Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Quick & Easy Italian Dinner (Print Version)
Enjoy a quick & easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole. All the classic Italian flavors of chicken parm baked into one comforting dish, perfect for busy weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Chicken Foundation
01 -
2 lbs cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
03 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Rich Tomato Embrace
04 -
24 oz jarred marinara sauce
05 -
1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
06 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1 tsp granulated sugar
08 -
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
09 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Golden Parmesan Crown
10 -
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
11 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 -
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
13 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
→ Fresh Finish
14 -
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
15 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Shred the 2 lbs cooked rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces. This foundational step ensures your Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Quick & Easy Italian Dinner starts perfectly.
02 -
In a large saucepan, combine 24 oz jarred marinara sauce, 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, and optional 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes.
03 -
Add the shredded 2 lbs cooked rotisserie chicken to the simmering tomato sauce. Stir well to coat all the chicken. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. This hearty mixture forms the core of your delicious Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Quick & Easy Italian Dinner.
04 -
Spread half of the chicken and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat with the remaining chicken mixture, then top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella.
05 -
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, and the remaining 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. This creates a crispy, golden crown for your casserole.
06 -
Sprinkle the panko topping evenly over the assembled casserole. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let the Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Quick & Easy Italian Dinner rest for 5 minutes before serving.
07 -
Garnish the hot casserole with 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, and 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped. Serve immediately with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra flavor, sauté a small chopped onion with the garlic before adding the marinara sauce.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
03 -
Feel free to use cooked pasta (like penne or ziti) layered in with the chicken and sauce for a heartier pasta bake variation.
04 -
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette and some warm garlic bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
9x13 inch baking dish
02 -
Large mixing bowl
03 -
Measuring cups and spoons
04 -
Cutting board
05 -
Knife
06 -
Spatula
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 543 kcal
Total Fat: 23 g
Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
Protein: 61 g