A comforting and satisfying dish that brings the essence of Italian cuisine to your dinner table. This recipe blends tender baked chicken with rich marinara sauce and a cheesy topping, creating a delightful one-dish meal that's perfect for families and gatherings. With its crispy breadcrumb topping and savory flavors, this casserole embodies the warmth of home-cooked Italian comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale:
1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup unsalted melted butter
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the seasoned chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Once cooled, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the marinara sauce.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the chicken and marinara mixture.
In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Evenly distribute the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
