Chicken Parmesan Casserole 2012 - Easy Chicken Parm Bake

Ingredients

• 6 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (similar size, no tendon)
• to taste Salt (kosher or sea salt)
• to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 4 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, divided (2 Tbsp for searing, 2 Tbsp for dish))
• 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional for a hint of heat)
• 2.25 cups Tomato Sauce (store‑bought or homemade, garlic‑infused)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Basil (chopped, optional if in season)
• 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
• 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (fresh mozzarella, torn or shredded)
• 5 oz Croutons (small‑cube, garlic‑herb flavored, high quality)

Instructions

1. Season and optionally sear the chicken

   Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. If you have time, heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over high heat and sear each breast for 2‑3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Deglaze the pan with a splash of water or stock and set the liquid aside to pour over the chicken later.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: high heat

2. Prepare the baking dish

   Brush the bottom of a 9×13‑inch baking dish with the remaining 2 Tbsp olive oil and sprinkle the red pepper flakes evenly over the surface.

   Time: PT5M

3. Arrange chicken and sauce

   Place the six chicken breasts in the dish (three on each side) making sure the thickest parts are not touching each other. Spoon the tomato sauce over the chicken, spreading it as evenly as possible. Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan and half of the mozzarella over the sauce.

   Time: PT10M

4. Add croutons and finish with cheese

   Evenly distribute the 5 oz croutons over the cheese layer, pressing them gently into the sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella and then the remaining Parmesan.

   Time: PT5M

5. Bake the casserole

   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole for 35‑45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 155‑160°F (it will continue to rise while resting). The top should be golden and the croutons crunchy.

   Time: PT40M

   Temperature: 350°F

6. Rest before serving

   Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set, making it easier to serve one breast per person.

   Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

460

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

20 g

Fiber

2 g