Name: Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon Livia’s Seasoning Salt (a blend of salt, pepper, and garlic); 1½ cups marinara sauce; 1½ cups shredded Italian blend cheese; 2 cups croutons

If you’re craving all the comforting flavors of classic chicken parmesan but want a meal that comes together effortlessly, this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is going to be your new go-to. I love how it layers tender chicken, melty cheese, tangy marinara, and a crunchy topping all in one dish—baking it up feels like a warm, homey hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or want a simple, impressive dinner for friends, this recipe is a winner every time.

What’s great about this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to prep, and yet it still gets rave reviews for taste. You don’t have to fuss with breading and frying chicken pieces separately, and the crouton topping adds an unexpected, delightful crunch that I always look forward to. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself making it over and over, especially on cozy weeknights!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe plays a star role. From the juicy chicken breasts to the zesty marinara, they come together harmoniously. Plus, the croutons on top? They add such a fantastic texture contrast—don’t skip them!

Chicken breasts: Opt for boneless and skinless—pounding them to an even thickness ensures they cook perfectly without drying out.
Livia’s Seasoning Salt: This mix of salt, pepper, and garlic brings all that savory depth into the dish. If you don’t have it, a simple garlic salt and pepper combo will do.
Marinara sauce: Pick a good quality or homemade sauce; it’s the heart of the flavor in this casserole.
Italian blend cheese: A mix of mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone melts beautifully and adds richness.
Croutons: Use crunchy, flavorful croutons for that golden topping—it’s what makes this casserole extra special.

Variations

I love how flexible the Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is—you can tweak it easily to suit your tastes or diet. Personally, I enjoy switching up the toppings and sides depending on the season or who I’m cooking for. You should definitely experiment and make this recipe your own!

Low-carb version: I’ve swapped croutons for crushed pork rinds or almond flour to keep things keto-friendly without losing that satisfying crisp.
Spicy twist: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinara boosts the flavor and adds a nice heat—perfect if you like a kick!
Extra veggies: Sometimes I layer in sautéed spinach or mushrooms beneath the cheese for added nutrition and flavor.
Different cheeses: Swap the Italian blend for a mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar if you want a slightly tangier taste.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken for Even Cooking

Start by trimming any excess fat off your chicken breasts. This keeps the texture just right and avoids any chewy bits. Then, either pound or slice your chicken breasts so they’re all about the same thickness. This step might seem small, but it’s key for even baking, preventing those dry spots you definitely don’t want!

Step 2: Season the Chicken Generously

Place the chicken in a single layer in your 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle both sides well with Livia’s Seasoning Salt or your preferred blend of salt, pepper, and garlic. I like to be generous here—seasoning is what wakes up the flavors, so don’t be shy!

Step 3: Layer with Marinara, Cheese, and Croutons

Next, pour an even layer of marinara sauce over the chicken breasts. If you want, add a little extra seasoning to the sauce for a flavor boost. Then sprinkle shredded Italian blend cheese evenly on top, giving that melty, cheesy goodness. Finally, scatter croutons across the top. These little crunch bombs bake up golden and add such a great texture contrast—don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Bake and Watch Carefully

Bake your casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 35 to 40 minutes. Halfway through cooking, keep an eye on the croutons—if they brown too quickly, loosely cover the casserole with foil to prevent burning. That’s what I do every time, and it keeps the crust golden without getting bitter. Use a meat thermometer to check when the chicken hits 165°F (74°C); that means it’s cooked through and safe to eat.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

The image shows three pieces of raw chicken placed side by side on a white marbled surface, each having a smooth and shiny pale pink color. On the top left, there is a white bowl filled with chunky red tomato sauce, speckled with green herbs and small bits of garlic. Next to it, on the right, another white bowl holds golden-brown toasted bread cubes with a crunchy texture. Below the chicken, there is a small pile of dried green herbs and coarse salt on the marble surface. At the bottom right, a white bowl is filled with shredded white cheese, finely grated and fluffy in texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my Chicken Parmesan Casserole with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley—it adds a pop of color and fresh herby notes that balance the richness. Sometimes a little extra grated Parmesan dusted on top right out of the oven never hurts either.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with simple garlic butter pasta, steamed green veggies like broccoli or green beans, or even a crisp Caesar salad. When I want to keep things extra cozy, creamy mashed potatoes on the side are my go-to—it’s like a little Italian-American feast!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake this casserole in mini individual dishes so everyone gets their own cheesy, crispy portion. You could even layer it in a beautiful ceramic dish and sprinkle with more fresh herbs before serving—it looks stunning and feels extra homey and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying dinner, I let the leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, so I sometimes look forward to the next day’s lunch almost as much as the original dinner!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole before with great success. Just bake as usual but if you want to freeze, do so before baking — wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When it’s time to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy weeks.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftover portions into a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes), which keeps the chicken juicy and revives that crispy topping. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover to prevent drying out, then use a quick broil to crisp the croutons back up.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts before assembling the casserole so they cook evenly in the oven. Cooking from frozen might result in uneven doneness.
What can I substitute for croutons if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have croutons, you can use seasoned breadcrumbs for a similar crunchy topping, or even crushed crackers for a fun twist. For a gluten-free option, crushed pork rinds or almond flour work great too.
How can I make this Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe spicier?

Try adding red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning salt before baking. You can also sprinkle sliced jalapeños over the cheese for added heat.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Definitely! Use a low-sodium marinara sauce, reduce the cheese amount slightly, and swap croutons for a crunchy vegetable topping like roasted zucchini or mushrooms to lighten it up.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes dinner prep super easy on busy days.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is truly one of my tried-and-true favorites. It takes the classic flavors you love from traditional chicken parmesan and makes life so much easier in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings a little extra comfort and joy to your table. Give it a try—your family (and your busy schedule) will thank you!