Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Chicken Parmesan Casserole served with pasta is quick, healthy, and easy weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Chicken Parmesan Casserole served with pasta is quick, healthy, and easy weeknight dinner for the whole family.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
- â½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1.5 lb. cooked chicken- diced (if you don’t have cooked c
- 1 jar (28 ounces) of marinara sauce
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs (if use finer bread crumbs not flacked kind like panco, i suggest you to use just â¾ cup or
- italian seasoned salt-to taste
- 1 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley for serving
- Carbohydrate 24.6878666692581 g
- Cholesterol 70.82666672654 mg
- Fat 21.6891333496742 g
- Fiber 6.49599988937378 g
- Protein 29.3997333560291 g
- Saturated Fat 11.7493266763284 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1026g)
- Sodium 689.734167245783 mg
- Sugar 18.1918667798843 g
- Trans Fat 1.3768083341434 g
- Calories 378 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 F and grease 8 1/2 x 8 1/2 inch casserole with olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
- Place chopped cooked chicken in baking dish and pour marinara sauce over the chicken, stir to combine.
- Spread shredded mozzarella cheese on top to cover the chicken. Sprinkle with grated parmesan.
- In a bowl stir together bread crumbs and Italian seasoned salt. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and stir well. If it seems to dry and the crumbs are not evenly moistened add more olive oil and stir to combine. It depends on the texture of bread crumbs you use. Finer crumbs will seem to dry and need more oil, flaked crumbs like Panko need less oil.
- Sprinkle bread crumb mixture over the cheese and bake 20-25 minutes until bread crumbs get nice golden color.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley before serving if desired.
- If you want to make this ahead and freeze for later DO NOT BAKE, just cover the casserole and place in the freezer. Thaw completely before baking.
My Easy Weeknight Chicken Parmesan Casserole
As a busy mom, I'm always on the lookout for quick and easy dinners that the whole family will enjoy. This Chicken Parmesan Casserole has become a real lifesaver! It's so simple to put together, even on those crazy weeknights when time is short, and it tastes absolutely delicious. The kids love it, and honestly, so do I. There’s something wonderfully comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole on a chilly evening.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. I often adjust it depending on what I have on hand. Sometimes I use leftover rotisserie chicken to save even more time. Other times, I'll swap out the panko breadcrumbs for regular breadcrumbs, or even crush some crackers for a different texture. The key is to not be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Don't have fresh parsley? No problem! It's completely optional. The flavor of the chicken, cheese, and sauce is more than enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
One thing I always try to do is prep ingredients in advance. On the weekends, I'll often chop up a batch of vegetables or cook some extra chicken to use throughout the week in dishes like this. This helps to minimize cooking time during the week. The sauce and cheese are already prepped, so I just have to throw everything together when it’s time to eat.
I love how versatile this recipe is. It’s perfect for a casual weeknight meal, but it’s also elegant enough to serve to guests. Just add a simple side salad and some crusty bread, and you have a complete and satisfying dinner. The combination of creamy mozzarella, tangy marinara, and crispy breadcrumbs creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s hard to resist. I encourage you to try this recipe and see for yourself. If you need a simple, delicious, and kid-friendly recipe you can always rely on, give this one a go. It's sure to become a family favorite.
Tips and Variations:
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and freeze it unbaked. Just thaw completely before baking.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
- Use different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina.
- Serve it over pasta: For a heartier meal, serve the casserole over your favorite pasta.
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple, delicious food that brings people together. It’s a dish that embodies the heart of home cooking – a comforting, satisfying, and easy-to-make meal that everyone will enjoy. So, gather your family, put on some music, and let the aroma of this comforting casserole fill your kitchen. Enjoy!
