3 Ingredient Chicken Parmesan Casserole

This easy 3-ingredient chicken parmesan casserole is proof that you don’t need a long ingredient list to make a comforting family dinner. Frozen breaded chicken, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella come together in one baking dish for a cheesy, saucy meal that tastes like classic chicken Parmesan with a fraction of the effort.

It is an especially handy recipe for busy weeknights when you want an easy chicken casserole without spending hours in the kitchen. Everything bakes together until the marinara is bubbling, the chicken is hot and tender, and the mozzarella is melted and golden on top.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Casserole

• Only 3 main ingredients: A simple grocery list makes this recipe easy to prepare.
• Quick weeknight dinner: Most of the work is simply assembling the ingredients and letting the oven do the rest.
• Comfort food favorite: It combines crispy breaded chicken, rich tomato sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella.
• Family-friendly: The familiar flavors of chicken Parmesan make this an easy dinner for both kids and adults.
• Minimal cleanup: Everything cooks in one 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Easy to customize: Add pasta, vegetables, or extra Italian seasoning when serving.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds frozen breaded chicken patties or breaded chicken tenders
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Make 3 Ingredient Chicken Parmesan Casserole

1. Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Add the chicken: Arrange the frozen breaded chicken patties or tenders in a single layer in the baking dish. Keep the pieces close together without excessive overlapping.
3. Add the marinara: Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure the tops are well covered.
4. Top with mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the entire casserole.
5. Bake: Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through, the marinara is bubbling, and the cheese is completely melted with lightly golden edges.
6. Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This gives the cheese and sauce a chance to settle.

Helpful Tips

Choose a flavorful marinara. With only three ingredients, the sauce plays a major role in the finished dish. Choose a marinara with a rich tomato flavor, garlic, and Italian herbs for the best results.

Use chicken tenders for easy serving. Breaded chicken tenders work especially well because they are easy to portion and fit neatly into the baking dish.

Get a golden cheesy topping. For an extra bubbly, golden finish, broil the casserole for 1 to 2 minutes after baking. Watch it closely because mozzarella can brown quickly.

Don’t thaw the chicken first. For this recipe, arrange the breaded chicken straight from frozen unless the package instructions for your specific product indicate otherwise.

Let it rest before serving. A short 5-minute rest helps prevent the marinara and melted cheese from running immediately when you serve it.

What to Serve With Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Turn this easy chicken Parmesan casserole into a complete family dinner by serving it with:

• Buttered spaghetti
• Garlic bread
• Green salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Green beans
• Roasted vegetables
• Pasta with extra marinara sauce

Easy Variations

For a more traditional Italian-inspired flavor, sprinkle a little Italian seasoning or grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella before baking.

You can also serve individual portions over spaghetti for an easy chicken Parmesan pasta dinner. For a lower-carb meal, pair the casserole with roasted broccoli, zucchini, or a crisp green salad.