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Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko

Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko
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This Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko is a comforting and flavorful baked dish that combines crispy panko breadcrumbs, gooey mozzarella cheese, tender chicken, and rich marinara sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it simplifies classic Chicken Parmesan by eliminating the need to fry and bread individual pieces while delivering a cheesy, crispy, and hearty meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced or cubed

Sauce and Cheese

  • 2 cups marinara sauce (rich and flavorful)
  • 2 cups shredded fresh mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Topping

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for toasting panko)

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of oregano, basil, thyme)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish (optional)

  • Chopped fresh basil or parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or thin slices to ensure even cooking and easy layering in the casserole dish.
  2. Toast the Panko Breadcrumbs: In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toast them, stirring frequently, until golden and crispy—about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Assemble the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a greased casserole dish. Layer half of the chicken over the sauce, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella and some Parmesan cheese. Add another layer of marinara sauce on top, then repeat with the remaining chicken, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Finish by evenly sprinkling the toasted panko breadcrumbs on top.
  4. Bake Until Bubbling and Golden: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and the top is golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting texture and flavor.
  • Don’t skip toasting the panko breadcrumbs to add a nutty crunch to the topping.
  • Thinly sliced chicken ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
  • Layer the marinara sauce generously to keep the casserole moist.
  • Allow the casserole to rest before serving for easier slicing and better flavor integration.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Casserole, Easy Dinner, Mozzarella, Panko, Comfort Food, Italian, Weeknight Meal, Crispy Topping, Cheesy, Meal Prep

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/chicken-parmesan-casserole-with-mozzarella-panko/