This Crispy Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a cozy dish everyone will love! It’s packed with juicy chicken, tasty marinara sauce, and lots of cheesy goodness on top. Yum!
The crispy layer is the star here, making every bite a crunchy delight. I can’t help but sneak spoonfuls right from the baking dish—who can resist that? 😋
This casserole is super easy to put together, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. Just layer, bake, and enjoy! You’ll want to make this again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this casserole, but you can use thighs for more flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using turkey tenderloins instead.
Bread Crumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give extra crunch, but regular Italian breadcrumbs work too. If gluten-free is needed, there are excellent gluten-free breadcrumb options made from rice or corn.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is wonderful for added flavor. In a pinch, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegetarian-friendly version. Just note it’ll have a different taste!
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade is easy and often tastier! If you’re short on time or want to go lighter, try a simple tomato sauce or even a homemade basil pesto for something different.
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic for this dish. Swap it with provolone or even a dairy-free cheese alternative if needed. It’s all about what you enjoy!
How Can I Get My Chicken Crispy and Delicious?
Achieving a crispy chicken is all about the coating and cooking method. Start by making sure your chicken breasts are dry before breading—this helps the coating stick. Follow these steps for crispy success:
- Use panko breadcrumbs; they offer a light and crispy texture.
- Coat the chicken well in the breadcrumb mix—don’t skimp!
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken before baking; it enhances crispness.
- Bake until golden; if you want extra crisp, broil the dish for a minute or two at the end—keep an eye on it!
With these tips, your chicken will come out perfectly crispy and flavorful every time!
Crispy Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Coating:
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme mix)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
For the Sauce and Topping:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty casserole requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 30-35 minutes of cooking, making a total of about 45-50 minutes from start to finish. It’s easy to get it in the oven and relax while it bakes! Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready to crisp your chicken nicely.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix together the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. This will enhance the flavor and crispy texture of the chicken.
3. Beat the Eggs:
In another shallow dish, beat the eggs until they are well mixed. This will help the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken.
4. Bread the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry using a paper towel. Dip each piece into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off, then dredge them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to coat generously. This is your crispy coating!
5. Arrange in Baking Dish:
Place the coated chicken breasts in a greased baking dish, ensuring they are not overlapping. This helps them cook evenly.
6. Drizzle with Olive Oil:
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the coated chicken. This will help achieve a golden, crispy crust while baking.
7. Bake the Chicken:
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until the crust is golden and the chicken is nearly cooked through. You want that nice crunch!
8. Add Marinara Sauce:
Remove the baking dish from the oven and pour the marinara sauce evenly around and slightly under the chicken pieces, adding lots of flavor.
9. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of each chicken breast. It’s time for the cheesy goodness!
10. Bake Again:
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
11. Broil for Extra Crisp:
If you’d like a crispier, beautifully browned cheese topping, turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes—just keep a close eye to prevent burning!
12. Garnish:
Remove from the oven and generously garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil to add a fresh touch.
13. Serve:
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Enjoy your deliciously crispy, cheesy chicken parmesan casserole! It pairs wonderfully with pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Casserole?
Yes, but it’s best to fully thaw the chicken first. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the quick method by placing the sealed chicken in a bowl of cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, make sure to pat the chicken dry before breading.
Can I Make This Casserole in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare and assemble the casserole up to a day ahead. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to cook, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
Can I Substitute the Marinara Sauce?
Yes! If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, you can use Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist, or try pesto for a fresh taste. Just keep in mind that these changes will alter the original flavor of the casserole, but they will still be delicious!