Description
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines shredded cooked chicken with marinara sauce, a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and a crunchy seasoned breadcrumb topping. Baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh basil, it’s an easy-to-make family favorite perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Topping
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare Chicken Base: Spread the shredded cooked chicken evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, creating a solid base layer.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, spreading it evenly to cover all the chicken for maximum flavor infusion.
- Layer Cheeses: Sprinkle half of both the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the marinara sauce layer.
- Make Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix seasoned breadcrumbs with melted butter, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until the breadcrumbs are well coated.
- Apply Topping: Sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer to add a crispy texture.
- Top with Remaining Cheese: Evenly distribute the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the breadcrumb layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped basil if desired. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from rotisserie, boiled, or grilled for convenience.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs can be substituted with plain breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and dried Italian herbs.
- For a lower fat option, use part-skim mozzarella cheese.
- Fresh basil is optional but adds a wonderful fresh herbal flavor.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
