Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko
Chicken Parmesan Casserole with Mozzarella & Panko is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken breasts, savory marinara sauce, melty mozzarella cheese, and a crispy panko-Parmesan topping. This casserole brings the classic flavors of chicken parmesan into a convenient one-dish meal perfect for family dinners, weeknights, or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free panko option)
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
- 2 cups marinara sauce (high-quality or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded or sliced mozzarella cheese
Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Seasonings and Binders
- 2 eggs (to bind the topping)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for seasoning chicken)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning for added depth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread a layer of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Spoon more marinara over each chicken piece, then layer shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken to achieve a gooey, cheesy melt.
- Make the Panko Topping: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly coated and moist enough to sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the prepared panko topping over the mozzarella layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, golden brown, and the chicken is cooked through. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set and make slicing easier.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness to avoid drying and ensure even cooking.
- Use fresh or homemade marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the Parmesan cheese in the topping, it adds a sharp, nutty flavor.
- Lightly toast the panko in olive oil before topping for extra crunch and flavor.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking for better texture and easier serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: chicken parmesan casserole, mozzarella, panko, comfort food, easy dinner, baked chicken parmesan