Pioneer Woman Casseroles

Pioneer Woman Chicken Parmesan Casserole

8 months ago
Read Time: 2 minutes
by Emily
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Welcome to our recipe for Pioneer Woman Chicken Parmesan Casserole! This dish is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of classic chicken parmesan, all in one convenient casserole. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or for serving a crowd.

The casserole starts with layers of tender chicken breasts, covered in a flavorful tomato sauce and topped with a mixture of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It’s then baked to perfection, creating a melty, gooey, and oh-so-satisfying meal. Serve it over pasta or with a side of garlic bread for a complete dinner that is sure to please.

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Why You Will Love This Pioneer Woman Chicken Parmesan Casserole

There are several reasons why this Chicken Parmesan Casserole is sure to become a new family favorite:

It’s easy to make: The casserole comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
It’s a one-dish meal: There’s no need to worry about preparing a separate side dish – this casserole has everything you need in one convenient dish.
It’s flavorful: The combination of tender chicken, tomato sauce, and gooey cheese creates a delicious and satisfying meal.

It’s versatile: You can serve the casserole over pasta or with a side of garlic bread, or simply enjoy it on its own.
It’s a crowd-pleaser: This dish is perfect for feeding a group and is sure to be a hit with both adults and kids.

Overall, this Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a tasty, easy-to-make, and satisfying meal that is sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation.

What Is Chicken Parmesan Casserole?

Chicken Parmesan Casserole is a baked dish that combines the flavors of classic chicken parmesan with the convenience of a casserole. It typically consists of layers of chicken breasts, tomato sauce, and mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It is often served over pasta or with a side of garlic bread.

The dish is inspired by the Italian-American classic, chicken parmesan, which consists of breaded and fried chicken breasts topped with tomato sauce and cheese, and is often served with pasta. The casserole version offers a simpler and more streamlined version of the dish, making it a convenient and easy-to-make meal.

What Is Pioneer Woman Chicken Parmesan Casserole Ingredients?

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs

Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup tomato sauce

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

How To Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Parmesan Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
In three shallow bowls, place the flour in one, the eggs in another, and the breadcrumbs in the third. Season the breadcrumbs with salt and pepper.
Dip each chicken breast in the flour, then the eggs, and then the breadcrumbs, making sure to coat all sides.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown.
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Place the cooked chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
Cover the chicken with another layer of tomato sauce and top with the mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through.
Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve hot over pasta or with a side of garlic bread. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the best Chicken Parmesan Casserole:

Use good quality, moist breadcrumbs: Dry breadcrumbs will not stick to the chicken as well and can result in a less flavorful casserole. You can also use Italian-style breadcrumbs for added flavor.
Make sure to season the breadcrumbs: Adding a little bit of salt and pepper to the breadcrumbs helps to bring out their flavor and enhances the overall taste of the casserole.
Use a good quality tomato sauce: The tomato sauce is a key component of the casserole, so using a flavorful and well-balanced sauce will really make a difference in the final dish.

Don’t skimp on the cheese: Using a generous amount of cheese helps to create a gooey and delicious topping for the casserole.
Garnish with fresh basil: Fresh basil adds a bright and fresh flavor to the casserole and makes for a beautiful garnish.

What To Serve With Pioneer Woman Chicken Parmesan Casserole?

There are many tasty options for sides to serve with Chicken Parmesan Casserole. Some ideas include:

Pasta: The classic choice, pasta is a perfect side for soaking up all the delicious tomato sauce and cheese from the casserole.
Garlic bread: Garlic bread is a delicious way to sop up any extra sauce and adds an extra touch of comfort to the meal.
Salad: A refreshing salad, such as a simple mixed greens or a Caesar salad, can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole.

Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, make for a healthy and flavorful side dish.
Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and classic side that pairs well with the casserole.
Rice: Rice, such as plain white or brown, is a simple and versatile side that can be easily prepared to go with the casserole.

These are just a few ideas, but the options are endless – feel free to get creative and serve the casserole with your favorite sides. Enjoy!

How To Store Pioneer Woman Chicken Parmesan Casserole?

To store Chicken Parmesan Casserole in the refrigerator, follow these steps:

Allow the casserole to cool completely.

Transfer the casserole to an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How To Freeze Chicken Parmesan Casserole?

To freeze the casserole follow these steps:

Allow the casserole to cool completely.
Transfer the casserole to a large, airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
Label the container with the name and date, and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To thaw the casserole, place it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before reheating. Alternatively, you can place the frozen casserole in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and bake it in a 350°F (180°C) oven until heated through, adding additional time as needed.

How To Thaw Chicken Parmesan Casserole?

To thaw Chicken Parmesan Casserole, follow these steps:

Remove the casserole from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. This will allow the casserole to thaw slowly and evenly.

Alternatively, you can place the frozen casserole in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and bake it in a 350°F (180°C) oven until heated through, adding additional time as needed.

I hope these tips help you successfully thaw your Chicken Parmesan Casserole!

How To Reheat Chicken Parmesan Casserole?

To reheat Chicken Parmesan Casserole in the oven, follow these steps:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil.
Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

To reheat the casserole in the microwave, follow these steps:

Place a serving of the casserole in a microwave-safe dish.
Microwave the casserole for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in the casserole?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in the casserole. However, you will need to allow extra time for the chicken to cook through. You can either thaw the chicken before cooking it, or bake the casserole for longer, adding additional time as needed.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs in place of chicken breasts in the casserole. Chicken thighs are typically more flavorful and moist than breasts, so they may add an extra depth of flavor to the dish.

Can I make the casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to bake. To store the casserole in the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it for up to 3 days. To freeze the casserole, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I use store-bought tomato sauce in the casserole?

Yes, you can use store-bought tomato sauce in the casserole. Just make sure to use a high-quality sauce that is well-balanced and flavorful.

Can I add additional vegetables to the casserole?

Yes, you can add additional vegetables to the casserole if desired. Some ideas might include sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can either mix the vegetables into the tomato sauce or layer them on top of the chicken before adding the cheese.

Can I use a different type of cheese in the casserole?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese in the casserole if desired. Some options might include provolone, gouda, or fontina. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well and has a flavorful taste.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can double the recipe for a larger crowd. Just make sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I make the casserole vegetarian?

Yes, you can make the casserole vegetarian by using plant-based protein sources such as tofu, tempeh, or plant-based “meat” crumbles in place of the chicken. You can also omit the cheese to make the casserole vegan.

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