Fuss-Free Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Whipping up a delightful dump-and-bake chicken parmesan casserole can turn an ordinary weeknight into a culinary adventure.

Pasta lovers rejoice with this hassle-free meal that combines classic Italian flavors in one simple dish.

No complicated techniques or endless prep work stand between you and a mouthwatering dinner.

Layers of tender chicken, melted cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs create a symphony of textures that dance on your palate.

Comfort food meets convenience in this genius recipe that saves time without compromising taste.

Minimal effort guarantees maximum satisfaction, making this casserole a perfect solution for busy home cooks.

Dive in and savor every delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Discover the Comfort of Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Transform a complicated chicken parmesan into a stress-free one-dish marvel that comes together with minimal kitchen effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Pack irresistible flavor combinations of crispy chicken, melted cheese, and seasoned breadcrumbs that guarantee smiles from kids and adults alike.
• Customize with Ease: Swap popcorn chicken for grilled chicken strips, swap marinara for alfredo sauce, or add extra vegetables to match your family's taste preferences without complicated recipe adjustments.
• Budget-Friendly Meal Solution: Utilize pantry staples and affordable ingredients to create a restaurant-style dinner that saves money and reduces dinnertime stress without sacrificing deliciousness.

Key Ingredients to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

• Uncooked Pasta: The core foundation of the casserole that provides hearty texture and substance.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato sauce that adds rich, tangy flavor to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances the overall savory taste of the casserole.

• Popcorn Chicken: Pre-cooked bite-sized chicken pieces that add protein and convenience to the recipe.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: These cheeses create a melty, golden crust with a delicious savory flavor.
• Toasted Bread Slices: Used to create a crispy, crunchy breadcrumb topping for added texture.
• Melted Butter: Helps bind the breadcrumb topping and adds richness.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that provides traditional Italian flavor to the breadcrumb topping.

• Garlic: Adds a deep, aromatic flavor to the base of the casserole.
• Parsley, Basil: Fresh herbs that bring brightness and color to the finished dish.
• Cooking Spray: Used to lightly coat the bread for toasting.

• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the casserole during initial baking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Step 1: Crisp Up Bread Slices

Grab your baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Spread out bread slices and give them a light spritz of cooking spray.

Pop them into a 400F (204C) oven and toast until they turn a beautiful golden color, about 10 minutes. Let the bread cool down completely.

Step 2: Create Pasta Base

In a large mixing bowl, bring together uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Stir everything until well combined.

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, making sure it’s spread evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Craft Crunchy Topping

• Melted butter
• Italian seasoning

Set the topping mixture aside for later.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Cheese

Pull the casserole out of the oven and give it a gentle stir. Nestle the popcorn chicken pieces throughout the pasta, ensuring an even distribution.

Sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Crispy Topping

Scatter the prepared breadcrumb mixture across the casserole. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges become deliciously bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and basil.

Dive in and enjoy your delightful creation!

Insider Tips to Nail This Chicken Parmesan Casserole

• Choose smaller pasta shapes like rotini or penne for faster, more even cooking in the casserole.
• Swap popcorn chicken with grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based chicken alternatives for different flavor profiles.
• Add grated Parmesan cheese to breadcrumb mixture for extra crunch and rich, savory flavor when topping the casserole.
• If the pasta seems dry during baking, add a splash more chicken broth to ensure perfectly cooked, tender noodles.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes or Italian herbs into the marinara sauce for a subtle kick and more complex taste.

Tasty Twists to Try on Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

• Seafood Sensation: Replace popcorn chicken with shrimp or crab meat for a maritime-inspired version. Add Old Bay seasoning to enhance oceanic flavors.
• Vegetarian Veggie Blast: Swap chicken for roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for depth.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced green chiles, swap marinara for salsa, and sprinkle pepper jack cheese. Top with cilantro and jalapeños for extra kick.
• Mediterranean Magic: Use feta cheese instead of mozzarella, add kalamata olives, and mix in sun-dried tomatoes. Finish with fresh oregano for authentic Greek flair.

Perfect Pairings to Serve With Chicken Parmesan Casserole

• Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light, zesty salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy casserole.
• Garlic Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread to complement the Italian flavors and soak up extra sauce.
• Chilled White Wine: Pour a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness and enhance the meal's overall taste.
• Roasted Vegetable Medley: Create a side of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus to add freshness and nutrition to the hearty dish.

How to Store Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with penne, rotini, or ziti. Just ensure the cooking time remains consistent with the original recipe.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The popcorn chicken and cheesy pasta make it a hit with children. The simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a perfect family meal.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole up to the point of final baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

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

Regular cooked chicken pieces, rotisserie chicken, or even grilled chicken strips work perfectly as substitutes in this dump-and-bake casserole.

Dump-And-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Quick and effortless dump-and-bake chicken parmesan casserole delivers classic Italian flavors without complicated prep. Cheesy, saucy layers combine perfectly crisp chicken with tender pasta, promising a satisfying meal that brings comfort to your dinner table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 12 pounds (12–13 pieces) frozen popcorn chicken, thawed
• 1 (24 ounces) jar marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 3 cups chicken broth
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

Breadcrumb Topping and Garnish:

• 4 slices Italian bread
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400F (204C). Arrange bread slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly mist with cooking spray, and toast for 10 minutes until achieving a golden, crisp texture. Allow bread to cool completely.

1. Combine uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, chicken broth, and minced garlic in a large mixing bowl. Thoroughly blend ingredients, then transfer the mixture to a greased 13×9-inch casserole dish, ensuring an even distribution. Seal with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

1. Transform the toasted bread into fine, uniform crumbs. Blend crumbs with melted butter and Italian seasoning, creating a fragrant topping mixture. Set aside for later use.

1. Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and gently stir the pasta mixture. Strategically place popcorn chicken pieces throughout the dish, ensuring balanced coverage. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the surface. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

1. Evenly distribute the prepared breadcrumb mixture across the casserole’s surface. Bake for 5-10 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become delightfully bubbly.

1. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and settle. Garnish with fresh parsley and basil, then serve and savor the delicious creation.

Notes

• Customize your chicken choice by swapping popcorn chicken with grilled, rotisserie, or leftover chicken for variety and dietary preferences.
• Gluten-free adaptation works perfectly by using gluten-free pasta and bread, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting meal.
• Reduce sodium levels by selecting low-sodium marinara sauce and chicken broth, making the dish heart-friendly without compromising flavor.
• Amp up vegetable intake by mixing in fresh spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during the second baking stage for extra nutrition and color.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 431 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg