Chicken Parmesan Casserole, oh my goodness, where do I even begin? This isn’t just a meal, it’s a hug in a dish. When Teresa’s grandson Marco was feeling homesick for Italy, this Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe was born. He needed something familiar, something that smelled like Nonna’s kitchen, and this casserole delivered! Think all the comforting flavors of chicken parmesan, but in an easy to assemble casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you just need a little taste of home and it’s a chicken parmesan casserole recipe you’ll make again and again.
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Why You Will Love This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is seriously the ultimate comfort food. It's quick, it's easy, and it tastes just like Nonna made it! We love casseroles because they're perfect for feeding a crowd, and this one is always a hit.
Imagine layers of juicy chicken, a rich tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. What could be better? Plus, there's minimal cleanup! Even Lucia agrees; this Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe is a foolproof winner.
Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious and easy recipes just like this one!
Don't forget the flavor! This Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe allows you to create a delicious taste that the whole family can enjoy.
Ingredients Needed for This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Here's what you'll need to whip up this comforting casserole:
- Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Sauce:
- 2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Cheese:
- 1 (16 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Pasta/Bread:
- 1 loaf Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups) or 1 pound of cooked pasta (penne or rigatoni are great)

How to Make This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Now, let's put it all together! This Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe will be a breeze to prepare.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add the chicken cubes and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce and chopped basil.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
- If using bread, in the baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce mixture. Layer half of the bread cubes on top of the sauce. If using pasta, combine the pasta with all of the chicken and marinara sauce.
- Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the bread or pasta.
- Top with the cooked chicken.
- Sprinkle 2 cups of mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
- Drizzle the remaining marinara sauce over the mozzarella cheese, then top with the remaining bread cubes and the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese. If using pasta, simply sprinkle it with bread crumbs and the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25 30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. If your bread is already toasted, use foil on top for the first 15 minutes and remove for the remaining time.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.
For a delicious twist, try using our Irresistible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf recipe!
How to Serve This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a meal on its own, but it's also great with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables. A crusty loaf of bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce is always a good idea, too.
Maria likes to serve hers with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Lucia adds a dollop of pesto for extra flavor. However you serve it, it's sure to be a hit!
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe also pairs well with Chicken Kebabs!
How to Store This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Got leftovers? Lucky you!
- Refrigeration: Store the cooled casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Cut it into individual portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
Tips to Make This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Want to make this Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe even better? Here are some tips from Nonna's kitchen:
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough, which is the last thing we want!
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor.
- Toast the bread cubes: Toasting the bread cubes before adding them to the casserole will prevent them from getting soggy.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes: For a little kick.
Here's another helpful thing to keep in mind, the best results will come when you use high-quality ingredients. - Be sure you're using 100% pure cheese.
Helpful Notes for This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
A few extra details to keep in mind:
- You can use any type of Italian bread for this recipe, but we prefer a rustic loaf with a good crust.
- If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but use half the amount (2 tablespoons).
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is so easy to put together.
Would you like to try another one of our great casserole recipes? Try our Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole.
Variation of This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Want to mix things up? Try these variations:
- Spicy Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Vegetarian Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Use eggplant or zucchini instead of chicken.
- Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Pesto: Add a layer of pesto to the casserole for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is needed to make Chicken Parmesan Casserole?
Key ingredients include chicken breasts, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. Depending on the specific recipe, you may need eggs or other seasonings.
How do you keep Chicken Parmesan Casserole from getting soggy?
Ensure the chicken is not overly wet before assembling the casserole. Topping with seasoned breadcrumbs also helps absorb excess moisture and maintain a good texture.
Can Chicken Parmesan Casserole be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add the breadcrumb topping before baking for the best results.
Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan Casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Conclusion
We hope you love this Chicken Parmesan Casserole as much as we do! It's a simple, comforting, and delicious meal that's perfect for any occasion. Give this chicken parmesan casserole recipe a try! Let us know in the comments how it turns out, and if you have any questions. Buon appetito!
Chicken Parmesan Casserole: The Easiest Recipe Ever!

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole from Nonna’s Dishes is the ultimate comfort food! Layers of chicken, marinara, and cheese make this the ultimate Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe perfect for feeding a crowd.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition:
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 25g
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 (16 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 loaf Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add the chicken cubes and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce and chopped basil.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
- In the baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce mixture. Layer half of the bread cubes on top of the sauce. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the bread.
- Top with the chicken and the remaining marinara sauce mixture.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25 30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- If using pasta combine the pasta, sauce, and seasoning in a bowl. Mix Then layer the pasta in the dish, next the chicken, top with bread crumb then mozzarella cheese. From there bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
Notes
- You can use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to this casserole
- Toast the bread cubes before adding them to the casserole to prevent them from becoming soggy
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