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Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole - Quick 30-Minute Family Dinner

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole captures all the beloved flavors of classic chicken parmesan – crispy breaded chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella – but skips the fussy frying step entirely. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 425
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces – this ensures everything cooks evenly and quickly.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. This flavorful coating will give your chicken that signature parmesan crust without any frying.
  3. Toss the chicken pieces in olive oil, then coat them thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  4. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken, then top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese. The combination of crispy chicken underneath and melted cheese on top creates the perfect texture contrast.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbly. For an extra crispy top, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
  6. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot with pasta, garlic bread, or a simple green salad.

Notes

For crispier chicken: Lightly pan-sear coated chicken before baking. Make-ahead: Assemble up to baking step, refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach between layers for variation. Freezes well after baking.