30-Minute Chicken Parmesan Casserole: Comfort Food Made Easy
When you crave the crispy, cheesy goodness of Chicken Parmesan but don’t have time for breading, frying, and layering — this 30-Minute Chicken Parmesan Casserole swoops in to save your dinner.
It has everything you love about the classic: juicy chicken, tangy marinara, stretchy mozzarella, and golden Parmesan breadcrumbs on top — but without the fuss. Best of all, it’s on the table in just 30 minutes, making it a weeknight dream for families or anyone craving comfort in a pinch.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- ⏱️ Ready in 30 minutes: No frying or multiple pans — just layer, bake, and enjoy.
- 🍗 Comfort food, simplified: All the flavor of traditional Chicken Parm with none of the hassle.
- 🧀 Cheesy, saucy perfection: Melty mozzarella and crispy Parmesan crumbs make every bite irresistible.
- 🍝 Customizable: Add pasta for a full meal or serve it with veggies or salad for a lighter option.
- 👩🍳 Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy nights in.
A Classic, Reimagined for Busy Nights
Chicken Parmesan is an Italian-American favorite for a reason — the balance of juicy chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy melted cheese is pure comfort. But breading and pan-frying can take time (and a lot of cleanup).
This version reimagines the dish as a bubbly baked casserole that delivers all the beloved flavors in one dish. Tender cooked chicken is tossed in marinara sauce, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan, and finished with a golden breadcrumb crust that mimics that classic fried texture.
The result? A one-dish wonder that feels indulgent but is shockingly easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Optional: 8 ounces cooked pasta (penne or rotini) for a heartier version
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken: Rotisserie or leftover chicken makes this recipe lightning-fast. You can also use grilled or baked chicken breasts, chopped or shredded.
- Marinara Sauce: Choose a rich, garlicky sauce for the best flavor. A roasted tomato or basil-infused marinara works perfectly.
- Mozzarella: Go for low-moisture mozzarella for that iconic stretchy cheese pull.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated is key — it adds depth and crispness to the topping.
- Breadcrumbs: Use Italian-seasoned for instant flavor, or make your own by mixing plain breadcrumbs with oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt.
- Pasta (optional): Toss the cooked pasta in the casserole before baking to turn it into a full, filling meal.
30-Minute Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Mix cooked chicken, marinara sauce, and garlic. Spread evenly in dish.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle over top.
- Bake 20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil briefly for extra crispiness.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Notes
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish (about 9×9 inches or similar).
Step 2: Assemble the Base
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, marinara sauce, and garlic (if using). Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Add the Cheesy Layers
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken mixture. Then top with grated Parmesan.
Step 4: Make the Golden Topping
In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter (or olive oil), and Italian seasoning. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — just until the breadcrumbs are lightly browned.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Serve with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad.
Enjoy your Chicken Parmesan comfort fix — without the mess!
Tips for Success
- Use cooked chicken only: Raw chicken will release water and dilute the sauce.
- Make it cheesy: Don’t skimp on the mozzarella — it’s the heart of this dish’s gooey goodness.
- For meal prep: Assemble the casserole ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Crispy topping hack: Mix a bit of grated Parmesan directly into the breadcrumbs for extra crunch and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is a main dish superstar that pairs beautifully with simple sides:
- Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
- Roasted vegetables (broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus)
- Classic Caesar or Italian salad
- Spaghetti, penne, or linguine for an ultimate comfort combo
Flavor Variations
1. Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake
Mix 8 ounces of cooked pasta into the chicken and marinara layer for a full one-dish meal.
2. Spicy Chicken Parm Casserole
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped Calabrian chiles to the sauce for heat.
3. Veggie-Packed Version
Add chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms before baking for extra nutrition.
4. Low-Carb Option
Skip the pasta and use zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets as the base.
5. Gluten-Free Adaptation
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds for a crunchy topping.
Storage & Reheating
To Store:
Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To Freeze:
Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
To Reheat:
Bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 390 | Protein: 36g | Carbs: 15g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 760mg | Sugar: 5g
Why This Recipe Works
This casserole captures everything you crave about Chicken Parmesan — the sauce, the cheese, the crunch — and streamlines it into a 30-minute dinner anyone can make.
By using pre-cooked chicken and layering the classic flavors in one dish, you save time without sacrificing taste. The breadcrumb topping gives the same satisfying crisp as fried cutlets, while the bubbling cheese keeps it cozy and comforting.
It’s foolproof, family-friendly, and guaranteed to earn repeat requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use raw chicken?
A: It’s best to use cooked chicken to keep the texture and sauce perfect.
Q: Can I assemble it ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake just before serving.
Q: What’s the best cheese mix?
A: Mozzarella for melt, Parmesan for sharpness, and a sprinkle of provolone for depth if desired.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake 5 minutes longer.
A Weeknight Hero
This 30-Minute Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the definition of weeknight comfort food: fast, easy, and incredibly satisfying. With its cheesy layers, garlicky marinara, and crispy topping, it turns an Italian classic into a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dish.
Serve it straight from the oven, watch it disappear in minutes, and enjoy all the praise — you earned it!
