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Chicken Parm Casserole

Chicken Parm Casserole
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This Chicken Parm Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and easy-to-make dish that captures the classic flavors of chicken parmesan without frying or breading. Loaded with tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, feeding the family, or meal prepping. Baked to bubbly golden perfection in one dish, it offers effortless cleanup and hearty satisfaction.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini) or 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (for extra cheesy variation)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños (for a spicy twist)
  • Gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles/cauliflower rice (for gluten-free version)
  • Eggplant slices or mushrooms (for vegetarian substitution)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Lightly season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Optionally, sauté the chicken briefly in olive oil over medium heat until golden on the outside but not fully cooked, to retain juiciness.
  2. Prepare the Sauce and Cheese: Use a quality marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade with garlic, crushed tomatoes, and herbs). Spoon half of the sauce into the bottom of a casserole dish. Sprinkle a portion of shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the sauce to create a flavorful base layer.
  3. Assemble the Casserole: Evenly layer the chicken pieces over the sauce and cheese. Pour the remaining sauce over the chicken. If using cooked pasta, mix it with the sauce before layering. Cover the top generously with the remaining shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Add ricotta cheese between layers if using.
  4. Bake Until Bubbling: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
  5. Let It Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to set slightly. This helps the casserole hold its shape and allows the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • Use a flavorful marinara sauce to elevate the dish.
  • Sauté chicken just until lightly cooked to keep it juicy after baking.
  • Add cheese both beneath and atop the chicken for even gooeyness.
  • Let the casserole rest before serving to avoid watery slices.
  • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a fresh, bright flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Freeze tightly wrapped or in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes to maintain moisture.
  • Substitute with dairy-free cheeses to make it dairy-free.
  • Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Casserole, Comfort Food, Italian-American, Cheese, Marinara, Weeknight Dinner, Easy Recipe, Gluten-Free Option

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/chicken-parm-casserole/