Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Easy & Cheesy Family Dinner

Chicken Parmesan Casserole is truly a culinary marvel, taking a beloved Italian-American classic and transforming it into an effortless, family-friendly meal. I often find myself turning to this dish when I crave the comforting flavors of crispy chicken, rich tomato sauce, and gooey, melted cheese, but without the fuss of individual plating. This ingenious adaptation honors the spirit of traditional chicken parmigiana, which itself evolved from Italian eggplant parmigiana, becoming a staple in American homes for its irresistible combination of textures and tastes.

What makes this dish so universally adored?

It’s the perfect harmony of tender chicken, robust marinara, and a generous blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, all baked together to golden perfection. The casserole format means less time standing over the stove and more time enjoying delicious food with loved ones. It’s the ultimate weeknight hero, a make-ahead wonder, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a bustling family or hosting a casual gathering, this Chicken Parmesan Casserole delivers on both flavor and convenience, making it an absolute must-try for anyone seeking hearty, soulful comfort food.

Ingredients:

• For the Crispy Chicken Cutlets:
  • 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 – 2 pounds total), butterflied and pounded to ½-inch thickness
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten with 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs (I find Panko gives the best crispiness and crunch!)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (the good stuff, freshly grated if you can manage it, for superior flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup olive oil, for pan-frying (or more, as needed, to achieve a beautiful golden crust)
• For the Rich Marinara Sauce:
  • 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes (San Marzano if you can get them, their sweetness and balance truly elevate the sauce!)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp on the garlic for maximum flavor!)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but I love the subtle warmth it adds to the sauce!)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and deepen the overall flavor profile)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish
• For the Cheesy Layers:
  • 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese (this melts perfectly and stretches wonderfully!)
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn into small pieces (the fresh mozzarella adds a creamy, luxurious texture when melted)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for sprinkling on top
  • ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (for that extra salty, sharp, and tangy punch that truly makes a difference!)

Preparing the Chicken Cutlets

1. Prepare the Chicken: Our first step is to get those chicken breasts ready for their crispy transformation! Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and carefully butterfly them. To do this, lay each breast flat on a cutting board. Hold your knife parallel to the board and slice the breast horizontally almost all the way through, stopping about half an inch from the other side, then open it up like a book. Next, place each butterflied chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or inside a large zip-top bag. Using a meat mallet or a heavy rolling pin, pound the chicken evenly to approximately a ½-inch thickness. This pounding step is absolutely crucial! It not only tenderizes the chicken but also ensures that each cutlet cooks evenly and quickly, which is key for our Chicken Parmesan Casserole. Once pounded, be sure to pat the chicken cutlets very dry with paper towels; this helps the flour and breading adhere properly, leading to a much crispier result.
2. Set Up Your Breading Stations: Now, let’s create our assembly line for breading the chicken. You’ll need three shallow dishes or pie plates for this process.
   • In the first dish, place the ½ cup of all-purpose flour. Make sure it’s spread out evenly.
   • In the second dish, lightly beat the 2 large eggs with 1 tablespoon of water. A quick whisk with a fork will ensure the egg wash is uniform and ready to coat.
   • In the third dish, combine the 1 ½ cups of Panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Take a moment to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly with your fingers. Evenly distributing the spices within the breadcrumbs is vital for ensuring every bite of our Chicken Parmesan Casserole is bursting with flavor and has that perfectly seasoned crust.
3. Bread the Chicken: It’s time to get your hands a little messy, but it’s worth it! Working with one chicken cutlet at a time, first dredge it thoroughly in the flour, ensuring it’s completely coated on all sides. Gently shake off any excess flour; we want a thin, even layer. Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, allowing any extra to drip off back into the dish. Finally, transfer the chicken to the seasoned Panko mixture. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto both sides of the cutlet, ensuring maximum coverage. The more breadcrumbs that stick, the crispier and more satisfying your cutlets will be! Place the breaded cutlets on a clean plate or a baking sheet as you finish each one. This preparation ensures that when these cutlets go into the casserole, they maintain their delicious texture.
4. Pan-Fry the Chicken: Heat ¼ cup of olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. You’ll know the oil is ready when it shimmers gently but isn’t smoking. Carefully place 2-3 breaded chicken cutlets into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will drastically lower the oil’s temperature, leading to soggy, rather than crispy, chicken – and we definitely don’t want that for our Chicken Parmesan Casserole! Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the crispy chicken cutlets to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining chicken, adding more olive oil to the pan if needed for subsequent batches. Each cutlet should be perfectly golden and delicious, as they form the very heart of our incredible casserole.

Crafting the Rich Marinara Sauce

5. Sauté Aromatics: While your chicken is cooking and resting, let’s get started on the soul of our Chicken Parmesan Casserole – the rich marinara sauce! In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s softened and translucent, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This gentle cooking brings out the natural sweetness of the onion. Then, add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and the optional red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute, until the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant, being extremely careful not to let it burn. A burnt garlic taste can unfortunately impart a bitter flavor to the entire sauce, so watch it closely!
6. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the 2 (28-ounce) cans of crushed tomatoes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar – I find this step really helps to cut through any natural acidity from the tomatoes and truly brightens up the overall flavor profile of the sauce. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste; remember to taste as you go! Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it simmer for at least 30-40 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld, deepen, and concentrate, resulting in a truly rich and complex sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking to the bottom of the pot. After simmering, stir in the ¼ cup of fresh chopped basil. Give it one last taste and adjust any seasonings as needed. This homemade sauce is infinitely superior to store-bought options and is absolutely essential for an authentic and incredibly delicious Chicken Parmesan Casserole experience.

Assembling the Chicken Parmesan Casserole

7. Preheat and Prepare Dish: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. A little non-stick cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil spread with a paper towel will do the trick to prevent anything from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
8. First Layer of Sauce: Spread about 1 cup of your delicious, simmering homemade marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This creates a flavorful, moist base for our casserole and helps prevent the chicken from adhering to the dish.
9. Layer the Chicken: Carefully arrange half of your perfectly golden-brown crispy chicken cutlets in a single layer over the marinara sauce. Try to fit them snugly side-by-side without overlapping them too much, ensuring each cutlet has good contact with the sauce.
10. First Cheese Layer: Now, let’s get cheesy! Sprinkle half of the shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken. Then, dot with about half of the sliced or torn fresh mozzarella pieces. Follow this with half of the grated Parmesan cheese and half of the grated Pecorino Romano cheese. These multiple cheese layers are what make this Chicken Parmesan Casserole so incredibly decadent and satisfying!
11. Second Layer of Sauce and Chicken: Ladle another generous amount of marinara sauce (approximately 1.5 – 2 cups) evenly over the first cheese layer, ensuring everything is nicely covered. This sauce will keep our casserole moist and flavorful. Then, carefully place the remaining chicken cutlets on top of this layer of sauce, again trying to fit them in a single, even layer.
12. Final Cheese Layer: Finish strong with the remaining shredded low-moisture mozzarella, fresh mozzarella pieces, grated Parmesan, and grated Pecorino Romano cheeses. For an extra golden-brown, nutty crust, you can even sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top. This top layer of cheese will melt into a glorious, bubbly blanket over your Chicken Parmesan Casserole.

Baking and Serving Your Masterpiece

13. Bake to Perfection: Place the fully assembled baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted, gloriously bubbly, and beautifully golden brown on top. If you notice the top browning a bit too quickly for your liking, you can loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. The incredible aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be absolutely divine and incredibly tempting! This baking time allows all the delicious flavors to meld together seamlessly and ensures that the entire casserole is heated through perfectly to a piping hot, ready-to-eat temperature.
14. Rest Before Serving: Once you pull your glorious Chicken Parmesan Casserole out of the oven, it’s vital to let it rest for 10-15 minutes before attempting to serve it. This is a crucial step that many people rush, but it makes all the difference! Resting allows the melted cheeses to set slightly and the internal juices to redistribute throughout the dish, making for cleaner, more intact slices and preventing a potential soupy mess when you scoop it out. Patience truly is a virtue, especially when it comes to delicious food.
15. Garnish and Serve: Before bringing your magnificent creation to the table, garnish generously with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil leaves. This not only adds a lovely pop of vibrant green color but also introduces a fresh, aromatic herbal note that beautifully complements the rich, savory flavors of the casserole. This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a wonderfully complete meal on its own, satisfying and hearty. However, it also pairs exceptionally well with a simple side of spaghetti tossed with a little butter and Parmesan cheese, or a crisp, fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. It’s truly comfort food at its finest, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that is sure to bring smiles to every face at your table. Enjoy every single cheesy, saucy, crispy, and utterly delicious bite of your homemade culinary masterpiece!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it – my absolute favorite take on a timeless classic. I truly believe this Chicken Parmesan Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It brings together all those beloved flavors we adore in traditional chicken parmesan – the crispy, tender chicken, the rich, savory tomato sauce, and that irresistible blanket of gooey, golden cheese – but in a wonderfully convenient, family-friendly, and frankly, utterly addictive casserole format. No more fussing with individual breading and frying; this recipe streamlines the process beautifully without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or that comforting, satisfying texture we crave. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal on the table without hours of prep, yet it’s equally impressive for entertaining guests or bringing to a potluck. You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again because it consistently delivers on taste, ease, and pure culinary joy. It’s comforting, it’s cheesy, it’s packed with flavor, and it’s a proven crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of this incredible dish, let’s talk about how to make it even more your own and ensure it fits perfectly into any dining occasion.

Perfect Pairings:

This casserole is wonderfully substantial on its own, making it a complete meal, but it truly shines when complemented with simple yet effective sides. I love serving it alongside a crisp, vibrant green salad with a light vinaigrette; the freshness cuts beautifully through the richness of the cheese and sauce, creating a delightful balance. A side of warm, buttery garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is also an absolute must-have in my book, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delectable tomato sauce. If you’re feeling extra hungry or want to echo the classic pasta dish, a small portion of buttered spaghetti or linguine tossed with fresh parsley can complement it beautifully without overwhelming the main event. For a lighter touch, steamed green beans or asparagus make excellent companions.

Creative Variations to Make it Yours:

Don’t be afraid to experiment and personalize this recipe! The beauty of a casserole is its versatility.

• Cheese Swaps: While mozzarella and Parmesan are non-negotiable for that authentic flavor profile, consider adding a thin layer of provolone for extra meltiness and a slightly sharper tang, or a sprinkle of smoked gouda for a subtle, smoky twist that adds depth. A sharp white cheddar could also provide an interesting contrast.
• Herb Boost: Fresh basil or oregano, stirred into the sauce before baking or sprinkled generously over the top just before serving, will elevate the aromas and flavors significantly. For those who enjoy a little warmth, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce, delivering a delightful, subtle kick. Dried Italian seasoning works wonderfully too if fresh herbs aren’t available.
• Veggie Additions: Want to sneak in some extra vegetables? Sautéed mushrooms, thinly sliced bell peppers (any color!), or even a handful of fresh spinach can be layered into the casserole. Just make sure to cook down any high-moisture vegetables like mushrooms or spinach beforehand to avoid excess liquid in the final dish. Roasted zucchini or eggplant slices could also be a delicious inclusion.
• Protein Alternatives: While chicken is king here, the concept is adaptable! You could easily modify this recipe for ground turkey or even thinly sliced eggplant for a fantastic vegetarian version, essentially creating an Eggplant Parmesan Casserole. Just ensure any protein or veggie additions are cooked through or prepped appropriately to match the casserole’s baking time. You can also vary the chicken itself – use grilled chicken for a lighter touch, or even pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for an ultimate time-saver on particularly hectic evenings.

Seriously, my friends, if you’re looking for a recipe that combines comforting, nostalgic flavors with modern convenience and adaptability, this is absolutely it. I can’t emphasize enough how much I adore this Chicken Parmesan Casserole, and I’m genuinely confident that you and your loved ones will too. It’s truly a culinary hug in a dish, perfect for satisfying family dinners, bringing warmth to cozy gatherings, or simply treating yourself to something truly delicious and deeply satisfying after a long day. So, what are you waiting for? Head into your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and give this incredible recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed; in fact, I bet it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation. Once you’ve made it, please, please come back and tell me all about your experience! Did you love it as much as I do? What delightful variations did you try? Did your family gobble it up and ask for more? Share your photos, your tips, and your honest feedback in the comments section below. Your success stories and delicious creations are what truly inspire me, and I can’t wait to see your own beautiful versions of this fantastic meal. Happy cooking, everyone!

Chicken Parmesan Casserole

This chicken parmesan casserole is a simplified and comforting twist on a classic dish, turning just five ingredients into a delicious meal made to share. With pre-cooked chicken strips, penne pasta, mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and a rich pasta sauce, it’s easy to prepare. Simply combine, layer, and bake until melted and bubbly. A family-friendly favorite, this dish offers bold Italian-inspired flavors with minimal effort. Serve straight from the oven for a heartwarming and satisfying dinner everyone will love!

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
30 Minutes

Total Time
45 Minutes

Servings
8 servings

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
• 2 pounds pre-cooked chicken (strips, shredded rotisserie, or cooked breast)
• 2 (24 ounce) jars rich pasta sauce
• 3 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Cook penne pasta according to package directions; drain well.
2. Step 2
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pre-cooked chicken, and 1.5 jars of pasta sauce. Mix thoroughly.
3. Step 3
   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the remaining 0.5 jar of pasta sauce in a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the pasta mixture over the sauce.
4. Step 4
   Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the first pasta layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
5. Step 5
   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
6. Step 6
   Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow cheese to set.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.