Hey, fellow foodies! Are you tired of slaving away in the kitchen, breading and frying chicken for your favorite chicken parmesan dish? Well, I’ve got some fantastic news for you! Today, we’re talking about a game-changing recipe that’s about to become your new best friend: Lazy Day Chicken Parmesan Casserole. No breading required, folks!
This recipe is a total lifesaver for busy days when you want a delicious, satisfying meal without all the fuss. I mean, who doesn’t love a good chicken parmesan? The combination of juicy chicken, melted mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce is absolute perfection. But, let’s be real, sometimes we just don’t have the time or energy to go through the whole breading and frying process. That’s where this amazing casserole comes in!
Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe
This recipe rocks because it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort. You can have it ready in under an hour, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal prep.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, and cooked chicken. Mix well to combine.
5. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange half of the pasta mixture. Top with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It:
This chicken parmesan casserole is a total winner because it’s so easy to make and is packed with flavor. The marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese give it a rich and creamy taste, while the Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty kick. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover chicken you might have on hand.
Baked Chicken Parmesan Recipe
This recipe is a close second to the casserole, and it’s still a breeze to make. The best part? It’s a great way to get that crispy, breaded exterior without all the fuss.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Olive oil for greasing
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten egg and then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the coated chicken on a greased baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
5. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and crispy on the outside.
6. While the chicken is baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
7. Once the chicken is done, place it on a baking dish and spoon some marinara sauce over the top of each piece. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It:
This baked chicken parmesan recipe is a great alternative to the casserole, and it’s still relatively easy to make. The breadcrumbs add a nice crunch to the outside of the chicken, while the marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese give it a rich and creamy flavor.
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Recipe
This recipe is perfect for those days when you want to come home to a ready-to-eat meal. Just throw all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work for you!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup penne pasta
- Olive oil for greasing
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Grease the slow cooker with olive oil.
2. Add the chicken, marinara sauce, and penne pasta to the slow cooker. Mix well to combine.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves if desired.
Why You’ll Love It:
This slow cooker chicken parmesan recipe is a total lifesaver on busy days. Just throw all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work for you. The marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese give it a rich and creamy flavor, while the penne pasta adds a nice texture.
In conclusion, these chicken parmesan recipes are total winners when it comes to speed, flavor, and convenience. Whether you’re in the mood for a lazy day casserole, a baked chicken parmesan, or a slow cooker meal, there’s something on this list for everyone. So go ahead, give one (or all!) of these recipes a try, and enjoy the ooey-gooey, cheesy goodness of chicken parmesan without all the fuss!
