Easy Cheesy Dump and Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole
A quick and easy chicken parmesan casserole that layers tender chicken, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese for a comforting family dinner with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (can substitute with cottage cheese)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- In a bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well-coated. Set aside.
- Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer over the sauce.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, covering every piece.
- Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese evenly across the top, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over everything.
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top just before serving.
Notes
If cheese browns too fast, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F. Let casserole rest before serving to prevent cheese from sliding off. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese alternatives and skip Parmesan. For gluten-free, verify marinara sauce labels.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/6 of the cas
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken parmesan, casserole, easy dinner, cheesy, family meal, dump and bake, weeknight dinner