushing with herb-infused olive oil and sprinkling with fresh basil and oregano. The crusty bread provides a perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy casserole.
• Pour Crisp Italian White Wine: Select a Pinot Grigio or Vermentino to offer a light, refreshing counterpoint to the dish's rich, cheesy profile. Its citrusy undertones will cleanse the palate between bites.

Switch Up the Layers for New Flavors

• Zesty Mediterranean Chicken Bake: Replace marinara with sun-dried tomato sauce, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle oregano. Mix in chopped kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken Casserole: Swap marinara for salsa, use pepper jack cheese, and add diced green chiles. Top with crushed tortilla chips and cilantro before serving.
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta: Incorporate a homemade mushroom cream sauce instead of marinara. Mix in sautéed wild mushrooms and replace some mozzarella with gruyère cheese for rich depth.
• Herb-Infused Chicken Pasta: Blend fresh basil, thyme, and rosemary into the marinara sauce. Use herbed breadcrumbs for coating chicken and finish with a sprinkle of fresh herb mix on top.

Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic Italian-American Chicken Parmesan meets comforting casserole in this hearty one-dish meal. Melted mozzarella, crispy chicken, and rich marinara sauce create a crowd-pleasing dinner that brings Mediterranean flavors directly to your table, satisfying hunger and delighting senses with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts

Starches:

• 0.75 pound rigatoni pasta
• 0.75 cup flour
• 1.5 cups Italian breadcrumbs

Dairy and Cheese:

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 0.33 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons butter

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 32 ounces (up to 48 ounces) marinara sauce
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
• 0.25 teaspoon pepper

Cooking Ingredients:

• 0.75 cup vegetable oil

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

Cooking Liquids and Oils:

• 0.75 cup vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Initiate the culinary process by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring a perfectly heated cooking environment.
2. Cook rigatoni pasta in boiling water until nearly al dente, approximately 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions recommend, creating a perfectly textured base.
3. Drain the pasta thoroughly and return to the pot, gently folding in marinara sauce, grated Parmesan cheese, and a portion of shredded mozzarella until evenly coated.
4. Prepare the chicken by patting it dry and slicing into uniform half-inch strips for consistent cooking.
5. Create a three-station breading setup: first station with seasoned flour mixture, second with whisked eggs, third with breadcrumbs for complete coating.
6. Meticulously coat each chicken strip by first dredging in seasoned flour, then dipping in egg wash, and finally rolling in breadcrumbs for a crispy exterior.
7. Heat a combination of vegetable oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a golden cooking surface.
8. Carefully fry the breaded chicken strips until they achieve a rich golden-brown color, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring complete cooking.
9. Transfer the fried chicken to paper towels to drain excess oil, then slice into bite-sized pieces for easy serving.
10. Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) baking dish to prevent sticking.
11. Create the first layer by spreading half the pasta mixture, followed by a layer of chicken pieces, sprinkled Parmesan cheese, and additional mozzarella.
12. Repeat the layering process with remaining ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
13. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and flavors to meld together.
14. For an extra crispy top, broil at 425°F (218°C) for 4-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
15. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
16. Serve immediately alongside warm garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Perfectly crisp chicken starts with a three-step breading process that locks in moisture and creates a golden, crunchy exterior.
• Cooking pasta just shy of al dente prevents overcooking during baking, ensuring a perfectly textured final dish.
• Layering ingredients strategically helps distribute flavors evenly, creating a delicious bite in every spoonful.
• Drain fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil, maintaining a crisp coating and preventing sogginess.
• Broiling for a few minutes at the end adds a beautiful golden-brown top, elevating the casserole’s visual appeal and texture.
• Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the maximum crunch and melted cheese experience.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 625 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 1150 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg