Looking for a comforting, cheesy, and easy-to-make dinner? This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is everything you love about classic chicken parm but in a fuss-free, baked dish. With layers of juicy chicken, marinara sauce, melty cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals.

Unlike traditional Chicken Parmesan, which requires frying, this casserole version keeps things simple while delivering all the classic flavors. It’s a one-pan wonder that requires minimal prep and bakes to golden perfection in under an hour. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, with a side of garlic bread, or on its own, this dish will become a family favorite in no time!

What Makes This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Special?

No Frying Required – Enjoy all the crispy goodness of chicken parmesan without the mess of frying.
One-Pan Meal – Everything bakes together in a single dish, making cleanup a breeze.
Perfectly Crispy Topping – A mix of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and butter creates an irresistible golden crust.
Customizable – Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving hack or swap ingredients to fit your taste.
Great for Meal Prep – Freezes and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for make-ahead meals.

Ingredient Notes

Chicken: Use cooked, shredded chicken for ease. Rotisserie chicken works great!
Marinara Sauce: Adds flavor and moisture. Choose a high-quality store-bought brand or make your own.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, giving that classic gooey texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the casserole and crispy topping.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Create a crunchier topping compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Italian Seasoning: Enhances the dish with a classic herb blend.
Butter: Helps toast the breadcrumb topping to perfection.
Pasta (optional): Serve with cooked spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta variety.

How To Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Layer the Ingredients

Spread half the marinara sauce in the baking dish.
Add a layer of shredded chicken, followed by the remaining sauce.
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the chicken.

3. Make the Crispy Topping

In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
Evenly sprinkle over the top of the casserole.

4. Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

5. Serve & Enjoy

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Serve over pasta or with garlic bread.

Storage Options

Room Temperature: Not recommended due to dairy content.
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

Low-Carb Version: Skip the breadcrumbs and serve over zucchini noodles.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for the topping.
Extra Protein: Add a layer of ricotta cheese for extra creaminess.
Spicy Kick: Mix red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce.
Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken for roasted eggplant or zucchini slices.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?

Yes, but increase the baking time to 40-45 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F/74°C internal temperature).

2. What’s the best type of cheese to use?

Mozzarella is a must, but a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan adds extra flavor.

3. How do I keep the topping from getting soggy?

Bake uncovered and broil for the last 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.

4. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

5. What can I serve with this casserole?

It pairs well with garlic bread, a simple salad, or roasted veggies.

Conclusion

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. It’s cheesy, crispy, and full of rich Italian flavors—all with minimal effort. Try it once, and it might just become a staple in your meal rotation. If you loved this recipe, let us know in the comments and share it with friends!

Best Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe – Easy & Cheesy

Author: Sofia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6

Print Recipe

Description

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredients

Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer Ingredients: Spread half the marinara sauce in the dish. Add shredded chicken and cover with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
Make Crispy Topping: In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Serve: Let cool slightly, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and enjoy!

Instructions

Want extra crispiness? Broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
Make it ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready.
Serving idea: Pair with garlic bread or pasta for a full meal!

Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 35g