Chicken Parmesan Casserole HOLY CRAP

Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic Italian-American dish, combining tender chicken strips, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheeses into a comforting and satisfying casserole. This recipe is designed to be both flavorful and easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or special occasions. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to creating the best Chicken Parmesan Casserole you’ve ever tasted.

Ingredients and Preparations

Before we begin, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients and prepare them for cooking. This ensures a smooth cooking process and enhances the flavors of the dish.

Pasta Preparation

To start, you’ll need rigatoni pasta for this casserole, which is ideal for absorbing the rich sauce and holding the cheese and chicken. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water to enhance the pasta’s flavor.
2. Cook the Rigatoni: Add the rigatoni to the boiling water and cook for 1 minute less than the al dente time indicated on the package. This ensures the pasta doesn’t become too soft during baking.
3. Drain and Toss: Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Toss it with 32 oz. of your favorite tomato sauce, 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella. This mixture serves as the base layer of your casserole.

Chicken Preparation

For the chicken, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Here’s the method to prepare them:

1. Pat Dry and Slice: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut the chicken into strips about ½ inch thick.
2. Breading Station: Set up an assembly line with three bowls:
   • Bowl #1: Combine 3/4 cup flour, 2 tsp seasoned salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
   • Bowl #2: Whisk two eggs until well beaten.
   • Bowl #3: Pour 1.5 cups of breadcrumbs.
3. Dredging Process: Dredge each chicken strip first in the flour mixture, then in the whisked eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs into the chicken using your palms to ensure an even coating.
4. Frying the Chicken: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add ¼ inch of oil along with a tablespoon of butter. This combination helps achieve a golden, crispy crust. Cook the chicken strips in batches, approximately 4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Place the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Assembling the Casserole

With the pasta and chicken prepared, it’s time to assemble the casserole.

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layering: Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. Begin by adding half of the rigatoni mixture, spreading it evenly. Top with half of the chicken strips, followed by 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
3. Second Layer: Add the remaining rigatoni mixture, then the rest of the chicken strips. Finish with the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
4. Baking: Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 minutes. For a crispier top, increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Final Touches

Once the casserole is baked to perfection, it’s time to add the finishing touches.

1. Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of the casserole. This adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish.
2. Serving Suggestions: Serve the Chicken Parmesan Casserole with homemade garlic bread for a complete meal. The crispy bread pairs wonderfully with the creamy, cheesy casserole.