Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

1. What Is the Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe?

The Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is a hearty, cheesy, and comfort-filled twist on the classic Italian favorite. Instead of frying and layering individual chicken cutlets, this casserole version brings everything together in one baking dish. You’ll enjoy rigatoni smothered in savory marinara, topped with golden-brown breaded chicken pieces, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan—all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners when you want big flavor without big effort.

2. Origin of the Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

While Chicken Parmesan itself traces back to Italian-American adaptations of dishes like Melanzane alla Parmigiana, the casserole version is a more recent innovation. In home kitchens across America, cooks began remixing the elements—pasta, sauce, cheese, and chicken—into a simple, all-in-one casserole. The Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe likely became popular in the late 20th century, as convenience and ease-of-prep became essential for families. It fuses Italian comfort with American practicality, and today remains a pantry-friendly staple.

3. Ingredients (with Quantity)

Below is the full ingredient list for the Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe—scaled to feed 6–8 hungry people:

4. Step‑by‑Step Directions and Preparation Method

Here’s how to build your phenomenal Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe from scratch:

4.1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add ¾ lb rigatoni and cook until just shy of al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package suggests.
3. Drain and immediately toss with 32 oz marinara sauce, 2 tbsp Parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella to prevent sticking.
4. Set aside while you prepare the chicken.

4.2. Bread the Chicken

1. Slice chicken breasts into even strips (about 6–8 pieces per breast).
2. In a shallow bowl, combine ¾ cup flour, 2 tsp seasoned salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
3. Place the 2 beaten eggs in a second bowl.
4. In another bowl, put 1½ cups Italian breadcrumbs.
5. Dredge each piece of chicken in flour mixture, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs.

4.3. Fry the Chicken

1. Preheat a large heavy skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ¾ cup vegetable oil and 2 tbsp butter—heat until foaming begins.
3. Fry chicken strips in batches for about 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
4. Drain on paper towels and cut into bite‑sized pieces.

4.4. Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
2. Grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
3. Layer half of the sauced rigatoni.
4. Scatter half of the chicken pieces on top.
5. Sprinkle 2 tbsp Parmesan and 1 cup mozzarella.
6. Repeat with remaining rigatoni, chicken, Parmesan, and mozzarella.

4.5. Bake to Perfection

1. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, until cheese melts and edges bubble.
2. For a crispy, golden top, switch to broil and cook for 3–5 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.

4.6. Garnish and Serve

1. Remove casserole from oven and let rest 5 minutes.
2. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
3. Serve hot with sides like garlic bread or a green salad.

5. Variations & Customizations

The Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is perfect for personalization. Try these variations:

• Shortcut Version: Use frozen chicken tenders or shredded rotisserie chicken to skip the breading and frying.
• Protein Swap: Replace chicken with turkey cutlets or sliced Italian sausage.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rigatoni, GF breadcrumbs, and rice flour.
• Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with fried eggplant strips or portobello mushrooms.
• Spice It Up: Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes to your marinara or breadcrumbs; incorporate ½ cup pepperoncini slices.
• Cheese Upgrade: Combine mozzarella with fontina, provolone, or a sprinkle of ricotta.
• Herb Infusion: Stir ¼ cup chopped basil into the pasta before layering, or mix Italian seasoning into breadcrumbs.
• Lightened-Up Option: Use whole wheat pasta, low-fat mozzarella, and bake chicken instead of frying.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?

Answer: Absolutely! Assemble casserole and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Let sit out 30 minutes before popping into a 375 °F oven—you may need an extra 5–10 minutes.

Q2: Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes! Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, bake at 375 °F (190 °C) for 30–35 minutes (or longer), then broil for crispiness.

Q3: How do I reheat leftovers?

Microwave portions for about 2 minutes until warm. Or bake the leftover casserole covered at 350 °F for 15–20 minutes.

Q4: Can this cater to dietary restrictions?

Yes—see Variations for gluten-free, vegetarian, and lighter adaptations. Use dairy-free cheeses if needed.

Q5: What side dishes go well with it?

Classic pairings include garlic bread, steamed broccoli, caesar salad, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb side.

Conclusion

In a world of busy schedules and evolving tastes, the Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is a star—comforting, cheesy, and easy to customize. With tender pasta, crispy chicken, and melted cheese, it hits every flavor note of the classic Chicken Parmesan, but in a simpler, mess-free format. You’ve got a robust recipe, a variety of variations, and all the tips you need—from freezing to reheating. This article is designed to be the definitive, SEO-optimized Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe guide, fully original, fully flavorful. Serve it to family, share it with friends, and enjoy the rave reviews that follow.

Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

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• Author: David Andersson
• Total Time: 45 minutes

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Description

The Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is a hearty, cheesy, and comfort-filled twist on the classic Italian favorite. Instead of frying and layering individual chicken cutlets, this casserole version brings everything together in one baking dish. You’ll enjoy rigatoni smothered in savory marinara, topped with golden-brown breaded chicken pieces, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan—all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners when you want big flavor without big effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ¾ lb rigatoni pasta
• 32 oz marinara sauce
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
• ¾ cup flour
• 2 tsp seasoned salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 eggs, whisked
• 1½ cups Italian breadcrumbs
• ¾ cup vegetable oil + 2 tbsp butter
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

• Cook the pasta: Boil rigatoni until just shy of al dente. Drain and toss with marinara sauce, 2 tbsp Parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella. Set aside.
• Bread the chicken: Slice chicken into strips. Dredge in flour (mixed with salt and pepper), dip in eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs.
• Fry the chicken: Heat oil and butter in a skillet. Fry chicken strips until golden (about 4 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels and cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Assemble the casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased 9×13-inch dish, layer half the pasta, half the chicken, 2 tbsp Parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
• Bake: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. For a crispier top, broil for 3–5 minutes at the end.
• Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with garlic bread or a green salad.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving. You can also layer in cooked pasta or extra marinara sauce to make it heartier. This casserole is a great make-ahead dish—just assemble, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe