Welcome to the ultimate comfort food experience! Classic chicken parmesan gets a fantastic, easy makeover in this irresistible casserole. Imagine tender pasta, rich marinara, and perfectly breaded chicken, all baked together under a blanket of gooey, melted cheese. This chicken parmesan casserole is a simple, baked twist on a beloved Italian-American dish.
Explore the fascinating origins of this beloved comfort food, which became a staple in Italian-American cuisine: origins of Chicken Parmesan in Italian-American cuisine.
It’s a convenient one-pan meal that’s both quick enough for weeknights and impressive enough for family gatherings. Get ready for a delicious, satisfying dinner that will become a staple in your home!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This delightful chicken parmesan casserole brings incredible flavor and simplicity to your table. Here are just a few reasons why it’s a must-try recipe:
- Comfort Food Favorite: Indulge in hearty, satisfying Italian-American flavors that everyone adores. This casserole truly hits the spot for a cozy meal.
- Customizable Chicken: Easily adapt the recipe using homemade breaded chicken, frozen tenders, or even leftover rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare components in advance or assemble the entire casserole to bake later, making it perfect for meal prep and busy schedules.
- One-Dish Wonder: Enjoy minimal cleanup thanks to everything baking together in a single dish, streamlining your cooking process.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This cheesy, saucy baked chicken parm appeals to all ages and tastes, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your mouthwatering chicken parmesan casserole. Using quality components ensures the best flavor!
- Pasta: ¾ pound rigatoni pasta (or penne for a similar shape)
- Sauce: 32 oz. marinara sauce (choose your favorite brand, or use up to 48 oz. for a saucier bake)
- Cheeses: 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided), ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- Chicken: 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Breading: ¾ cup all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons seasoned salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 2 eggs, 1 ½ cups Italian breadcrumbs
- Cooking Fat: ¾ cup vegetable oil, 2 Tablespoons butter
- Garnish: Fresh parsley (for a vibrant finish)
Notes & Substitutions
- Pasta choices: While rigatoni and penne are ideal, you can also use ziti, orecchiette, or even medium shells. Choose a sturdy pasta shape that holds sauce well.
- Marinara quality: A high-quality store-bought marinara sauce makes a huge difference in this dish. Feel free to use your favorite homemade marinara if you have it on hand.
- Cheese recommendations: For the best melt and flavor, opt for low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella. Shredding it from a block yourself avoids anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded varieties. Understanding why it’s often recommended to shred cheese from a block can elevate your culinary results: benefits of shredding your own cheese.
- Chicken options: To save time, use pre-cooked frozen chicken tenders or a shredded rotisserie chicken. Simply skip the breading and frying steps, adding them directly to the casserole assembly.
- Breading alternatives: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs offer an extra-crispy coating.
- Seasoning tweaks: Enhance your breading with additional flavors like garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of dried Italian seasoning for more depth.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes preparing this easy chicken parmesan casserole a breeze. You’ll need just a few common kitchen items.
- Large pot for cooking the pasta
- Three shallow bowls for your breading station
- Large skillet or frying pan for browning the chicken
- 9×13 inch baking dish for assembling and baking
- Kitchen tongs for handling chicken
- Paper towel-lined plate to drain fried chicken
- Cutting board and a sharp knife for prepping
Instructions
Creating this delicious chicken parmesan casserole is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfectly cheesy and satisfying meal.
Tip: You can efficiently bread the chicken while your pasta water boils and the pasta cooks.
Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add ¾ pound of rigatoni pasta and cook according to package directions, aiming for al dente, or even 1 minute less than al dente. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy in the oven.
- Drain the pasta thoroughly and return it to the large pot.
- Add 32 oz. of marinara sauce (or more, up to 48 oz., if desired), half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese to the hot pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and cheesy.
Prepare the Chicken
- Pat 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Slice each breast horizontally into ½-inch thick strips.
- Set up your breading station: Place ¾ cup flour seasoned with 2 teaspoons seasoned salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper in the first shallow bowl. Whisk 2 eggs in the second bowl. Pour 1 ½ cups Italian breadcrumbs into the third bowl.
- Working with one strip at a time, dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the Italian breadcrumbs, ensuring a thorough and even coating. Repeat with all chicken strips.
- Heat ¾ cup vegetable oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Once the butter is melted and shimmering, carefully place the breaded chicken strips into the hot oil. Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Once cooled slightly, slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble and Bake the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter.
- Spread half of the prepared pasta mixture evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
- Arrange half of the sliced, cooked chicken pieces over the pasta layer.
- Sprinkle with the remaining half of the grated Parmesan cheese and half of the remaining shredded mozzarella.
- Add the rest of the pasta mixture, spreading it gently over the chicken and cheese.
- Finally, top with the remaining cooked chicken pieces, and the last of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the chicken parmesan casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until it is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
- For extra browning and a crispier top, you can carefully broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the very end. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Garnish generously with fresh parsley before serving. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before scooping.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the perfect chicken parmesan casserole every time with these helpful hints and solutions for common issues.
- Crispy Chicken: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying chicken. Cook in batches to ensure each piece gets perfectly golden brown and crispy.
- Prevent Soggy Pasta: Always cook your pasta slightly under al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven, preventing it from becoming soft or mushy.
- Best Cheese Melt: For the ultimate gooey, stretchy cheese, shred your mozzarella from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains starches that inhibit a smooth melt.
- Flavor Boost: The quality of your marinara sauce significantly impacts the overall flavor of this baked chicken parm. Invest in a good brand or use homemade.
- Make-Ahead Prep: You can bread and fry the chicken up to 1 day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta and mix with sauce just before assembling.
- Common Mistakes: Overcooking pasta can lead to a soft texture. Using pre-shredded cheese might result in a less smooth, somewhat gritty cheese layer.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile chicken parmesan casserole offers many ways to enjoy, store, and customize it.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this hearty casserole with warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.
- A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
- Serve alongside steamed vegetables like tender broccoli florets or roasted asparagus for a complete meal.
- Offer extra marinara sauce on the side for those who prefer an even saucier experience.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover chicken parmesan casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: To freeze, either assemble the casserole (without baking) and cover tightly with foil, then plastic wrap, or freeze individual baked portions. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat individual servings in the microwave until warm. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in an oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your marinara sauce or mix them into the breadcrumbs for a delightful heat.
- Extra Veggies: Sauté sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or fresh spinach and layer them into the casserole for added nutrients and flavor.
- Different Cheese: Experiment by mixing in a layer of provolone cheese for a sharper flavor, or dollops of creamy ricotta cheese for added richness.
- Gluten-Free: Easily adapt this recipe by using your favorite gluten-free pasta and gluten-free Italian breadcrumbs.
Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate. It is calculated per serving based on the ingredients and serving size listed in this chicken parmesan casserole recipe.
| Per Serving (1/8.8 of recipe) | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 580 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Sodium | 950mg |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on common ingredient values and may vary depending on specific brands and preparations.
FAQ
Got questions about making this fantastic chicken parmesan casserole? We have answers!
- Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole up to 2 days in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until you are ready to bake.
- Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan Casserole? Absolutely! You can freeze it unbaked or baked. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to three months.
- What if I don’t want to fry the chicken? You have options! You can bake your breaded chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or air fry it until golden and cooked through.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can! Ziti, penne, or even medium shells are excellent alternatives that hold up well in this baked dish.
- Can I add vegetables to the casserole? Definitely! Just be sure to sauté any vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers beforehand to remove excess moisture and enhance their flavor.
- Is this recipe suitable for a slow cooker? Generally, pasta dishes don’t fare well in a slow cooker as pasta can become mushy. This recipe is best baked in the oven.
Conclusion
This ultimate chicken parmesan casserole truly brings the beloved flavors of classic chicken parm to your dinner table in the most effortless way. We hope you love the simplicity, the customizable options, and the sheer deliciousness of this baked twist on a classic. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a comforting family meal. Give this recipe a try, and taste how easy and rewarding homemade comfort food can be! We encourage you to share your experience with us and rate this recipe – your feedback helps our cooking community.