Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole with melted cheese and golden chicken pieces

Chicken Parmesan Casserole: The Complete Guide


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Oprah
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

A comforting baked dish featuring rigatoni, marinara, golden breaded chicken, and layers of melted cheese.


Ingredients

¾ pound rigatoni pasta

3248 oz marinara sauce

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts

¾ cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons seasoned salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 eggs, whisked

1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs

¾ cup vegetable oil

2 tablespoons butter

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until just under al dente. Drain, return to the pot, and combine with the marinara sauce, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Set aside.

2. Pat the chicken dry and cut into ½-inch strips.

3. Set up three bowls: one with the flour, seasoned salt, and pepper; one with the whisked eggs; and one with the breadcrumbs.

4. Coat each chicken strip in the flour mixture, dip in the eggs, and press into the breadcrumbs until fully covered.

5. Heat about ¼ inch of oil in a skillet with the butter over medium-high heat. When hot, cook the chicken in batches for about 4 minutes per side, or until golden. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate and cut into bite-sized pieces once cool enough to handle.

6. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

7. Spread half the pasta mixture into the dish, top with half the chicken, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella.

8. Add the remaining pasta, the rest of the chicken, and the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella.

9. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. For a crisper top, increase the oven temperature to 425°F and bake an additional 5 minutes.

10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Undercook pasta slightly for best texture. Use fresh mozzarella for richer melt. Let the casserole rest before slicing.

  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Comfort Food
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American-Italian