Parmesan Chicken Casserole

Introduction

If you’re looking for a comforting, no-fuss dinner that’s sure to be a hit with everyone, this Parmesan Chicken Casserole is just what you need! It’s one of those dishes that seems simple but packs a whole lot of flavor. Tender chicken, creamy cheese, and that irresistible crispy breadcrumb topping—what’s not to love?

I first tried this casserole on a hectic weeknight when I needed something quick and easy, but still hearty enough to satisfy my family’s appetites. It quickly became a staple in our home, and honestly, I think you’ll find it just as comforting and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish where you can almost always find the ingredients in your pantry and fridge, which is perfect when you’re in a pinch. Plus, it takes less than an hour to make—so it’s great for those days when you don’t have a ton of time to spend in the kitchen.

I love that this casserole feels a little indulgent but isn’t overly complicated to put together. If you’re new to cooking, don’t worry—this recipe is totally beginner-friendly. The best part? You can easily customize it by adding veggies or swapping out the chicken for something else if you want.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something warm and comforting, this Parmesan Chicken Casserole is sure to become a favorite. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles, and trust me, you’ll feel like a kitchen pro when you make it! Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are several reasons to fall in love with Parmesan Chicken Casserole:

• Rich and Creamy: The combination of Parmesan cheese and creamy sauce creates a decadent flavor.
• Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, perfect for family dinners.
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole is ready in no time.
• Bakes in One Dish: Less mess and easy cleanup make this an ideal choice for busy nights.
• Versatile Side Options: Pair it with pasta, salad, or veggies for a balanced meal.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it ahead and bake just before serving.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day—ideal for meal prep!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for gatherings, potlucks, or feeding a crowd.
• Customizable: Add veggies or different cheeses to make it your own.
• Comfort Food Classic: A cozy, warm dish perfect for any season.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Fat: 20g, Carbohydrates: 20g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Parmesan Chicken Casserole:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Breasts: Provides lean protein and a tender base for the casserole.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor that’s perfect with chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy topping that contrasts with the creamy filling.
• Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and tang to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Parmesan Chicken Casserole:

Prepare the Casserole

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
3. Add Chicken: Fold the cubed chicken into the sauce, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Add the Topping

1. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese until well combined.
2. Sprinkle the Topping: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole.

Bake

1. Bake in the Oven: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
2. Cool Slightly: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve

Here are some serving ideas for your Parmesan Chicken Casserole:

1. Serve with Pasta: Spoon the casserole over cooked pasta for a hearty meal.
2. Pair with Salad: A fresh green salad complements the richness of the casserole.
3. Add Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
4. Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
5. Serve as a Stand-Alone Dish: This casserole is filling enough to enjoy on its own!
6. Pair with Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli or asparagus for added nutrients.
7. Make a Bowl Meal: Add a scoop of casserole to a bowl with cooked rice or quinoa.
8. Use as a Sandwich Filling: Spoon some into a sandwich roll for a delicious twist.
9. Serve with Mashed Potatoes: A scoop of mashed potatoes complements the creamy sauce well.
10. Create a Casserole Bar: Let family or guests add toppings like fresh herbs or red pepper flakes.

Additional Tips

Maximize your enjoyment of Parmesan Chicken Casserole with these helpful tips:

1. Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Cut Chicken Evenly: Cube chicken into equal-sized pieces for even cooking.
3. Use Freshly Grated Cheese: For the best flavor, grate Parmesan fresh instead of using pre-grated.
4. Experiment with Toppings: Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the breadcrumb topping for extra flavor.
5. Use Low-Fat Ingredients: Substitute low-fat sour cream and mayonnaise for a lighter version.
6. Cook to Temperature: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
7. Serve with a Spoon: The casserole can be quite creamy, so a large spoon works best for serving.
8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning in the sauce before adding the chicken.
9. Cover if Needed: If the topping is browning too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil.
10. Add Veggies: For a more complete meal, add cooked spinach or broccoli to the casserole.

Recipe Variations

Consider these creative variations for your Parmesan Chicken Casserole:

• Add Spinach: Stir in fresh or cooked spinach for extra nutrients.
• Broccoli & Cheese: Add steamed broccoli and extra cheese for a twist.
• Use Greek Yogurt: Substitute Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-packed option.
• Add Bacon: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon on top before baking.
• Swap Breadcrumbs: Use crushed crackers or cornflakes for a different topping.
• Make It Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for heat.
• Mexican Style: Add black beans, corn, and Mexican cheese blend for a Tex-Mex version.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh basil or thyme for extra flavor.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Use cooked rotisserie chicken for a time-saving option.
• Lower Carb Option: Skip the breadcrumbs and bake as a creamy chicken dish.

Freezing and Storage

Ensure proper storage to maintain the quality of your Parmesan Chicken Casserole:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warm, or microwave individual portions.

Special Equipment

You may need these kitchen tools to create your Parmesan Chicken Casserole:

• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish works best.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining the sauce ingredients and chicken.
• Spatula: To evenly spread the mixture in the baking dish.
• Small Bowl: For mixing the breadcrumb topping.
• Knife: For cubing the chicken.
• Spoon or Ladle: To serve the casserole.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to common questions about Parmesan Chicken Casserole:

• Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw?
  Yes, cooked chicken works well—reduce the baking time by 10-15 minutes.
• Can I substitute other cheeses?
  Yes, try shredded cheddar, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for variety.
• What if I don’t have sour cream?
  Substitute with Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
• Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
  Use gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs and check other ingredients for gluten.
• Is it okay to freeze the casserole after baking?
  Yes, but the texture of the topping may change slightly.

Print

Conclusion

you can get it into the oven without a hassle. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this casserole will definitely become a go-to in your recipe rotation!

I can’t wait to see how your Parmesan Chicken Casserole turns out! It’s always so fun to see how everyone puts their own spin on the recipe. Maybe you’ll add extra cheese or throw in some veggies—there’s so much room to make it your own!

I’d love to hear what you think of the dish, so feel free to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. If you make it, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I love seeing your delicious creations! You can also share your photos on social media, and who knows, you might just inspire someone else to try the recipe. Happy cooking!