Description
This Chicken Parmesan Bake is a delicious and comforting Italian-American casserole that combines tender chicken pieces baked in marinara sauce, topped with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and finished with a crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s a perfect family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce and Cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Topping
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Season Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to evenly coat for enhanced flavor.
- Assemble Base: Spread the seasoned chicken pieces evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken and stir gently to coat all pieces. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the sauced chicken.
- Add Cheese Layers: Top the sauced chicken with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, ensuring an even layer.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs with olive oil, mixing until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve warm as a main dish.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- For extra crunch, broil the dish for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a faster preparation; reduce baking time to 15–20 minutes accordingly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 660mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
