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Crispy Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe with Easy Garlic Bread Topping

Crispy Chicken Parmesan Casserole - featured image
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A quick and easy casserole combining crispy garlic bread topping with classic chicken parmesan flavors, perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs or 680g), pounded to even thickness
  • 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce
  • 2 cups (about 200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) Italian-style breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • A handful of fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or oregano

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound them to about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thickness.
  3. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. Set aside.
  4. In a medium skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add the breadcrumbs to the skillet and stir to coat them in the garlic butter. Toast for about 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
  6. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Lay the pounded chicken breasts evenly over the sauce.
  7. Spoon the remaining marinara over the chicken, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
  8. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and stir into the toasted breadcrumbs. Evenly sprinkle this garlic bread topping over the cheese layer.
  9. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top for garnish.

Notes

If the topping browns too fast but the chicken isn’t cooked through, loosely cover the dish with foil halfway through baking. Toasting breadcrumbs before baking prevents sogginess and adds crunch. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Pounding chicken breasts ensures even cooking and tenderness.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken parmesan casserole, crispy chicken casserole, garlic bread topping, easy chicken dinner, baked chicken parmesan

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/crispy-chicken-parmesan-casserole-recipe-with-easy-garlic-bread-topping/