Description
This Chicken Parmesan Bake is a comforting Italian-American casserole featuring shredded chicken breast simmered in marinara sauce, seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, and topped with a cheesy blend of mozzarella and Parmesan. Topped with crispy garlic croutons for added texture, it’s baked until golden and bubbly, making for an easy, crowd-pleasing main dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup garlic croutons or toasted breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Mix Chicken and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Spread the chicken and sauce mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring a flat, uniform layer for even cooking.
- Add Cheese Layers: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese followed by grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken mixture to create a rich, cheesy topping.
- Prepare Crouton Topping: In a small bowl, toss the garlic croutons or toasted breadcrumbs with olive oil until lightly coated, then scatter them evenly over the cheese layer for a crunchy finish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and the crouton topping turns a golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the bake rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dish to set. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired before serving.
Notes
- To save time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch.
- For a richer flavor, layer with sliced fresh mozzarella or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Serve this bake over spaghetti or alongside a crisp green salad to make a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
