Irresistibly Easy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parm Casserole for Tonight

Chicken Parmesan transforms into a hassle-free casserole that simplifies the classic Italian-American dish for busy home cooks.

This comforting meal replaces the traditional labor-intensive preparation with a convenient one-pan approach that saves time and reduces kitchen cleanup.

Families and individuals seeking a quick yet delicious dinner solution will appreciate the streamlined method of combining pasta, chicken, and classic Italian flavors in a single baking dish.

The recipe eliminates the need for multiple cooking steps like breading and frying, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Layers of tender chicken, marinara sauce, and melted cheese create a satisfying and hearty meal that captures the essence of the beloved chicken parmesan.

Dinner becomes an effortless experience with this smart adaptation of a restaurant-style favorite that brings comfort and flavor to the table.

What Goes In Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parm Casserole

• Pasta: A hearty base that absorbs flavors and creates a satisfying texture. Short pasta shapes work best for easy eating.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides rich tomato flavor and moisture for the casserole. Choose a high-quality jarred sauce or homemade version.
• Chicken Broth: Adds extra moisture and depth of flavor to the pasta. Low-sodium broth recommended for better control of saltiness.

• Popcorn Chicken, Chicken Pieces: Quick protein option that adds convenience and kid-friendly appeal. Frozen varieties work well for easy preparation.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a golden, gooey topping. Fresh-grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.

• Bread Slices: Creates a crunchy breadcrumb topping with great texture. Day-old bread works perfectly for more consistent crumbs.
• Butter: Helps bind breadcrumbs and adds rich flavor to the topping. Unsalted butter allows better seasoning control.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides herbal, aromatic flavor to the breadcrumb topping. A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Garlic: Adds depth and savory notes to the base. Fresh or granulated garlic both work well.
• Parsley, Basil: Fresh herbs for bright, final garnish. Optional but recommended for extra flavor.

Steps To Make Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parm Casserole

Step 1: Toast Crispy Bread Crumbs

Fire up the oven to 400°F. Lay bread slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and give them a light spritz of cooking spray. Pop them in the oven and toast until they turn a beautiful golden color, about 10 minutes. Let the bread cool down completely.

Step 2: Create Pasta Base

• Uncooked pasta
• Marinara sauce
• Chicken broth
• Minced garlic

Stir everything together until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven for a 30-minute bake.

Step 3: Crush Bread Into Magical Topping

• Melted butter
• Italian seasoning

Set this crunchy mixture aside for later.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Cheese

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Return the uncovered dish to the oven for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Create Golden Crunchy Top

Sprinkle the prepared bread crumb mixture all over the casserole. Bake for another 5-10 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges start bubbling.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to settle down. Scatter some fresh parsley and basil on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Dive in and enjoy your creation!

Helpful Notes For Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parm Casserole

• Choose Lean Protein: Swap popcorn chicken with grilled chicken breast or tofu for a healthier, protein-packed alternative that reduces calories and adds more nutritional value.
• Customize Pasta Options: Use whole wheat, gluten-free, or vegetable-based pasta to accommodate different dietary needs while maintaining the delicious flavor profile of the dish.
• Master Breadcrumb Crispiness: Toast breadcrumbs separately in a skillet with butter for extra crunch and golden color, ensuring a perfectly crisp topping that elevates the casserole's texture.
• Control Cheese Meltiness: Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties to achieve a smoother, more even melt and avoid anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the marinara sauce for a more complex, rich taste that enhances the overall depth of the chicken parmesan casserole.

How To Store And Reheat Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parm Casserole

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.
• Microwave Option: Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until steaming hot, stirring between intervals to ensure even warming.

Pairing Tips For Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parm Casserole

• Savor a Crisp Chardonnay: Light, buttery white wine complements the cheesy, tangy flavors of the casserole, cutting through its richness with elegant acidity.
• Create a Fresh Caesar Salad: Crunchy romaine, zesty dressing, and parmesan shavings balance the hearty casserole, adding a refreshing vegetable element to the meal.
• Pop Open a Cold Italian Pilsner: Crisp, light beer with subtle hop notes cleanses the palate between bites, enhancing the tomato and cheese profile of the dish.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Sticks: Herbed, buttery breadsticks provide a complementary crunch that echoes the casserole's crispy breadcrumb topping, offering textural contrast.

