Chicken Parmesan Bake

We’re diving into the world of savory simplicity with a chicken parmesan bake that’s practically a culinary magic trick. With just five ingredients—chicken breast, marinara, a dash of seasoning, ooey-gooey cheese, and a surprise twist of croutons—we’re about to turn your weeknight dinner game into a standing ovation. Let’s get cheesy!

Let’s make it a meal! Serve this super simple chicken with a side of asparagus, salad, or garlic knots.

small white round plate with a slightly lifted lip topped with a side salad and a chicken breast that is smothered in cheese, croutons, and basil. Livia's seasoning on the side with a teal napkin


 

I’ve partnered with Livia’s Seasoning Salt to bring you this super simple 5-Ingredient dinner. They’ve mastered the all-purpose seasoning with the perfect blend of kosher salt, pepper, and garlic. All opinions are my own and like always I only share products that I truly love and use in my own home.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bake

  • 5-Ingredients: I’m a sucker for recipes that include five ingredients or less and this one lands firmly in that category!
  • Flavor Packed: Don’t let the short list of ingredients fool you! Thanks to the addition of your favorite marinara, and a hefty sprinkle of Livia’s, this chicken packs a flavor punch!
  • Customizable: Great as-is but also easy to customize to your taste. Add extra veggies, pasta, or even different proteins for fun variations on this casserole dish.

Have you ever needed a quick, easy, delicious, and filling dinner but lacked the motivation? I’ve got you. This oven chicken parm is ready to bake in minutes and checks all of the boxes when it comes to a family approved meal. It’s filling, loaded with flavor, and picky eater approved.

What exactly are you in for? Imagine a symphony of flavors dancing on your taste buds! The chicken parmesan bake boasts juicy, tender chicken infused with the tangy embrace of marinara sauce. The seasoning adds a touch of Italian charm, while the melted cheese forms a creamy, gooey layer of comfort. And don’t forget the croutons – they bring a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the ensemble. It’s like a harmonious blend of hearty, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying notes that will leave you craving more.

top down image showing a wooden cutting board with chicken breast inside a baking dish with a bowl of shredded mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, croutons and Livia's seasoning off to the side with a teal napkin

Chicken Parmesan Casserole Ingredients

With only a handful of ingredients, this is surely about to become one of your all-time favorites! Here is what you need to get started:

  • Chicken: I like to use chicken breast for this casserole. Boneless skinless chicken breast keeps things streamlined and hassle-free. These lean cuts cook evenly and quickly, so you’re not left with overcooked edges and undercooked centers. Plus, they’re a blank canvas for soaking up all that delicious marinara, seasoning, and melty cheese.
  • Seasoning: There is only one seasoning we reach for and that’s Livia’s. Simply put, Livia’s Seasoning Salt is an all-natural, proprietary blend of the KEY3 ingredients of Kosher salt, coarse-ground black pepper & garlic. Simple ingredients that once combined brings flavors together and yet allows them to shine authentically. It’s my secret ingredient in the kitchen and good on just about everything!
  • Marinara: Here is where you can really start to play with the flavors. I opted for a garlic marinara sauce that I knew my family would love. We’ve also used a classic marinara and meat sauce with great success.
  • Cheese: Italian blend, mozzarella, and/or parmesan. The cheese is sprinkled over the top and easily one of the best parts of the dish.
  • Croutons: Optional, but croutons add a delightful crunch that was my picky eaters favorite part. You can even break them up slightly before adding for a smaller bite.
top down image showing the same casserole baking dish in four different process shots. The first is raw chicken breast, second is the chicken covered in marinara, the third shows a sprinkle of cheese on top, and the fourth with a sprinkle of croutons

Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe

As far as easy dinners go, this one takes the cake. It is so simple to prep that even your kids can help!

