Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Give your favorite meal a twist with this Baked Chicken Parmesan Casserole recipe. Make this recipe with standard chicken parm ingredients like noodles, chicken, pasta sauce, veggies, and more!

Delicious and easy baked chicken parmesan casserole

Chicken parmesan is an easy and delicious meal often served over a bed of noodles with a side of garlic bread and salad. Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite chicken parm recipes, but there’s a twist: it’s chicken parm casserole!

This dish is a great way to serve up the family favorite. I’s made with a base of chicken nuggets (great selling point for kids) and rigatoni, followed by onion, broccoli, seasonings, pasta sauce, and of course, mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It’s easy to assemble, and the top layer is baked to crispy golden perfection with some panko breadcrumbs.

Ingredients in this baked chicken parmesan casserole

This chicken parm bake recipe has two sets of ingredients: those for the casserole, and those for topping! The casserole contains a hearty base of rigatoni, chicken, onion, broccoli, and lots of cheese. Then, we’ll top with extra flavor in the form of panko breadcrumbs, more parmesan, butter, and seasonings.

Casserole

• Rigatoni: This recipe kicks off with 1lb of rigatoni noodles. Any brand is fine, so go with your favorite!
• Chicken: Next is the chicken. Load the casserole with protein in the form of 6 cups of chicken nuggetss or cut chicken tenders. We like to use Bare brand.
• Olive oil: Use 2 tbsp of olive oil to cook the veggies.
• Onion: For lots of great flavor, use 1/2 of a yellow onion, diced.
• Garlic: Add flavor with 3 cloves of minced garlic. If using garlic powder, use 3/4 tsp.
• Broccoli: Sneak in some more veggies by using broccoli. You’ll need 5 cups.
• Seasonings: Next up are the seasonings. Use 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp of black pepper.
• Pasta sauce: Chicken parm casserole is incomplete without pasta sauce! Use 48oz of your favorite brand.
• Mozzarella: First up for the cheeses will be 3 cups of mozzarella.
• Parmesan: Round out the cheeses with 1/2 cup of parmesan!

Toppings

• Panko breadcrumbs: The first topping is 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs. This is going to add a nice crispy layer to the top of the casserole!
• Parmesan: Gotta have more cheese! Use 1/3 cup of parmesan as a topping.
• Butter: 3 tbsp of melted butter will add some extra flavor.
• Seasonings: Follow up the butter with some seasonings! Use 1/2 tsp of salt, 1/4 tsp of pepper, and 1 tsp of Italian seasonings.
• Basil: Last but not least, finish off with fresh basil strands.

Tools in baked chicken parmesan casserole

To make this recipe, you’ll need a around 6 kitchen tools and 6 measuring cups. Below is everything you’ll need to make this classic chicken parmesan casserole.

• Large pot
• Stirring utensil
• Baking sheet
• Dutch oven
• 9×13 baking dish
• Small bowl

For measuring out ingredients, you will need the following sized measuring cups: 1/4 tsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, 1/3 cup, 1/2 cup, and 1 cup.

How to make chicken parm casserole

Let’s get started! You can expect this parmesan chicken casserole to require just over an hour of combined prep time and cook time.

First, preheat the oven to 375°F. Cook the rigatoni according to the instructions on the package, drain, and set aside. Cook the nuggets according to the package, and then cut them into small bite sized chunks and set aside. You can also leave the nuggets frozen, but for the best texture, cook ahead.

Next, heat a large dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the oil. Once hot, add the onions. Cook for a few minutes before adding the garlic and broccoli, and then stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Pour 36oz of the sauce into the pot, saving about 1/4 of the total amount to use when assembling the casserole. Let the mix simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until the broccoli has begun to soften slightly. Turn off the heat.

Add the noodles to the sauce pan and mix until the noodles are covered. Add 1 cup of the mozzarella and all of the parmesan. Mix well.

Next, pour half of the noodle mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish. Add half of the cooked and cubed chicken nuggets to the top of the casserole. Sprinkle half of what’s left of the sauce and mozzarella over the top as evenly as possible. Add the final layer of noodles and repeat the process with chicken and mozzarella.

In a small bowl, mix together all of the topping ingredients except the basil. Cover the top of the casserole with the breading mixture and bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbling.

Broil for the last few minutes to make the casserole crispy and browned on top, but watch closely to avoid burning! Top with fresh basil.

Leftover chicken parm casserole can be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven or heat in the microwave.

You can also freeze chicken parm, though this sometimes changes the texture of the mozzerella.

What should I serve with this dish?

This dish is great alongside a side salad and garlic bread!

Should chicken casserole be covered when baking

You do not need to cover the casserole prior to baking.

Why is it called chicken parm if it’s made with mozzarella?

The word “parm” in chicken parm actually isn’t related to parmesan cheese! The word refers to the style of dish, which is a classic dish named after Parma, Italy.

Is parmigiana the same as Parmesan?

Nope! “Parm” is short for parmigiana. The word doesn’t refer to parmesan cheese in any way.

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

If you loved this chicken parmesan casserole recipe, you’ll want to try these! From Mexican to breakfast casseroles, there’s a family-friendly recipe for every craving.

• Mexican Quinoa Casserole
• Broccoli Cheddar Ham Egg Casserole
• Lemon Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole
• Easy Pizza Casserole Recipe

Recipe by Erin Antoniak and Photos by Bake and Bacon