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If you love classic Chicken Parmesan but don’t love standing over the stove frying cutlets, this Chicken Parmesan Casserole is going to be your new favourite dinner.
Soften tender chicken all baked up with marinara sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, and a crisp, golden topping.
This recipe takes the flavours of classic Chicken Parmesan and transforms it into an easy casserole that gets dinner onto the table for the whole family on weeknights—no breading station. No frying. Just sheer casserole-layering-craving-making.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the BEST Chicken Parmesan Casserole at home.
Ingredients
Why You’re Going to Love This Chicken Parmesan Casserole ‐
- It’s Easier than the classic Chicken Parmesan
- It’s perfect for busy weeknights
- Kids love it (and so do picky eaters!)
- Makes meal prep a breeze
- It’s freezer-friendly
- Serves a crowd.
It’s everything you love about Italian American comfort food – without all of the fuss.
What is Chicken Parmesan Casserole?
Traditional Chicken Parmesan (also called Chicken Parm) consists of breaded chicken cutlets fried to golden brown perfection, underneath a layer of marinara and cheese, baked until bubbly.
Chicken Parmesan Casserole takes all those same flavours and wraps them into a layered baked dish.
Instead of cutlets, we’re using bite-sized chicken pieces (or shredded chicken), plus sauce, pasta (optional), and lots of cheese, all baked up together in one pan.
It’s easier. It’s faster. And honestly? Sometimes it’s even better.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Preheat & Prep Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Chicken—heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with: Salt, Pepper, Garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes). Remove from heat.
Tip: Don’t overcook the chicken—it will continue cooking in the oven.
Then fold in the chicken, marinara (be sure it’s extra saucy in the oven, since it could dry out), pasta (if using) and cheese and scoop it all into a casserole with a buttery breadcrumb topping.
In a small bowl, combine: ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, Extra Parmesan, Fresh parsley. Lightly scatter it over the entire top and then into the oven.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and topping is golden brown.
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Tips for Success.
These tips will ensure that your dish has restaurant-quality flavour with every preparation.
1. Use Freshly Grated Cheese.
Pre-grated cheese has anti-clumping agents that prevent smooth melting and throw off cheese pulls.
For the tastiest gooey cheese pull, grate mozzarella by hand or from block cheese and use real Parmigiano-Reggiano if you can get it—it noticeably ups the flavour profile!
2. Use Your Favourite Marinara.
Store-Bought Marinara to Look For: Low sugar Simple ingredient list Rich tomato flavor Or make your own (if you have the time!).
If the sauce tastes too acidic, sprinkle in a bit of sugar to balance it.
3. Don’t Skimp on That Crispy Topping.
The panko gives it that classic crispy topping you’d expect from breaded cutlets. Want it extra crispy? Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, keeping an eye on it.
4. Pasta or No Pasta?
You’ve Got Options With pasta: hearty, filling dinner-in-one-dish. Without pasta: low-carb, protein-packed. If you omit the pasta, you may want to use a little less sauce to avoid runniness.
Make It Even Easier with Rotisserie Chicken. Short on time? Use meat from a rotisserie chicken in place of the shredded chicken and cut the prep time in half! It’ll still be delicious.
Let It Rest Before Cutting. If you slice into the lasagna right after it comes out of the oven, it will be soupy. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes so that everything sets and the sauce thickens.
What to Serve with Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Pair this casserole with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Italian green beans
- Simple side salad
For entertaining, add a light dessert like tiramisu or cannoli.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerate
Store in airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze
Freeze baked or unbaked for up to 3 months.
To reheat:
- Thaw overnight in fridge
- Bake at 350°F until heated through
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can fully assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead.
Just:
- Cover tightly
- Refrigerate
- Bake when ready
Add 5–10 extra minutes if baking straight from fridge.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the chicken
Result: Dry, tough meat
Too much sauce
Result: Watery casserole
Not seasoning properly
Season every layer for best flavor
Skipping rest time
It needs time to set!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great and stay extra juicy.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—use two 9×13 pans or one large catering pan.
How do I know it’s done?
Internal temperature should reach 165°F, and cheese should be bubbly.
Why This Recipe Works
This casserole works because it balances:
- Protein from chicken
- Acidity from marinara
- Fat from cheese
- Crunch from breadcrumbs
It delivers comfort food satisfaction without complicated steps.
Final Thoughts
If your family loves Italian-style comfort food, this Chicken Parmesan Casserole will quickly become a weekly favorite. It’s hearty, cheesy, comforting, and incredibly simple to prepare.
Whether you’re feeding kids, hosting friends, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something warm and satisfying—this casserole checks every box.
Make it once, and I promise it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
