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Ultimate Chicken Casserole

Ultimate Chicken Casserole

Make an easy chicken parmesan casserole with crispy chicken, pasta, and cheese. Perfect family dinner ready in 1 hour 20 minutes. Get the recipe!
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 pound rigatoni pasta
  • 32 oz. marinara sauce
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
  • 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 3/4 cup flour
  • 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • q.s. Fresh parsley to garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large skillet for frying chicken
  • Three medium bowls for breading station
  • 9x13 inch casserole dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Cook the rigatoni in salted water for 1 minute less than package instructions.
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry and slice into half-inch thick strips.
  3. Set up a breading station with three bowls: flour (seasoned with salt and pepper), whisked eggs, and breadcrumbs.
  4. Dredge each chicken strip in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
  5. Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Fry the breaded chicken in batches for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and slice into bite-sized pieces.
  7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly oil a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
  8. In a large bowl, mix drained pasta with marinara sauce, 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
  9. Layer half of the saucy pasta mixture in the casserole dish and top with half of the chicken pieces, sprinkling 2 tablespoons of Parmesan and 1 cup of mozzarella in between layers.
  10. Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, chicken, and cheeses.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Increase temperature to 425°F for the last 5 minutes for a crispy top.
  12. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 28gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Feel free to substitute rigatoni with penne or ziti. To save time, use pre-cooked or frozen breaded chicken. For creamier texture, shred your own mozzarella instead of using pre-bagged cheese. This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.
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