Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or thin cutlets.
Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. Make the Parmesan Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Lightly coat each piece of chicken with the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the coated chicken and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, just until lightly golden. The chicken does not need to be completely cooked at this stage because it will finish cooking in the oven.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of a baking dish.
Arrange the chicken pieces on top.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken.
Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for about 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden.
For extra browning, place the casserole under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
6. Garnish and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
What to Serve with Parmesan Chicken Casserole
This cheesy chicken casserole pairs beautifully with:
Spaghetti or pasta
Garlic bread
Steamed vegetables
Roasted broccoli
Green salad
Mashed potatoes
Rice
Tips for the Best Parmesan Chicken Casserole
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the chicken when browning it.
For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs.
Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Check the chicken with a thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
Variations
For a different twist, try adding sliced mushrooms, spinach, roasted red peppers, or zucchini.
You can also replace the chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven until heated through.
Conclusion
This Parmesan Chicken Casserole is everything you want in an easy comfort-food dinner: tender chicken, flavorful marinara sauce, crispy Parmesan coating, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but delicious enough to serve when you’re feeding family and friends.
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