![Southern Living Chicken Parmesan Casserole after baking ready to serve](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/Q4m0LgpepEKhmuhjrs4Pt90C4mw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ChickenParmesanCasserole_Audit7678_9376-affd32f1f747416e97fee0b79095c6e4.jpg)
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
This recipe for chicken Parmesan casserole is a delicious—and lighter—twist on classic chicken Parmesan. There's enough sauce for every bite of chicken, panko pairs with Parmesan cheese for a crisp topping, and sliced mozzarella melts nicely over the top of each chicken breast for a cheesy finish. A garnish of parsley at the end keeps things bright and adds a nice touch of freshness.
While the casserole isn't packed with pasta or buckets of cheese, it makes a wonderful pairing with pasta on the side or simple steamed vegetables. Everyone gets to build their own meal, and who doesn't love that?
Make this chicken Parmesan casserole tonight and expect rave reviews. Bonus tip: Any leftovers make an extra tasty version of a meatball sliders.
Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Casserole
To make this simple casserole, you'll need:
- Marinara sauce: A saucy base for the chicken. We love Rao's, but use whatever sauce you prefer.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: For a classic chicken Parmesan presentation.
- Kosher salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper: For seasoning the chicken.
- Olive oil: For browning the chicken on the stovetop before baking.
- Sliced mozzarella cheese: Tops each chicken breast for a cheesy finish; can substitute with shredded mozzarella if needed.
- Panko: Mixed with Parmesan, butter, and thyme for a satisfying, crisp topping that will save you the cumbersome step of breading the chicken.
- Flat-leaf parsley: For garnishing the dish before serving; can also use fresh basil.
![Southern Living Chicken Parmesan Casserole ingredients](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/a9xEB7O5sq-eLkmbCdeKFwP3s6A=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ChickenParmesanCasserole_Audit7678_step_1_339-fd3f02b6af594de18bea982e39596973.jpg)
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
How To Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole
This casserole can be pulled together quickly for a light but satisfying meal in under an hour. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:
- Step 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Pour marinara into an 11- x 7-inch broiler-safe baking dish; set aside.
- Step 2. Season chicken. Heat oil in a large skillet and cook chicken until browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat. It's OK if the chicken isn't cooked to temperature here, It'll keep cooking in the oven.
- Step 3. Arrange chicken over marinara, and top with mozzarella. Bake on middle oven rack until chicken reaches 160°F, about 20 minutes.
- Step 4. Stir together panko, Parmesan, butter, and thyme.
- Step 5. Top each breast with panko mixture. Broil on upper oven rack until lightly browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving.
What To Serve With Chicken Parmesan Casserole
A lighter version than the traditional chicken Parmesan (or Parmigiana), these cheesy, saucy chicken breasts can be served up for a light weeknight meal with a side salad or steamed vegetables. For a more indulgent option, pair with buttery garlic bread and a side of pasta.
How To Store and Reheat Leftover Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Wrap and refrigerate leftover chicken Parmesan casserole for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Bring to room temperature, then cover and bake in a preheated 350°F oven until hot throughout before serving.
More Chicken Parmesan-Inspired Recipes You'll Love
You can't go wrong with a combination of chicken, tomato sauce, and cheese. From meatballs to pizza, these chicken Parmesan-inspired recipes are satisfying twists on the Italian classic:
- Chicken-Parmesan Meatballs
- Easy Chicken Parmesan
- Crispy Onions and Parmesan Chicken-Broccoli Casserole
- Chicken Parmesan Pizza
- Pan-Fried Chicken-and-Ham Parmesan
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.
![Southern Living Chicken Parmesan Casserole after baking ready to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ppld8RWz8KYiknnB651XjPDrKJk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ChickenParmesanCasserole_Audit7678_9908-f6beea50d73a49be9d6b0102834df3b9.jpg)
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
Ingredients
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1 cup marinara sauce (such as Rao's Homemade)
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4 (6-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tsp. kosher salt
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3/4 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
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1/2 tsp. black pepper
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2 Tbsp. olive oil
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4 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 4 (1-oz.) slices
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1/4 cup panko (Japanese-style breadcrumbs)
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1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
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1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
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1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
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Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Directions
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Prepare oven and baking dish:
Preheat oven to 400°F with 1 rack in middle position and 1 rack positioned 6 inches from heat source. Pour marinara sauce into an 11- x 7-inch broiler-safe baking dish, and set aside.
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
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Season chicken:
Season chicken with salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper.
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
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Cook chicken:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Cook chicken, smooth sides down, undisturbed, until browned, 4 to 5 minutes.
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
Flip chicken, and cook until chicken is browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
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Add chicken and cheese to baking dish:
Arrange chicken breasts evenly over marinara sauce in prepared dish, and top each with a slice of mozzarella.
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
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Bake chicken and cheese:
Transfer baking dish to middle rack in preheated oven, and bake until sauce is bubbling and a thermometer inserted in thickest portion of chicken registers 160°F, about 20 minutes. (Temperature will rise after broiling.)
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
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Make panko topping:
Meanwhile, stir together panko, Parmesan, butter, and thyme in a small bowl. Set aside.
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
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Add panko topping to chicken and cheese:
Remove chicken from oven, and top each chicken breast with panko mixture.
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
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Finish baking:
Place baking dish on rack 6 inches from heat source. Increase oven temperature to broil, and broil until panko mixture and cheese start to lightly brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from oven, and garnish with parsley.
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf
Frequently Asked Questions
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This dish can be baked and reheated (see above), but is best when made fresh before serving.
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While the thyme adds a light floral note to the topping, it can be left out, or swapped with additional Italian seasoning.
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For a stovetop version, prepare the chicken in a skillet as directed. Remove from pan, and pour in marinara. Return the chicken to the pan, top with mozzarella, and cover and cook until cheese is melted and chicken registers 160°F. Toast the panko mixture in a small pan until browned, then sprinkle over chicken along with parsley before serving.