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Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko

Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko
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This easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko is a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired dish featuring crispy breaded chicken, melted mozzarella cheese, and savory marinara sauce. The casserole is topped with a golden panko and parmesan crust that adds an irresistible crunch, making it perfect for quick family dinners or casual gatherings. Ready in under an hour with simple pantry staples, it’s a delicious and versatile one-pan meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1.5 pounds)

Breading & Coating

  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Assembly & Toppings

  • 2 cups shredded fresh mozzarella cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce (high-quality tomato sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Prep and Bread the Chicken: Slice 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 thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture to ensure a crispy crust after baking.
  2. Layer the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces evenly in a single layer on top. Spoon marinara sauce generously over each piece to keep the meat juicy and flavorful during baking.
  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 becomes delightfully bubbly when baked.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Drizzle olive oil over the top of the casserole for extra crispiness. Bake uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, golden, and the chicken is cooked through.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set before serving. This helps with slicing and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Even Coating: Press panko onto chicken pieces tightly with your hands or a fork for maximum crunch.
  • Room Temperature Chicken: Let chicken sit out for 10–15 minutes before breading to ensure 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 the casserole moist but not soggy.
  • Crispier Crust: Optionally broil the casserole for 2 minutes at the end for an extra crunchy panko topping.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Parmesan, Casserole, Mozzarella, Panko, Italian, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/chicken-parmesan-casserole-with-mozzarella-panko/