This Healthier Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting dish that combines roasted pieces of chicken with rich marinara sauce and melted cheeses, and bakes it together until hot and bubbling,  In just a short time, you can turn a store-bought rotisserie chicken into an Italian-inspired meal that is quick, healthy and delicious! This recipe lightens things up by skipping the breading and the frying, but still delivers all the cheesy, tomato-ey, flavours of traditional Chicken Parmesan.
Need a hearty meal in a heartbeat? Â This simple Chicken Parmesan Casserole is easy, delicious and just the thing you need for a busy weeknight dinner. Â It delivers all the beloved flavours of classic Chicken Parmesan, but skips breading and frying the chicken and dives right into tossing roasted chicken in a delicious marinara sauce, topping it with cheese, and baking it until hot and bubbly. Â With minimal fuss, this recipe makes a cozy and comforting dinner packed with Italian flavours. Â
What goes in Healthier Chicken Parmesan Casserole?
- Roasted Chicken: Â You can use leftover roast chicken if you have it, or pick up a precooked, rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Â This recipe calls for 4 cups of chopped cooked chicken, which is the amount of meat on a typical rotisserie chicken.
- Marinara Sauce:  Here’s my go-to recipe for  homemade marinara sauce .  Make it ahead of time (can be made up to 5 days ahead and kept in the fridge, or frozen for up to 6 months), or pick up your favourite jarred sauce from the store.  If I don’t have my own sauce on hand, I use Rao’s Marinara Sauce, which tastes pretty much as good as homemade.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheeses: Â Sprinkle this casserole with grated cheeses to make a gooey, stretchy, cheesy topping. Â Freshly grated high-quality mozzarella melts and tastes better, but the bagged pre shredded kind will work in a pinch. Â (This recipe is all about speed and convenience, after all.)
- Fresh Basil: Â The chicken and the sauce may be store bought, but a generous sprinkling of fresh basil will give this casserole a fresh, homemade taste. Â It isn’t necessary, but it really does make the dish taste extra delicious so I don’t recommend skipping it.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
SERVING SUGGESTIONSIn the spirit of keeping things quick and easy, I like to serve this with a side of spaghetti and steamed green beans or a simple green salad. Â This chicken parmesan casserole goes well with a hearty side dish to soak up the sauce. Â If you don’t want pasta, then rice, polenta or crusty bread are all good options.
DRINK PAIRING
DRINK PAIRINGThe tomato sauce and rich cheeses are a perfect match for a medium-bodied red with good acidity, such as Chianti. Pinot Noir, though lighter in body, also pairs deliciously!
Healthier Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken, such as from a store bought rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups marinana sauce, homemade or store bought
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Fresh basil, shredded (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F. Grease an 8" or 9" square baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken with the marinara sauce and stir until evenly coated. Pour the chicken into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the chicken, then sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the mozzarella. Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly. Sprinkle fresh basil over the top (if using) and serve with additional parmesan cheese.
RECIPE NOTES
- This healthier Chicken Parmesan Casserole can be assembled up to a day in advance and kept well covered in the fridge until ready to bake. Â Remove the casserole from the fridge and allow it to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before heating to ensure even baking.
- Leftover Chicken Parmesan Casserole can be stored in the fridge. for up to 3 days. Â Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to a covered container. Â
