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Chicken Parmigiana Casserole: The Ultimate Italian-American Bake with Golden-Breadcrumb Excellence

A simplified, crowd-pleasing twist on the classic Italian favorite. This casserole features seared chicken breast pieces tossed in savory marinara and melted mozzarella, topped with a golden-brown Parmesan breadcrumb crust. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want those classic flavors without the individual breading and frying.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Course: Main-course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded (divided)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs plain or Italian-style
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Nonstick cooking spray for greasing

Method
 

  1. Prepare: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Season: Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Sear: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden (it won't be fully cooked). Remove and let cool slightly.
  4. Prep Chicken: Slice the seared chicken into bite-sized pieces or thin strips.
  5. Mix: In a large bowl, toss the chicken with marinara sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella, and minced garlic.
  6. Assemble: Transfer mixture to the baking dish in an even layer.
  7. Topping: In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs, the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella, and Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the chicken.
  8. Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbling and the top is golden brown (internal temp should reach 165°F).
  9. Finish: Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness. Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with basil, and serve.

Notes

  • Serving Suggestion: Serve over a bed of al dente pasta or with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.