Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko

If you’re craving a warm and satisfying dinner that combines crispy textures, gooey cheese, and hearty chicken, look no further than this Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko. This dish brings the timeless flavors of chicken parmesan into a comforting casserole form that’s perfect for family meals, weeknight dinners, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort. Featuring tender chicken breasts layered with savory marinara, melty mozzarella, and crunchy panko topping, it strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Comfort Food: Combines classic chicken parmesan flavors in a one-dish casserole that’s simple to prepare and satisfying to eat.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Loved by kids and adults alike, this dish is a guaranteed hit for dinner tables big and small.
• Textural Delight: The crispy panko topping adds a golden crunch that perfectly contrasts the tender chicken and creamy mozzarella.
• Versatile Make-Ahead Option: Easy to prepare in advance, making weeknight dinners stress-free without sacrificing flavor.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Uses wholesome chicken, fresh cheese, and tomato sauce to deliver protein and vibrant tastes in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making your Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko truly shine. Each component plays a vital role from richness and flavor to texture and color, keeping the dish balanced and bursting with classic Italian-inspired goodness.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, ideally pounded thin for even cooking and tenderness.
• Marinara sauce: Choose a high-quality or homemade tomato sauce for bright, fresh flavor and saucy moisture.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded or sliced, it adds melty, creamy richness that blends beautifully with the chicken.
• Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style crumbs give an irresistible crispy and flaky topping.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan adds sharp, nutty notes to the breadcrumb mixture and melts into savory goodness.
• Eggs: Used to bind the panko topping to create a perfectly golden crust.
• Olive oil: Adds flavor and helps toast the panko topping to crisp perfection.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that infuses the casserole with authentic Italian aroma and taste.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and balancing the dish’s seasoning.

Variations for Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, inviting you to switch up ingredients or adjust flavors based on your preferences, dietary needs, or what’s in your pantry. Here are some fun ways to customize your casserole experience.

• Vegetarian version: Substitute chicken with breaded eggplant slices or mushrooms for an irresistible meat-free option.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the marinara sauce for a subtle heat boost.
• Cheese swap: Try provolone or fontina cheese in place of mozzarella for a different creamy texture and flavor.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes to maintain the crisp topping without gluten.
• Herb infusions: Fresh basil or oregano can be folded into the marinara or sprinkled on top for an extra fresh herbal note.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven and prepping the chicken breasts. Pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly, then season simply with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning for depth.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce evenly along the bottom. Lay the chicken breasts on top, then generously cover each piece with marinara sauce before layering shredded mozzarella over the chicken to create that signature gooey melt.

Step 3: Make the Panko Topping

In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, olive oil, and a bit of Italian seasoning. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and moist enough to sprinkle. This mixture will brown beautifully in the oven and add a delicious crunch.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Sprinkle the panko topping evenly over the mozzarella layer, then bake the casserole until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, usually about 25 to 30 minutes. Let it rest briefly before serving to set up.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko

• Even chicken thickness: Pounding your chicken breasts ensures they cook evenly without drying out.
• Use fresh marinara: A quality sauce makes a big difference in the final flavor, so pick fresh or homemade if possible.
• Don’t skip the parmesan: The grated parmesan in the topping adds the sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Toast panko lightly: Toast the panko briefly in olive oil before topping for an extra boost of crunch and flavor.
• Rest before serving: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking to firm up and make slicing easier.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko

Garnishes

Fresh basil or chopped parsley sprinkled on top right before serving adds a bright, herbal burst and beautiful color contrast against the bubbly cheese and golden crumb.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic, steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans, or a crisp side salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve portions in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation at dinner parties, or layered in a large family-style dish to encourage sharing and cozy comfort vibes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the creamy cheese and crispy topping balanced without sogginess.

Freezing

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko freezes beautifully. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the crispy topping and melty cheese. A microwave can be used but may soften the crunch.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness, though cooking times may vary slightly due to the thicker meat.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, swap mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives and use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan for a tasty dairy-free version.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or mix diced jalapeños into the panko topping to introduce some heat without overpowering the dish.

Can I prepare this casserole without breadcrumbs?

While panko adds a lovely crunch, you can omit it and simply top with extra cheese or crushed nuts for texture.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheating in the oven preserves the texture best; heat at 350°F until warmed through to keep the panko topping crispy.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko is a true comfort classic made easy. It’s a dish that brings warmth, texture, and satisfying flavor to your table with minimum fuss and maximum love. Give it a try for your next meal and enjoy a hit that everyone will keep asking for again and again.

Related Posts

• Why Sour Cream Chicken Enchilada Casserole Is a Must-Try
• Easy One Pot Mexican Rice Casserole Recipe
• Why Beef and Cheese Chimichangas Are a Must-Try

Print