Easy Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe | Quick & Delicious Dinner

When you’re craving comfort food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is the perfect dish to prepare. With its hearty layers of pasta, savory marinara sauce, and crispy, cheesy topping, this casserole brings together the best flavors of a classic Chicken Parmesan in one easy-to-make meal. If you’re looking for a stress-free dinner that the whole family will love, look no further. This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole checks all the boxes for a delicious and satisfying meal. Let’s dive into how to make this crowd-pleaser with minimal effort.

Why Choose Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole?

There’s a reason why Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole has become such a popular dish among home cooks: it’s incredibly simple, yet packed with flavor. This one-pan dish eliminates the need for any complicated prep work, like breading chicken or frying it in batches. Instead, everything you need to make a mouthwatering casserole goes straight into the dish—hence the “dump” in Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole. The result? A rich, cheesy, and utterly satisfying dinner that’s ready in no time.

In this post, we’ll guide you through every step of making Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole, from gathering your ingredients to pulling it out of the oven, golden and bubbly. You’ll also learn some handy tips and tricks to make this recipe even more versatile. Let’s get started!

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Ingredients for Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Before you start, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand for your Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole:

• 4 slices of Italian bread – These will be toasted and turned into crunchy breadcrumbs, creating the perfect topping for the casserole.
• 1 pound uncooked penne pasta – This hearty pasta is the base of the casserole and will soak up all the delicious flavors.
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce – The marinara is the star sauce of this dish, adding rich tomato flavor.
• 3 cups chicken broth – To help cook the pasta and create a flavorful base.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced – Garlic brings the perfect savory kick to the casserole.
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted – Butter helps crisp up the breadcrumbs and adds richness.
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning – A simple blend of herbs to bring authentic Italian flavor.
• 1½ pounds frozen popcorn chicken, thawed – This convenient ingredient saves you time while still delivering that classic chicken flavor.
• 1½ cups grated mozzarella cheese – A generous amount of cheese will make this casserole extra gooey and satisfying.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – A sprinkle of Parmesan gives the casserole its signature cheesy bite.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley – This adds a pop of color and freshness to your casserole.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil – Basil is a classic herb that enhances the Italian flavors of this dish.

How to Make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 13×9-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick. Set the dish aside for later.

Step 2: Toast the Italian Bread

Next, take the 4 slices of Italian bread and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray the bread with cooking spray and toast them in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Once toasted, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Pasta Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Stir everything together well. This mixture will form the base of your casserole. The pasta will cook in the sauce as the casserole bakes, absorbing all the delicious flavors.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Now, transfer the pasta mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. Once the pasta is in place, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Make the Crunchy Breadcrumb Topping

While the casserole is baking, take your toasted Italian bread and crush it into breadcrumbs. Place the breadcrumbs in a medium bowl and mix them with the melted butter and Italian seasoning. This mixture will form a crunchy, golden topping for the casserole.

Step 6: Add the Chicken, Cheese, and Breadcrumbs

After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and uncover it. Stir in the thawed popcorn chicken, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top of the casserole.

Step 7: Final Bake

Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling with cheesy goodness.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and basil to add color and freshness. Then, serve your delicious Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole and enjoy!

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Tips for Making the Best Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh garlic, fresh parsley, and fresh basil. These fresh ingredients will elevate the taste of your casserole.
2. Customize the Chicken: While popcorn chicken is a convenient option, feel free to use any pre-cooked chicken you have on hand, such as rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken strips.
3. Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkling them over the top along with the breadcrumbs.
4. Add Vegetables: Want to sneak in some veggies? Feel free to stir in some diced bell peppers, onions, or spinach into the pasta mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
5. Double the Recipe: This casserole is so good that you might want to make extra. Simply double the ingredients and bake in two casserole dishes.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can easily swap out the penne pasta for another short pasta, such as rotini, rigatoni, or ziti. The key is using a hearty pasta that can soak up the marinara sauce.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time, as it will be cold from the fridge.

3. Is it possible to use fresh chicken instead of frozen popcorn chicken?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh chicken, you can use cooked chicken breast or thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces. You could also pan-fry or bake the chicken ahead of time for added flavor.

4. How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.

5. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! After baking, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

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Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

In just over an hour, you can create a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. With minimal prep, no need to cook the chicken separately, and all the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a hearty meal for your family, this casserole delivers on taste and convenience every time.

So why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a homemade casserole that’s packed with flavor and sure to impress.

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