  1. PREP: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Trim any fat pieces from the chicken and slice or pound to even thickness. Place in an even layer inside of a 9×13 pan.
  2. LAYER: Season the chicken on both sides with the Livia’s Seasoning Salt. Pour an even layer of marinara sauce over the top of the chicken, adding more seasoning if desired. Sprinkle with cheese and croutons.
  3. BAKE: Bake the casserole for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Check the bake about halfway through. If you notice that the croutons are browning too quickly you can cover with foil for the remainder of the cook time.
  4. ENJOY: Serve this dish immediately and enjoy with your favorite sides! It would be excellent with a little pasta or fresh basil.

Want even more comforting casserole ideas? Try my Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Recipe.

container of Livia's salt pepper and garlic mix being held over the top of an unbaked casserole

Helpful Tools

  • 9×13 pan: I really love my OXO Baking Dishes (affiliate). They come with lids which make for quick storage of leftovers.
  • Livia’s Seasoning Salt: Livia, the creator behind Livia’s Seasoning Salt, (affiliate) developed her eponymous blend in her home kitchen in 1938. She gave batches of her famous salt to all who visited and whom she loved.Still today, Livia’s Seasoning Salt makes the perfect gift. An easy hostess gift, housewarming present or stocking stuffer, Livia’s is easy to love. Give the gift of good food to anyone who cooks, grills, or eats.
  • Silicone Spatulas: If I can only recommend one kitchen tool, it would be a set of silicone spatulas (affiliate). These are so versatile and used daily in our kitchen. Great for baking AND cooking.
close up of one half of a 9x13 baking dish filled with cheese and croutons topped with fresh basil with a teal napkin off to the side

Recipe Notes:

Can I use any type of chicken?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work like a charm for this recipe, ensuring quick and even cooking.

Do I need to pre-cook the chicken?

Nope! We’re keeping things effortless. The chicken cooks to tender perfection right in the casserole dish.

Can I swap marinara for another sauce?

Feel free to get creative, but marinara’s tangy richness complements the dish beautifully. Give it a shot!

Are croutons a must?

They’re the delightful surprise that brings a satisfying crunch. However, you can omit or substitute with breadcrumbs if you prefer.

Can I add veggies?

Absolutely! Toss in some diced tomatoes, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftover chicken parmesan casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly to enjoy the cheesy deliciousness all over again!

bite of chicken on a fork with a crouton hovering over the top of a plate with more chicken and a side salad. Seasoning and a teal napkin are off to the side

Still Hungry? Follow One Sweet Appetite on InstagramPinterest, and Facebook!

5 from 2 votes

Chicken Parmesan Bake Recipe

Author Jesseca
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes
Serves: 4
We’re diving into the world of savory simplicity with a chicken parmesan bake that’s practically a culinary magic trick. With just five ingredients—chicken breast, marinara, a dash of seasoning, ooey-gooey cheese, and a surprise twist of croutons—we’re about to turn your weeknight dinner game into a standing ovation. Let’s get cheesy!

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breast
  • 1 tablespoon Livia's Seasoning Salt (salt, pepper, and garlic blend)
  • cups marinara
  • cups Italian blend cheese (shredded)
  • 2 cups croutons

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 
  • Trim any fat pieces from the chicken and slice or pound to even thickness. Place in an even layer inside of a 9×13 pan.
  •  Season the chicken on both sides with the Livia’s seasoning. 
  • Pour an even layer of marinara sauce over the top of the chicken, adding more seasoning if desired. Sprinkle with cheese and croutons.
  •  Bake the casserole for 35 to 40 minutes, checking the bake about halfway through. If you notice that the croutons are browning too quickly you can cover with foil for the remainder of the cook time.
  • Dish is done cooking when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. 
  •  Serve this dish immediately and enjoy with your favorite sides! It would be excellent with a little pasta or fresh basil.

Nutrition

Calories: 476kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 61gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 153mgSodium: 2626mgPotassium: 1128mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 466IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 121mgIron: 2mg

The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Course Dinner
Cuisine American
pinterest graphic showing a top down image of a 9x13 pan filled with red sauce, melted cheese, croutons and basil on a wooden table top. Text overlay reads "5 ingredient chicken parm bake"

Sharing is caring!

Categories:

, , ,
5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




More Recipes You'll Love...