This Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that brings the classic Italian-American favorite to your table with ease. Juicy chicken, gooey melted cheese, and a crispy golden topping come together in every bite, while the rich marinara sauce ties it all together. Ready in just an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
With its irresistible blend of savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy flavors, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent yet balanced. The tender chicken, layered with herbs and a crunchy breadcrumb finish, creates a satisfying texture contrast. Plus, it’s packed with protein and nutrients, making it a wholesome choice that doesn’t skimp on taste.
What You’ll Need for Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil (for coating the pan)
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed (or 1 teaspoon minced garlic for convenience)
- Dash of hot red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a juicier option)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup fresh chopped basil (or 1 teaspoon dried basil if fresh isn’t available)
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 5 ounces garlic croutons (1 bag, or substitute with plain croutons or breadcrumbs)
How to Make Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the baking dish: Pour the olive oil into a 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it evenly to coat the entire surface. Sprinkle the crushed garlic and red pepper flakes over the oil, distributing them evenly.
- Arrange the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared pan. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Add the sauce: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Layer the toppings: Sprinkle the chopped basil over the sauce, followed by half of the Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Scatter the croutons evenly over the cheese, then top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–55 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. The casserole is done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to slice.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
This Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over a bed of al dente spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. A crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread makes for a classic Italian-inspired meal. For a lighter touch, try steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus to balance the richness of the dish.
Make It Ahead: Storage and Reheating Tips
This casserole is perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. For best results, cover with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out.
Switch It Up: Recipe Variations
Customize this dish to suit your taste! Swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a juicier option, or use eggplant slices for a vegetarian twist. Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or fontina for a unique flavor. If you’re short on time, skip the croutons and use panko breadcrumbs for a quicker topping.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Cooks
To cut down on prep time, use pre-minced garlic and store-bought marinara sauce. You can also assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it, then bake it fresh the next day. If you’re in a rush, reduce the baking time by slicing the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
Essential Tools: Equipment Guidance
For this recipe, you’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure even cooking. A microplane grater is handy for freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a sharp chef’s knife makes chopping basil a breeze. If you’re using croutons, a ziplock bag and rolling pin can help crush them evenly for the topping.
Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- dash of hot red pepper flakes, to taste
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 5 ounces garlic croutons, 1 bag
Instructions
- Pour the olive oil in the bottom of a 9×13″ baking pan and spread around so that it covers the entire surface. Add crushed garlic and red pepper flakes and spread it around so it is easily distributed.
- Place whole chicken breasts in the pan. Pour marinara sauce on top of the chicken. Sprinkle basil on top of sauce. Sprinkle half of the cheeses on top of the basil. Dump all the croutons on top of that. Finish it off with the other half of the cheese.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 40- 55 minutes (it depends on how large your chicken breasts are- mine cooked for about 50 minutes).
- Let stand for about 10 minutes after you pull it out of the oven and serve!