Fun Ideas For Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parm Casserole

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free penne or rotini. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap popcorn chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives or roasted chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use almond flour mixed with herbs for the crispy topping.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce. Mix cayenne pepper into the breadcrumb topping for extra heat.

Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parm Casserole FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with similar shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti that hold sauce well and cook evenly in the casserole.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The popcorn chicken and cheesy pasta make this a crowd-pleaser for children and adults alike. The simple ingredients and easy preparation mean kids will love both eating and helping make this dish.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to the point of adding cheese and breadcrumbs, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, add the cheese and breadcrumb topping and bake for slightly longer to ensure it’s heated through completely.

• What can I do if I don't have popcorn chicken?

Substitute with rotisserie chicken, cooked shredded chicken, or even frozen chicken tenders cut into bite-sized pieces. The key is to ensure the chicken is pre-cooked before adding to the casserole.

Why Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parm Casserole Is So Easy

• Quick Weeknight Rescue: Transform busy evenings into stress-free dinner moments with this dump-and-bake marvel that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor.
• Foolproof Family Pleaser: Zero complicated techniques mean anyone can create a restaurant-worthy chicken parmesan dish without culinary training, guaranteeing smiles around the dinner table.
• Customize with Ease: Swap popcorn chicken for grilled chicken strips, experiment with different pasta shapes, or add extra veggies to personalize this versatile one-pan wonder that adapts to your preferences.
• Time-Saving Kitchen Magic: From start to finish, this casserole takes less than an hour, making it perfect for hungry families wanting delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

Easy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parm Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delightful Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parm Casserole brings classic Italian-American comfort straight to dinner tables with minimal effort. Hearty layers of chicken, marinara, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that will become an instant family favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) frozen popcorn chicken, thawed
• 4 chicken breasts

Pasta and Sauce:

• 1 pound (454 grams) penne pasta, uncooked
• 1 24-ounce (710 milliliters) jar marinara sauce
• 3 cups (710 milliliters) chicken broth

Cheese and Herbs:

• 1.5 cups (170 grams) grated mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil

Bread Topping:

• 4 slices Italian bread
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Transform the kitchen into a culinary arena by heating the oven to a robust 400°F (204°C), creating the perfect environment for a delectable chicken parmesan casserole.
2. Craft a crispy foundation by arranging bread slices on a parchment-draped baking sheet, lightly misting with cooking spray, and toasting until they achieve a golden, crunchy perfection.
3. Orchestrate the base layer by merging uncooked pasta, vibrant marinara sauce, aromatic garlic, and rich chicken broth in a spacious mixing vessel, then transfer the harmonious mixture to a generously greased 13×9-inch baking dish.
4. Initiate the initial baking phase by shielding the casserole with aluminum foil, allowing the ingredients to meld and pasta to tenderize for a precise 30-minute transformation.
5. While the casserole bakes, pulverize the toasted bread into delicate crumbs, then marry them with melted butter and Italian seasoning to create a tantalizing topping.
6. Extract the partially cooked casserole, gently redistributing the contents, then artfully nestle popcorn chicken throughout the pasta landscape.
7. Lavish the surface with a blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, returning the dish to the oven uncovered for a brief 10-minute melting interlude.
8. Crown the casserole with the prepared breadcrumb mixture, returning it to the oven for a final 5-10 minutes until the top achieves a gloriously golden and bubbling finish.
9. Allow the casserole a momentary rest, giving the flavors time to harmonize, then embellish with fresh parsley and basil before serving this comforting culinary masterpiece.

Notes

• Swap popcorn chicken with grilled, shredded, or rotisserie chicken for a healthier protein option that adds more homemade flavor and reduces processed ingredients.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta, gluten-free breadcrumbs, and ensuring marinara sauce has no wheat-based additives.
• Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium chicken broth and marinara sauce, which helps control overall salt

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg