This Chicken Parmesan Casserole transforms the flavors of classic chicken parm into a rich, shareable casserole, layering savory seasoned chicken, marinara sauce, garlic-herb aromatics, and melty cheeses topped with crunchy garlic croutons.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You’ll love this casserole for its comforting combination of flavors and textures—the familiar chicken parm essence made easier with layers of tender chicken, aromatic garlic and basil, rich marinara, gooey cheese, and a crispy crouton topping that adds playful crunch and ease.

Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Imagine a casserole full of hearty layers: tender chicken cubes aren’t just coated—they’re bisected by aromatics like fragrant garlic and fresh basil, which infuse every bite. This foundation gives way to a lush, flavorful marinara sauce whose tomato-sweet notes marry beautifully with the cheese topping, melting into gooey ribbons of mozzarella and Parmesan that speak to indulgence and warmth.

The toppings elevate the texture beautifully. Crushed garlic croutons sprinkled over the cheese layer bake up crisp and golden, adding a delightful crunch that unexpectedly plays so well with the soft, melted cheese beneath. Each bite transforms from familiar and comforting to exciting with that added crunch.

Like any good casserole, this dish simplifies a beloved dinner classic into a no-fuss format. There’s no need to fry or dredge chicken; cubing and layering make things quicker, cleaner, and more inclusive for cooks of every skill level. It’s about preserving flavor while maximizing convenience.

The aromatic base of garlic and basil introduces an herbaceous backbone that speeds flavor without complexity. They cut through the richness of the cheese, balancing savory and fresh in a way that feels layered and sophisticated while still feeling like home cooking.

This casserole is generous and crowd-friendly. Serve a group with minimal effort and maximal delight. It’s as good for weekday family meals as it is for casual gatherings, and makes fabulous leftovers with flavor that continues improving over time in the fridge.

Beyond flavor, the cheese plays a show-stopping role. Mozzarella’s meltiness and Parmesan’s nutty edge form a lavish blanket. The casserole looks as inviting as it tastes—bubbling, cheesy, and golden on top—offering both visual and culinary satisfaction.

Customization is effortless. Swap the crouton topping for herbed breadcrumbs, add sautéed mushrooms, or stir in spinach or extra veggies for nutrition. Adjust cheese proportions or fresh basil volume to match your mood.

It’s a recipe that feels celebratory yet easy. The aromatics awaken your senses early in the cook, and the final bake pulls everything together into a harmoniously cheesy, saucy, tender ensemble. You’ll sink into it bite after bite.

It’s a satisfying centerpiece that brings people together. Serve with a simple side of greens or crusty bread and you’ve got a meal that feels cultivated but never pretentious—a perfect intersection of cozy and elevated.

Best of all, it captures the spirit of Chicken Parmesan—tomato, garlic, cheese—while honoring efficiency and ease of cooking. It’s indulgent, convenient, and made for everyday moments where flavor and comfort go hand in hand.

SERVINGS & TIME

• Servings: 6–8 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 1 hour (45 minutes covered + 15 minutes uncovered)

• Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 2 lbs chicken breasts, cubed into bite-size pieces

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• ¼ cup fresh basil, finely chopped

• 25 oz jar marinara sauce

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

• 5 oz bag garlic croutons, roughly crushed (keep some larger pieces)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13‑inch casserole dish generously with butter or cooking spray.

2. Place cubed raw chicken evenly in the bottom of the dish.

3. Sprinkle minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and chopped basil over the chicken for aromatic seasoning.

4. Pour marinara sauce evenly over the seasoned chicken.

5. Combine half of the mozzarella and Parmesan and sprinkle over the sauce for melty, savory coverage.

6. Top with crushed garlic croutons, then sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top for a crunchy, cheesy layer.

7. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 45 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook all the way through and the cheese to melt.

8. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil.

9. Allow casserole to rest for around 10 minutes before serving to let the juices settle and the layers firm up slightly.

TIPS

• Let the casserole rest before serving to avoid sliding layers and hot steam.

• Double the garlic in garnish—toss croutons in garlic‑butter before topping for bold flavor.

• Swap in fresh basil right before serving for bright, fresh herbal aroma.

• For extra richness, stir in a handful of shredded eggplant or sautéed mushrooms into the marinara layer.

• Leftovers reheat well in the oven or under a broiler for rebound crisp on top.