Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko. It’s crispy, cheesy, and packed with familiar Italian flavors, all combined into one hearty casserole that’s perfect for a quick family dinner. The golden panko crust adds an irresistible crunch, while the melted mozzarella cheese brings gooey, creamy perfection to every bite. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or want a crowd-pleaser for a casual gathering, this casserole hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples and fresh basics to keep cooking stress-free.
• Quick Assembly: Ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly Flavors: Combines crispy chicken with gooey mozzarella and savory tomato sauce.
• Versatile Dish: Easily customizable to suit different tastes or dietary preferences.
• One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup required, saving you time after dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko relies on simple, fresh ingredients that create a balance of flavors and textures—crispy coatings, gooey cheese, and vibrant tomato sauce.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy slicing and even cooking.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Adds a crisp, golden texture that’s lighter than regular breadcrumbs.
• Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded for melty, stringy goodness.
• Marinara sauce: High-quality tomato sauce brings robust and tangy flavors.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated cheese to enhance flavor and create a savory crust.
• Eggs: Used to bind the panko breadcrumbs so they stick perfectly.
• Olive oil: For coating and crisping the panko topping beautifully.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs adds aromatic depth.
• Salt and pepper: Essentials to amplify all the savory elements.

Variations for Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko

Feel free to customize this casserole to your liking—whether it’s based on what you have in your kitchen or dietary preferences, this recipe is incredibly adaptable without losing its signature deliciousness.

• Use chicken thighs: Swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
• Gluten-free option: Replace panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a safe alternative.
• Add veggies: Toss in sliced mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Spicy twist: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce for a bit of heat.
• Cheese blends: Mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a richer cheese flavor.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko

Step 1: Prep and Bread the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts into evenly sized pieces. Whisk eggs in a shallow bowl to create an egg wash. In another bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dip each chicken piece first into the egg wash, then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture to ensure a crispy crust after baking.

Step 2: Layer the Casserole

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces evenly in a single layer on top. Generously spoon marinara over each piece to keep the meat juicy and flavorful during baking.

Step 3: Add the Cheese Toppings

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the chicken and sauce. Add an extra dusting of parmesan cheese on top for a golden, cheesy crust that gets delightfully bubbly when baked.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drizzle olive oil over the top of the casserole for extra crispiness, then bake uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set before serving. This makes slicing easier and helps all the flavors marry deliciously. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko

• Even coating: Use your hands or a fork to press panko onto chicken pieces tightly for maximum crunch.
• Room temperature chicken: Let chicken sit out for 10–15 minutes before breading for more even baking.
• Use fresh cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded varieties with additives.
• Don’t overload sauce: Use just enough marinara sauce to keep it moist without making it soggy.
• Crispier crust: Finish with a quick broil for 2 minutes at the end to get extra crunch on the panko topping.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a splash of color and a burst of fresh, herbal flavor. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few grinds of black pepper can also elevate the presentation.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or buttery roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside spaghetti or your favorite pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in smaller ramekins for a charming, personalized touch that’s perfect for entertaining. You can also layer the casserole in a glass dish to showcase the beautiful layers of crispy chicken, sauce, and melted cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep the flavors fresh and the cheese creamy.

Freezing

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko freezes well. Wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until warmed through and the topping is crisp again. You can also use a microwave, but the crust won’t stay as crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts for even cooking and optimal texture in your casserole.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free mozzarella and parmesan alternatives and check your breadcrumbs for dairy ingredients.

How do I prevent the casserole from becoming soggy?

Make sure not to overload with sauce and use panko breadcrumbs for a crisp texture; also, allow the casserole to rest before serving.

Can I double the recipe for larger gatherings?

Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time slightly to ensure even cooking.

What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?

You can use crushed cornflakes, regular breadcrumbs, or even crushed crackers for a different but tasty crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko is an absolute winner for family dinners and special occasions alike. It combines ease, flavor, and comforting textures in one dish that everyone will love. Give it a try tonight—you’ll soon find it’s one of your new go-to recipes that’s as cozy as it is delicious.

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