Description
Comfort meets classic Italian cuisine in this hearty chicken parmesan casserole that layers crispy chicken, rich marinara, and melted cheeses into one irresistible dish. Rich, satisfying flavors will make this meal a new family favorite you crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Fats and Liquid Enhancers:
- 4 tablespoons (60 ml) unsalted butter
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Prepare a baking dish with a light coating of olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Layer bite-sized pieces of chicken across the bottom of the dish, creating an even base for the casserole.
- Generously pour marinara sauce over the chicken, making sure to cover each piece completely for maximum flavor infusion.
- Sprinkle a robust mixture of mozzarella and parmesan cheese across the top, creating a thick, even blanket of dairy goodness.
- Crush Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and distribute them uniformly over the cheese layer to create a crispy, golden-brown topping.
- Place the casserole in a preheated oven and bake until the cheese melts completely and turns bubbly with golden-brown edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for 5-7 minutes, which helps the cheese set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an additional sprinkle of parmesan cheese for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.
- Serve hot directly from the baking dish, ensuring each portion contains chicken, sauce, melted cheese, and crispy breadcrumb topping.
Notes
- Choose thick, evenly sized chicken breasts to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry spots in the casserole.
- Pat chicken completely dry before breading to help the coating stick better and create a crispier texture.
- Consider using Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for an extra flavor boost without adding extra spices.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain the crispy coating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg