Of course! The Chicken Parmesan Bake is the ultimate comfort food casserole. It takes all the classic flavors of Chicken Parm—crispy chicken, tangy marinara, and melted cheese—and transforms them into an easy, layered dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.
Here is a detailed, foolproof recipe.
Chicken Parmesan Bake
This recipe simplifies the process by skipping the individual breading and frying, saving you time and cleanup.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Serves: 6
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Ingredients
For the Chicken Layer:
· 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
· 1 teaspoon dried oregano
· 1 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1 teaspoon onion powder
· ½ teaspoon salt
· ¼ teaspoon black pepper
· 1 cup Italian-seasoned panko breadcrumbs (or regular panko mixed with 1 tsp Italian seasoning)
· ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Assembly:
· 1 (24 oz) jar of your favorite marinara sauce (about 3 cups)
· 8 oz (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
· ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
· ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
· Optional: 8 oz mozzarella pearls (ciliegine) for extra cheesy pockets
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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
2. In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. In a separate small bowl, mix the Italian-seasoned panko breadcrumbs with the ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 2: Layer the Bake
1. Spread the seasoned chicken cubes in an even layer on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
2. Sprinkle the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture evenly over the chicken, pressing down lightly to help it adhere.
3. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the top, covering the breadcrumb layer as much as possible.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, followed by the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan cheese.
5. Optional: Scatter mozzarella pearls over the top for extra cheesy bites.
Step 3: Bake
1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
2. Bake for 25 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and continue baking, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, the sauce is bubbling around the edges, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
Step 4: Rest and Serve
1. Remove the bake from the oven and let it stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to scoop.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley.
3. Serve over cooked pasta (like spaghetti or linguine), with a side of garlic bread, or with a simple green salad.
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Success Tips & Variations
· For a Crispier Top: For a more browned and crispy cheese top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch it closely to prevent burning!
· Add Vegetables: Layer thinly sliced zucchini, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms between the chicken and the sauce for a veggie-packed meal.
· Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: To save even more time, use 3-4 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken. Skip the initial seasoning step and simply layer the shredded chicken in the dish. You may need to reduce the initial covered baking time by 5-10 minutes since the chicken is already cooked.
· Homemade Breadcrumb Topping: For a deeper flavor, toast the panko breadcrumbs in a skillet with a tablespoon of melted butter and the Italian seasoning before mixing with the Parmesan.
· Make it Lighter: Use low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella and a light marinara sauce. You can also use chicken breast for a leaner option.
· Storage: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.
Enjoy your delicious, cheesy, and incredibly easy Chicken Parmesan Bake