Chicken parmesan casserole recipes
Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a tasty and easy twist on the classic Chicken Parmesan. It’s a one-pan dish that’s full of flavor and doesn’t require all the extra steps, but still delivers the same great taste. Here’s how to make it!
Ingredients:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (optional, for searing)
- 2 to 2.5 cups of tomato sauce (preferably with garlic and basil)
- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese (fresh mozzarella is ideal)
- 5 oz bag of croutons (small, garlic and herb-flavored)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Start with 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Make sure they’re similar in size for even cooking.
- Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
- Optional: For extra flavor, sear the chicken in a hot pan with a little olive oil for 2-3 minutes on each side. This adds color and deepens the flavor.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. For added flavor, sprinkle in a little red pepper flakes for heat and crush a garlic clove into the oil.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, making sure they’re spaced out evenly.
- Spoon 2 to 2.5 cups of tomato sauce over the chicken, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
4. Add the Croutons:
- Open your 5 oz bag of croutons and spread them evenly over the sauce and cheese. Gently press them into the sauce to soak up the flavors.
5. Top with More Cheese:
- Add the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the croutons.
6. Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 155-160°F (68-71°C).
- Once it’s done, let the casserole sit for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and make it easier to slice.
7. Serve:
- To serve, spoon out a piece of chicken for each person. The croutons on the bottom will soak up the tomato sauce, becoming soft, while the croutons on top will stay crispy and cheesy. It’s a perfect balance of textures!
Why This Recipe Works:
The croutons are the star of this casserole! The bottom layer soaks up all the delicious tomato sauce, while the top becomes crispy and golden, mimicking the crispy breading on traditional Chicken Parmesan. It’s a simple way to make Chicken Parmesan faster and easier without compromising on flavor!
This casserole is comforting, easy, and packed with flavor—perfect for a busy night when you want a satisfying meal!
