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chicken parmesan casserole 429362082

California Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Juicy chicken, marinara, melty cheese, and crispy garlic croutons make this chicken parmesan casserole an easy weeknight favorite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 1
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 466
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil preferably California
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 dash hot red pepper flakes
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 2 1/2 pounds
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 5 ounces garlic croutons about 3 cups

Method
 

  1. Drizzle California olive oil into a 9x13-inch baking dish and tilt to coat every corner. Scatter minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes over the oil.
  2. Nestle the chicken breasts snugly in the dish. Spoon marinara sauce evenly over the top, followed by fresh basil, half of the mozzarella and Parmesan, a shower of garlic croutons, and the remaining cheese.
  3. Slide the dish into a 350°F oven and bake for 40 to 55 minutes, until the cheese is golden and the chicken is cooked through.
  4. Let the casserole stand for about 10 minutes to set, then serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 466kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 51gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 720mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g

Notes

If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
Swap in Italian-seasoned panko for croutons, but add them for the last 15 minutes to prevent burning.
Use a meat thermometer: the casserole is done when the chicken registers 165°F.
The casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated; add 10 minutes to the bake time.
Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat well in a 350°F oven.
Serve over spaghetti or with a crisp green salad to round out the meal.
For extra golden cheese, switch to broil for the final 2 minutes.

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