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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Extract the partially cooked casserole, gently redistributing the contents, then artfully nestle popcorn chicken throughout the pasta landscape.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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