Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely. Breasts work just as well—just be careful not to overcook them initially, so they stay juicy in the casserole.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this recipe?

A quick sear in a skillet with olive oil, salt, and pepper is my favorite. Leftover roast or rotisserie chicken also works perfectly and saves time.

Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, prep it all the way up to the baking stage, cover tightly, and store in the fridge for up to a day. Add a few minutes to baking time if going straight from the refrigerator.

Is there a substitute for panko bread crumbs?

Regular breadcrumbs can work, but panko gives a lighter, crispier crunch. Crushed crackers or seasoned croutons are tasty alternatives as well.

Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Name: Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 oz. Rotini pasta, cooked to your liking; 1 lb. Boneless skinless chicken thighs, cooked and cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 cups Spaghetti sauce; 1 tsp. Italian seasoning; 15 oz. Diced tomatoes, drained; 1 cup Mozzarella cheese; 2 tbsp. Unsalted butter; 1/3 cup Panko bread crumbs; 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese; 1/4 tsp. Garlic powder; 2 tbsp. Chopped parsley

Imagine all the cozy, cheesy charm of classic Chicken Parmesan—without the need to fuss over frying and layering each component. This Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a flavor-packed, fuss-free dinner that brings together juicy chicken, tender pasta, zesty tomato sauce, and a gloriously golden crust. It’s the kind of meal you throw together on a hurried weeknight, yet it feels like a Sunday supper. You’re just one casserole away from comfort food perfection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra Simple: Everything comes together in just one pan and bakes up beautifully, so there’s minimal cleanup and zero hassle.
Weeknight Friendly: With just a handful of everyday ingredients and less than an hour from start to finish, it’s ideal for nights when you’re short on time but craving something hearty.
Cheesy, Crispy, Irresistible: The dreamy layer of gooey mozzarella and that crunchy panko-Parmesan crust means every bite is balanced and satisfying.
Flexible & Family Friendly: Fussy eaters? No problem. This casserole’s familiar flavors are always a hit!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need, along with some quick notes and tips:

Rotini Pasta: Perfect for catching sauce in every swirl. Any short pasta like penne or fusilli works too.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful—pre-cooked here for speed. Leftover rotisserie chicken also works wonders.
Spaghetti Sauce: Your favorite store-bought or homemade version forms the hearty base.
Italian Seasoning: Adds a burst of herby goodness—essential for that classic Italian flavor.
Diced Tomatoes: Brings juicy, bright flavor. Drain them well to avoid a soggy bake.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into that irresistible cheesy blanket. Don’t skimp!
Butter: Unsalted keeps things from getting overly salty, binding the topping together.
Panko Bread Crumbs: For the crispiest, crunchiest topping—so much better than regular breadcrumbs.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated, for deep, nutty flavor in the crust.
Garlic Powder: A pinch rounds out the savory notes in the topping.
Chopped Parsley: Fresh and bright—sprinkle for a burst of color and finish.

Tip: If you’re cooking the chicken from scratch, a quick sauté in olive oil with salt and pepper is perfect.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Get creative and make it your own:

Go Spicy: Stir in a little crushed red pepper or add diced hot cherry peppers for heat.
Veggie-Loaded: Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini with the chicken.
Swap the Protein: Use cooked turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick twist.
Change the Cheese: Try provolone or fontina alongside mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and certified GF panko.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. If you haven’t already, cook your pasta according to package instructions and drain well.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In your deep oven-safe skillet or a well-greased 9×9 baking dish, combine the spaghetti sauce, drained diced tomatoes, cooked chicken, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir so that the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 3: Add the Pasta

Toss the cooked rotini right into the chicken mixture. Stir again to ensure everything is distributed and deliciously saucy.

Step 4: Cheese Layer

Generously sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top. This is where you get that classic Chicken Parm melty moment.

Step 5: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and chopped parsley until everything is nicely coated.

Step 6: Top and Bake

Spread the panko mixture evenly over the mozzarella layer. Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Let it cool a few minutes before serving—the anticipation is worth it!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Drain Well: Remove excess liquid from the diced tomatoes to avoid a soggy casserole.
Uniform Pieces: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces so every forkful gets chicken, pasta, and cheese.
Golden Topping: If the topping isn’t as crispy as you like, pop the casserole under the broiler for 2-3 minutes (just watch closely).
Let It Rest: Giving it a few minutes to settle after baking makes serving easier and intensifies the flavors.

How to Serve

This hearty casserole is satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out the meal:

Salad: A crisp Caesar or simple arugula salad balances the richness.
Bread: Serve with garlic bread, because you’ll want to mop up every last drop of sauce.
Veggie Sides: Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli are quick and nourishing pairings.
Wine Pairing: A glass of Chianti or a bright Pinot Grigio complements each cheesy, tomato-y bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftovers completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors just keep getting better!

Freezing

Casserole freezes beautifully—just wrap tightly (baking dish and all, or in portions) and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Individual portions can be microwaved—add a splash of water if it looks dry.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely. Breasts work just as well—just be careful not to overcook them initially, so they stay juicy in the casserole.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this recipe?

A quick sear in a skillet with olive oil, salt, and pepper is my favorite. Leftover roast or rotisserie chicken also works perfectly and saves time.
Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, prep it all the way up to the baking stage, cover tightly, and store in the fridge for up to a day. Add a few minutes to baking time if going straight from the refrigerator.
Is there a substitute for panko bread crumbs?

Regular breadcrumbs can work, but panko gives a lighter, crispier crunch. Crushed crackers or seasoned croutons are tasty alternatives as well.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Parmesan Casserole takes every element you crave in classic Chicken Parm and delivers it in the form of a comforting, one-pan meal that’s incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re feeding family or just yourself, it’s the kind of recipe that you’ll want to make again and again—especially on those nights when time is of the essence, but the craving for wholesome comfort is strong. Give it a try, and enjoy every cheesy, crunchy, and satisfying forkful!