This Crispy Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a hearty dish that’s sure to please everyone! With tender chicken, zesty marinara sauce, and lots of gooey cheese, it’s comfort food at its best.
What I love most is the crispy topping that adds a nice crunch. Plus, it’s made in one dish, so clean-up is a breeze—perfect for busy weeknights! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here. If you prefer, you can use thighs for more flavor. Just ensure they’re boneless and skinless as well.
Breadcrumbs: Italian seasoned breadcrumbs give a lovely flavor. If you can’t find them, plain breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning added will do just fine. Panko breadcrumbs can add extra crunch if you want to switch things up!
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought marinara saves time, but homemade sauce can elevate the dish. Consider using a low-sodium version if you’re watching salt intake. This also opens doors for added spices and flavors!
Cheese: Mozzarella adds the gooey texture we love. Grating your own from a block generally melts better. If you want to mix things up, try a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a distinctive taste.
What’s the Best Way to Get Crispy Chicken?
The secret to crispy chicken starts with the breading process. Properly dredging the chicken is key to achieving a fantastic crunch. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your chicken is thoroughly dried with paper towels. Moisture can lead to sogginess.
- Use a three-bowl setup for breading. The more time you spend on coating, the better the crunch.
- Fry the breaded chicken in oil over medium heat until golden. This ensures a crispy exterior before it bakes.
Lastly, remember that if you want a crunchier topping after baking, a quick broil at the end is your best friend! Just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
Crispy Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs with 1 tsp Italian seasoning)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish requires about 15-20 minutes of preparation time, plus 20-25 minutes of cooking time in the oven. You’ll have a total of around 40-45 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough for a family dinner but fancy enough to impress your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a baking dish using cooking spray or a little olive oil. This will help keep your casserole from sticking.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
In three shallow dishes, set up your breading station. Place the flour in the first dish, beat the eggs in the second, and mix the breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese in the third. This system will make breading easier!
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This step helps them cook evenly. Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
4. Bread the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and first dip it into the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dunk it in the beaten eggs and finally coat it well with the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing down to make sure the breadcrumbs stick nicely.
5. Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Remember, they don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage since they’ll finish in the oven.
6. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour a thin layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place the crispy fried chicken breasts on top of the marinara. Next, spoon the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the chicken pieces, then sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over everything.
7. Bake it Up:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly, and for the chicken to be cooked through (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
8. Optional Final Touch:
If you prefer an extra crispy top, you can put the casserole under the broiler for 1-2 minutes towards the end. Just keep a close watch to prevent burning!
9. Serve and Garnish:
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving. Enjoy your delicious, comforting Chicken Parmesan Casserole!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to completely thaw it first! The best way to do this is by placing the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the cold water method: seal the chicken in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole ahead of time, assemble it, and cover it tightly. Just store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will start out cold.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Substitute the Marinara Sauce?
Definitely! If you’re looking for variation, you can use Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist or homemade tomato sauce with added spices. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change, so choose a sauce that you love!
