I have always loved dishes that are both comforting and effortless to make, and my Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a perfect example. This recipe first came to me on a busy weeknight when I wanted something hearty, satisfying, and quick without sacrificing flavor. I experimented by layering tender chicken, rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and lightly seasoned breadcrumbs in a casserole dish, then letting the oven do the work. The result was a golden, bubbling dish that felt indulgent yet was incredibly easy to prepare. From the first bite, I knew this would become a staple in my kitchen.

You will love this recipe because it combines all the elements of classic comfort food in one pan. The chicken stays tender, the sauce is perfectly seasoned, and the cheese topping melts into a luscious, slightly crisp layer that everyone will enjoy. It’s one of those meals that brings people together, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Even picky eaters find it irresistible, which is a big win in my household.

This casserole is highly versatile. You can adjust the type of cheese, add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or swap the chicken with turkey or even beef for different variations. The dish works equally well for a cozy solo dinner or for serving a crowd, making it suitable for weeknight meals or meal prep for the week ahead.

Another reason I love this recipe is that it is affordable. It uses simple pantry staples like tomato sauce, breadcrumbs, and shredded cheese. Chicken is relatively inexpensive compared to other proteins, and with minimal prep time, this dish saves both money and effort. You don’t need to buy specialty ingredients, and the flavors come together beautifully without complicated techniques.

Here are the main ingredients for this recipe:

Chicken breasts, trimmed and sliced
Turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
Chicken ham, diced
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Marinara or tomato sauce
Italian-style breadcrumbs
Garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
Olive oil or a light cooking spray

This simple, flavorful combination ensures a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare, cost-effective, and loved by almost everyone.

How to Prepare This Recipe

Preparing the Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal with minimal effort. The recipe relies on layering simple ingredients and letting the oven work its magic, which means you can achieve a delicious result without complicated techniques.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms, you can prepare all your ingredients to streamline the assembly process. This step ensures even cooking and a perfectly golden topping.
Prepare the chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts, then slice them into even pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, making sure each piece is coated well. This step enhances the flavor from the very beginning.
Cook the turkey bacon and chicken ham: In a skillet over medium heat, lightly cook the turkey bacon until it is slightly crisp. Dice the chicken ham into small cubes. Both of these ingredients add savory layers of flavor to the casserole.
Assemble the casserole base: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking and to infuse moisture into the chicken. Layer the seasoned chicken pieces evenly on top. Sprinkle the diced chicken ham and crumbled turkey bacon over the chicken, distributing them evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
Add the cheeses: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the layers, followed by a light dusting of grated Parmesan. The combination of cheeses melts beautifully, creating a gooey, flavorful topping.
Top with breadcrumbs: Mix Italian-style breadcrumbs with a small amount of olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer. This step adds texture and a golden crust to the casserole.
Bake the casserole: Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
Check for doneness: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The casserole should be hot throughout, and the topping should have a crisp, golden finish.
Rest before serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve clean slices.

Quick and Easy Tips

Use pre-shredded cheese to save prep time.
Opt for store-bought tomato sauce for a faster assembly.
Prepare the turkey bacon and chicken ham in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Customizable Options

Add vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
Substitute mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a different cheese profile.
For a lower-carb version, use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.

Popular With Many People

This casserole is universally loved due to its familiar flavors and comforting texture. Families, busy professionals, and even picky eaters enjoy this dish. Its versatility allows it to adapt to various dietary preferences, making it a popular choice for gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. The combination of tender chicken, savory turkey bacon, mild chicken ham, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly melted cheese ensures that every bite is satisfying.

By following these steps, you can create a hearty, delicious, and crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort, proving that convenience does not have to compromise taste. The Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a practical, flavorful, and reliable recipe for any occasion.

Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole

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This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, savory turkey bacon, flavorful chicken ham, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese topped with crispy breadcrumbs. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings, it delivers all the flavor of classic chicken Parmesan with minimal effort.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 45
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 1x

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Trim chicken breasts and slice evenly. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Cook turkey bacon until slightly crisp; crumble. Dice chicken ham.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of the dish.
Layer seasoned chicken evenly over the sauce.
Sprinkle chicken ham and crumbled turkey bacon over the chicken.
Add shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by grated Parmesan.
Mix breadcrumbs with a small amount of olive oil. Sprinkle evenly over cheese layer.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and topping is golden.
Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest casserole for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Substitute cheeses for flavor variations.

Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated or frozen for convenience.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. They stay juicy and tender, and the cooking time remains similar. Adjust slightly if the pieces are larger.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake it covered for an extra 5–10 minutes to ensure it heats through completely.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Q: What can I use instead of turkey bacon and chicken ham?
A: You can omit them or use fully cooked beef strips for a different flavor. The casserole remains delicious and satisfying.

Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce or sprinkle on top with the cheese before baking. This adds a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and ensure the breadcrumbs do not contain milk. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying.