Gather Your Ingredients
Chicken Component:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce & Cheese Goodness:
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce (your favorite brand!)
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Breadcrumb Topping (Optional, but Recommended!):
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Casserole
Listen, we all love comfort food, right? But sometimes, after a long day, the thought of breading chicken and frying it up seems… daunting. That’s where this Chicken Parmesan Casserole comes in to save the day! It gives you all the flavors you crave without all the hard work. It’s one of the Best Casseroles, trust me! This easy chicken parmesan bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for those nights when you need something quick, satisfying, and utterly delicious. Plus, it’s fantastic for meal prepping – leftovers (if there *are* any!) are amazing. When you’re looking for Chicken Dishes Easy, look no further.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping is Key:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Chicken Time:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Ricotta Mixture Magic:
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, the beaten egg, and parsley. Mix well.
Layering Like a Pro:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce (about 1/2 cup) on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces evenly over the sauce.
- Spoon the ricotta mixture over the chicken, spreading it as evenly as possible. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect!
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the ricotta layer.
- Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Breadcrumb Boost (Optional):
- If using, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese on top.
Baking to Perfection:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. If the breadcrumbs are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the casserole with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Rest and Serve:
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to slice. Garnish with extra fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips and Tricks for Casserole Success
Okay, let’s be real. Sometimes, even the easiest recipes can have a few hiccups. I’m here to help you avoid them!- Chicken Dryness Drama: To prevent the chicken from drying out, make sure to cut it into uniform pieces so it cooks evenly. Also, don’t overbake! Check for doneness at 30 minutes, and if the chicken isn’t quite ready, add a few more minutes.
- Sauce Selection: Use a high-quality marinara sauce that you love. The sauce is a key component of this dish, so it’s worth splurging on a good one. I personally love using Rao’s marinara sauce, but any brand you enjoy will work perfectly.
- Ricotta Issues: If your ricotta cheese is too watery, drain it in a cheesecloth-lined sieve for about 30 minutes before using. This will prevent the casserole from becoming too soggy.
- Freezing for Later: This Chicken Parmesan Casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble the casserole (without baking), wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Variations Galore: Feel free to customize this casserole to your liking! Add some sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the sauce for extra veggies. You can also use different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina, for a different flavor profile.
Making it Your Own: Delicious Variations
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is fantastic as is, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Think of it as a blank canvas for your culinary imagination.- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a little kick.
- Veggie Boost: Sneak in some extra veggies by adding chopped spinach or zucchini to the ricotta mixture.
- Garlic Lover’s Dream: Add a clove or two of minced garlic to the marinara sauce or the ricotta mixture.
- Pasta Power: For a heartier casserole, add a layer of cooked pasta (such as penne or rotini) to the bottom of the baking dish before adding the chicken. This truly makes it one of the best Easy Family Casseroles
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme, to add a unique flavor dimension.
Serving Suggestions for the Perfect Meal
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but it’s even better when paired with the right side dishes.- Classic Companions: Serve it with a simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing or some garlic bread for dipping up all that delicious sauce.
- Veggie Variety: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts, are a healthy and flavorful addition.
- Pasta Perfection: If you didn’t add pasta to the casserole itself, serve it alongside a small portion of spaghetti or linguine with a light tomato sauce.
Beyond Chicken Parmesan Casserole: More Easy Chicken Dishes
If you’re loving the ease and deliciousness of this Chicken Parmesan Casserole, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other favorite chicken recipes. I always strive for delicious recipes with minimal effort. If you love pasta, then you have to try my Chicken Mozzarella Pasta. For a low-carb option, the Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats are out of this world! And if you are feeling a little adventurous but still want cheesy chicken goodness, look no further than the Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Ultimate. And for a fun twist on lasagna, you can’t beat the Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Rolls. Or, you could try Garlic Parmesan Chicken Perfection 2025 for a different, yet similar taste!The Beauty of Dump Casseroles
One of the best things about this Chicken Parmesan Casserole is that it falls into the category of Dump Casseroles. Seriously, who doesn’t love a recipe where you can just dump all the ingredients into a dish and bake? It’s the ultimate time-saver for busy weeknights, and it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients. Plus, Dump Casseroles are incredibly versatile – you can easily adapt them to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or sauces.Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Effortless Chicken Parmesan Feast
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a guaranteed winner in my book. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for feeding a crowd. So go ahead, give it a try! I’m confident that it will become a staple in your dinner rotation. Enjoy!Can this Chicken Parmesan Casserole be made ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole can be assembled ahead of time, wrapped tightly, and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
What can I do to prevent the chicken from drying out in the casserole?
To prevent the chicken from drying out, cut it into uniform pieces so it cooks evenly, and avoid overbaking. Check for doneness at 30 minutes.
What are some variations I can make to the Chicken Parmesan Casserole?
You can customize the casserole by adding sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the sauce for extra veggies. You can also use different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina. Adding a layer of cooked pasta is also suggested for a heartier casserole.
What are some side dishes that go well with Chicken Parmesan Casserole?
The casserole pairs well with a simple side salad with vinaigrette, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. You could also serve it with a small portion of spaghetti or linguine.
Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole offers the classic flavors of chicken parmesan without the fuss of breading and frying. Tender chicken is layered with marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, then baked to golden-brown perfection for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Medium bowl
- Spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cheesecloth (optional, for draining ricotta)
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, the beaten egg, and parsley. Mix well.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce (about 1/2 cup) on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces evenly over the sauce.
- Spoon the ricotta mixture over the chicken, spreading it as evenly as possible. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect!
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the ricotta layer.
- Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- If using, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. If the breadcrumbs are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the casserole with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to slice. Garnish with extra fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
To prevent the chicken from drying out, make sure to cut it into uniform pieces so it cooks evenly. Use a high-quality marinara sauce that you love. If your ricotta cheese is too watery, drain it in a cheesecloth-lined sieve for about 30 minutes before using. This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole (without baking), wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Feel free to customize this casserole to your liking! Add some sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the sauce for extra veggies. You can also use different types of cheese, such as provolone or fontina, for a different flavor profile.
