If you’re craving comfort food that’s both hearty and downright delicious, you’re in for a treat with this Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe. This casserole takes everything we love about classic chicken Parmesan – that crispy chicken, melty cheese, tangy marinara – and combines it all in a bubbly, cozy dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time, and I can’t wait for you to try it because it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry already, making it super easy to whip up.
Hands-Off Baking: Once everything is assembled, the oven does the work, freeing you up to relax.
Flexible Protein Options: Use fresh chicken, frozen tenders, or leftovers and it’ll still be amazing.
Family Favorite: This casserole never fails to get rave reviews around my table – it’s a keeper!

The dish shows a baking pan filled with layered pasta tubes covered in melted white cheese and red tomato sauce. The pasta tubes are golden brown with a crispy texture and are arranged closely together. There are small green herb pieces sprinkled all over the cheese and sauce, adding a fresh color contrast. The surface has an uneven texture where the cheese is melted and slightly browned on top. A silver utensil rests in the corner of the pan, and the pan is set on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole, Chicken Parmesan casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, baked chicken Parmesan, family-friendly chicken dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays its part, ensuring your casserole is packed with flavor and just the right texture. Plus, a quick shopping tip: if you can find freshly grated Parmesan cheese at your grocery store, it really elevates the dish.

Flat lay of rigatoni pasta piled neatly, two small boneless skinless chicken breasts raw and fresh, a small mound of Italian breadcrumbs, a small heap of all-purpose flour, two whole uncracked brown eggs, three cups shredded mozzarella cheese in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl with grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl with bright red marinara sauce, a small white bowl filled with golden vegetable oil, two tablespoons of pale yellow butter on a white ceramic plate, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley arranged delicately, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole, Chicken Parmesan casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, baked chicken Parmesan, family-friendly chicken dinner

Rigatoni Pasta: Its tube shape holds onto the sauce beautifully.
Marinara Sauce: Go for a good-quality or homemade version for the best flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Use shredded for easy melting and gooeyness.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds that sharp, nutty punch we all love.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Thin and tender works best here.
Flour: Helps get a perfect breading on the chicken.
Seasoned Salt: Adds balanced savory notes right to the coating.
Pepper: Freshly cracked is ideal for brightness.
Eggs: A great binder for the breadcrumb coating.
Italian Breadcrumbs: The key to that crispy golden exterior.
Vegetable Oil: For frying the chicken to perfection.
Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and finishing touches.
Fresh Parsley: For a fresh, herbaceous garnish that brightens the dish.

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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

What I love most about this Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is how adaptable it is — you can easily tweak it depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment!

Using Leftover Chicken: I discovered that shredded rotisserie chicken works like a charm here, saving time but keeping all the flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions — the casserole still turns out crispy and delicious.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara or breadcrumb mix if you like a little heat.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add roasted veggies like eggplant or mushrooms – still tasty and hearty.

How to Make Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Bread the Chicken

First things first, slice those chicken breasts into cutlets or strips. I like to bread the chicken right after I start boiling the pasta water to save time. Dredge each piece in flour seasoned with salt and pepper, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with Italian breadcrumbs. This triple-step breading gives you that perfect crispy crust that stays crunchy even after baking.

Step 2: Cook Pasta and Fry Chicken

While your pasta cooks until just al dente, heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken pieces until golden brown on both sides — about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t overcrowd the pan or you risk steaming instead of frying. Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Drain your pasta and toss it with 32 ounces of marinara sauce and a bit of butter for richness. In a baking dish, layer half of the sauced pasta, then the crispy chicken, followed by half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat the layers—pasta, chicken, cheeses—until everything is used up.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Bake the casserole at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to golden up around the edges. If you like a crispier top, turning on the broiler for the last couple of minutes works wonders, but watch it closely to avoid burning.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Bread the Chicken Efficiently: I usually bread the chicken while the pasta water heats up; it saves so much time and keeps the workflow smooth.
Avoid Soggy Chicken: Be sure to fry the chicken just until golden—overcooking it slows down the baking and can dry it out.
Sauce Amount: I start with 32 oz. marinara, but if you like it saucier, adding up to 48 oz. makes the noodles extra flavorful.
Cheese Layering: Split your mozzarella and Parmesan between layers to ensure every bite is cheesy and rich, not just the top.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

The image shows a white plate filled with rigatoni pasta layered with rich, chunky tomato sauce tinted in deep red and orange hues, mixed with a generous layer of melted cheese on top that is creamy white with slight golden-brown spots. Bits of green herbs are sprinkled across the dish, adding small specks of vibrant color. The pasta shapes are ridged, thick, and well coated with sauce and cheese. A silver fork with a black handle rests on the edge of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a softly blurred blue and white cloth in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole, Chicken Parmesan casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, baked chicken Parmesan, family-friendly chicken dinner

Garnishes

I always sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top right after baking—it adds a lovely burst of color and a bit of freshness that cuts through the rich cheese and sauce.

Side Dishes

For sides, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some garlic roasted broccoli work perfectly to balance the richness of the casserole. Crusty bread is a must-have to mop up any extra sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to sprinkle some extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves on top before serving. You can also portion the casserole into individual ramekins for a fancy but easy presentation that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend letting it cool completely before sealing to avoid soggy textures.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole both before and after baking – before baking works best for me because I can just pop it in the oven when guests come over. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which keeps the crust nice and crisp. Microwaving works in a pinch, but it can make things a little soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh chicken for this casserole?

Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken tenders or even shredded frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw and pat dry before breading and frying to get that crispy coating everyone loves.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Swap out the regular flour and Italian breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. Use gluten-free pasta as well and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free Chicken Parmesan Casserole that’s just as satisfying.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and bake when you’re ready.
What’s the best way to avoid soggy chicken in the casserole?

Make sure to fry the breaded chicken until it’s golden and crispy before layering it into the casserole, and avoid adding too much extra sauce. This keeps the breading from getting soggy during baking.
Can I use other types of pasta?

Definitely! While rigatoni works great because of its shape, penne, ziti, or even rotini can be good substitutes depending on what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — comforting, cheesy, and packed with flavor. I love how it brings everyone together around the dinner table, and I’m confident you’ll enjoy it just as much as my family does. Give it a try on your next cozy night in, and watch it become one of your go-to recipes too!