Homemade Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe: Crispy Comfort Joy

Comfort food takes a delightful twist with this mouthwatering chicken parmesan casserole that brings Italian-inspired flavors right to your dinner table.

Crispy breaded chicken nestled in a rich marinara sauce creates an irresistible combination that sings with cheesy goodness.

Layers of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese blanket tender chicken pieces, making every bite a celebration of classic Italian comfort.

This easy one-dish meal cuts down on traditional preparation time while delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction.

The recipe works perfectly for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Packed with robust flavors and simple ingredients, this casserole promises to become a household favorite that everyone will request again and again.

Grab your baking dish and get ready to savor a meal that turns an ordinary evening into a memorable dining experience.

Chicken Parmesan Casserole – What You’ll Need

• Rigatoni: Sturdy pasta that catches sauce perfectly, choosing bronze-cut varieties enhances texture.
• Marinara Sauce: Vibrant tomato base that adds zesty flavor, selecting San Marzano tomatoes creates authentic taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty undertone, selecting aged Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano ensures authentic depth.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully, selecting fresh, hormone-free chicken ensures tenderness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates crispy exterior, ensuring even coating by sifting prevents clumping.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides golden, crunchy texture, using panko creates extra crispiness.
• Eggs: Helps breading adhere perfectly, selecting farm-fresh eggs enhances binding.
• Seasoned Salt, Black Pepper: Elevates chicken's natural flavor, freshly ground pepper intensifies taste.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers creamy, stretchy texture, selecting whole milk mozzarella provides richer melting.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, fresh finish, choosing vibrant green leaves indicates peak freshness.
• Butter, Olive Oil: Creates rich, golden browning, using extra virgin olive oil enhances overall flavor.
• Garlic Bread: Classic companion that complements casserole's richness, selecting artisan bread elevates side dish.

Tools for a Comfort-Filled Chicken Bake

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling rigatoni to al dente perfection.
• Colander: Essential for draining pasta quickly and easily.
• Three mixing bowls: Needed for breading chicken with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
• Large skillet: Ideal for frying chicken to golden crispiness.
• Paper towels: Great for draining excess oil from fried chicken.
• 9×13 inch baking dish: Crucial for layering and baking the casserole.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure precise ingredient quantities.
• Sharp knife: Useful for cutting chicken into strips and bite-sized pieces.
• Whisk: Perfect for beating eggs smoothly.

Baking Instructions for Chicken Parm Casserole

• Pasta Foundation

Create a delicious base by cooking rigatoni until slightly firm. Toss with rich marinara sauce and a sprinkle of cheesy goodness, setting the stage for a mouthwatering meal.

• Chicken Preparation

Transform ordinary chicken into crispy, golden delights. Craft a magical coating by dipping strips through seasoned flour, silky eggs, and crunchy breadcrumbs for maximum flavor and texture.

• Sizzling Transformation

Heat a skillet with a touch of oil and butter. Cook chicken pieces until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, creating a crisp exterior that locks in juicy tenderness.

• Layered Symphony

Build your casserole like an edible masterpiece. Alternate layers of saucy pasta and crispy chicken, generously showering each level with melty cheese that promises to create a comfort food experience.

• Oven Magic

Bake until the entire dish bubbles with deliciousness. For an extra touch of excitement, quickly broil the top to create a crispy, golden cheese crust that will make everyone’s mouth water.

Tips & Upgrades for Cheesy Goodness

• Use a wire rack when coating chicken to prevent soggy bottoms and ensure even, crispy breadcrumb coverage. Shake off excess flour and egg before adding breadcrumbs for maximum adherence.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses to create unique flavor profiles. Swap mozzarella for fresh buffalo mozzarella for a more luxurious texture.
• Replace wheat flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free panko. Add extra seasonings to boost flavor and ensure a crispy chicken coating that rivals the original recipe.
• Kick the heat by mixing red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb coating or adding a dash of cayenne to the flour mixture. Drizzle with hot honey or sriracha after baking for an extra flavor punch that takes the dish to the next level.

Serving This Casserole Hot and Gooey

• Pair with Salad Sidekick: Toss a crisp mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy casserole and add a fresh crunch.
• Garlic Bread Companion: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread on the side to soak up extra marinara sauce and complement the chicken's crispy texture.
• Wine and Dine Moment: Pour a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Pinot Noir to enhance the robust flavors of the cheesy chicken dish.
• Family-Style Feast: Plate the casserole in the center of the table, allowing everyone to scoop their own portion and enjoy a communal dining experience.

Store, Freeze or Reheat with Ease

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover casserole in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring optimal flavor and safety.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Package individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Stays delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm in the oven at 350°F for best texture, covering with foil to prevent drying. Microwave works in a pinch, but may slightly compromise the crispy breadcrumb coating.
• Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare chicken and pasta components separately earlier in the week. Assemble and bake just before serving to maintain maximum crunchiness and flavor intensity.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 620 kcal

Servings: 7

Crispy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Home cooks adore this easy chicken parmesan casserole that combines classic Italian flavors with comforting pasta. Crispy chicken, melted cheese, and marinara sauce create a delicious meal families will request again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 0.75 lb (340 g) rigatoni pasta
• 32–48 fl oz (946–1420 ml) marinara sauce
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1.5 cups Italian breadcrumbs
• 0.33 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 0.75 cup flour
• 2 eggs
• 0.75 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 tsps seasoned salt
• 0.25 tsp pepper
• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Prep Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal cooking environment for the casserole.
2. Cook Pasta: Boil rigatoni slightly undercooked, drain, and mix with marinara sauce, Parmesan, and partial mozzarella in the pot.
3. Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken dry, slice into half-inch strips. Create a breading station with seasoned flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. Coat each strip thoroughly by dredging through each station.
4. Fry Chicken: Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken strips until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and slice into bite-sized pieces.
5. Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer half the pasta mixture, top with chicken pieces, sprinkle Parmesan and mozzarella. Repeat layering for complete coverage.
6. Bake and Finish: Bake for 25 minutes until cheese melts. Broil at 425°F (218°C) for 4-5 minutes to create a crispy top. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and accompany with warm garlic bread for a delectable meal.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Organize all ingredients and tools before starting to streamline the cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
• Breading Mastery: Keep one hand dry and one hand wet during chicken coating to prevent messy, clumpy breading and ensure even coverage.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer to maintain 350°F for perfectly crispy chicken without burning, ensuring golden-brown exterior and juicy interior.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and flavors to harmonize, preventing runny sauce and improving overall texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg