Easy Chicken Parm Casserole Recipe (Print Version)

Make this easy chicken parmesan casserole for a comforting Italian-American dinner. Layers of chicken, marinara, and cheese baked to golden perfection.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American

# Ingredients:

→ The Hearty Chicken Core

01 - 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Rich Tomato Embrace

04 - 24 oz jarred marinara sauce
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tsp dried oregano
07 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Golden Cheesy Crown

08 - 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese

→ Crisp & Aromatic Finish

11 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
12 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
13 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice the 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts horizontally into 1/2-inch thick cutlets. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to taste. This is the hearty core for your Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Easy Italian-American Dinner.
02 - Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side, until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
03 - In the same skillet (or a separate saucepan), combine the 24 oz jarred marinara sauce, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
04 - Spread about 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange the cooked chicken cutlets in a single layer over the sauce. In a small bowl, combine 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese.
05 - Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, ensuring it's evenly distributed. Then, carefully spread the cheese mixture over the marinara sauce. This layering creates the classic, comforting taste of Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Easy Italian-American Dinner.
06 - In a separate small bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter. Mix well until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this buttery panko mixture evenly over the cheese layer in the baking dish for a crisp and aromatic finish.
07 - Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly, the cheese is melted and golden, and the panko topping is crisp. For the best Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Easy Italian-American Dinner, let it rest for 5-10 minutes after baking before serving.
08 - Garnish the finished casserole with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this comforting Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Easy Italian-American Dinner with a side salad or crusty garlic bread.

# Notes:

01 - For extra tender chicken, lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness before cooking.
02 - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
03 - Feel free to add a layer of cooked penne or ziti pasta between the chicken and sauce for a heartier, pasta-inclusive casserole.
04 - Serve this casserole with a fresh green salad and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - 9x13 inch baking dish
02 - Large skillet
03 - Cutting board
04 - Chef's knife
05 - Measuring cups
06 - Measuring spoons
07 - Mixing bowls

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 550 kcal
Total Fat: 28 g
Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
Protein: 53 g

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