Pioneer Woman’s Dazzling Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Check out the world of chicken parmesan casserole, a mouthwatering fusion that redefines comfort food with its bold, irresistible charm.

This culinary masterpiece effortlessly marries crispy chicken with velvety marinara and melted cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that sing on your plate.

Layers of pasta cradle succulent chicken, while golden breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch that transforms an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of textures and tastes that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy.

The dish whispers of homemade love, blending classic Italian inspiration with modern kitchen magic.

Fragrant herbs and rich sauce intermingle, promising a dining adventure that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 605 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything That Goes Into Pioneer Woman Chicken Parmesan Casserole

• Chicken Thighs: Choose plump, fresh thighs with minimal fat for tender, juicy meat.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even seasoning distribution.
• Pepper: Freshly ground provides more robust flavor.

• Flour, Fine Breadcrumbs: Select unbleached all-purpose flour and crispy panko for perfect golden crust.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Look for light, airy texture that creates extra crunch.
• Eggs: Select large, fresh eggs at room temperature for better coating adhesion.
• Garlic Powder: Opt for pure, non-clumping variety for intense flavor.

• Marinara Sauce: Choose authentic, low-sodium sauce with rich tomato base.
• Fontina Cheese: Select creamy, mild fontina that melts smoothly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated for maximum flavor intensity.

• Rotini Pasta: Pick high-quality pasta with good texture and ridges.
• Dried Basil: Ensure herbs are fresh and fragrant for best taste.

• Cooking Oil: Select neutral oil with high smoke point like vegetable or canola.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Choose aluminum-free spray for easy dish preparation.

Process to Complete Pioneer Woman Chicken Parmesan Casserole

• Prep Your Cooking Space

Warm up the oven and grab a large baking dish. Get your cooking tools ready and set the stage for a delicious meal.

• Whip Up the Pasta

Boil water and cook rotini until it’s just shy of being fully done. Drain and set the pasta aside for the next exciting step.

• Create Chicken Coating Magic

Set up three bowls for transforming ordinary chicken into a crispy masterpiece. Mix flour with seasonings, prepare egg wash, and combine breadcrumbs for an irresistible coating.

• Sizzle the Chicken

Heat oil in a skillet and get ready to create golden-brown chicken perfection. Dunk each piece through the coating stations – flour, egg, then breadcrumbs – and fry until beautifully crisp.

• Build the Flavor Foundation

Spread marinara sauce in the baking dish. Sprinkle in garlic and basil, then mix with pasta and part of the cheese to create a mouthwatering base.

• Assemble the Casserole

Arrange the crispy chicken over the pasta. Drench with remaining sauce and blanket with the rest of the cheese for maximum deliciousness.

• Bake to Bubbly Brilliance

Pop the casserole in the oven and let it transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. Let it rest briefly after baking to make serving a breeze.

Creative Variations for Pioneer Woman Chicken Parmesan Casserole

• Customize Chicken Coating: Experiment with different spice blends like Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or dried oregano in the flour mixture for extra flavor depth.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives using almond flour or gluten-free panko to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Cheese Swap Trick: Replace fontina with mozzarella or provolone if unavailable. Mix cheeses for a more complex taste profile that adds richness to the casserole.
• Protein Power Boost: Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or turkey cutlets. Use boneless, skinless cuts for easier preparation and consistent cooking results.

Perfect Pairings for Pioneer Woman Chicken Parmesan Casserole

• Elevate Your Dining Experience: Pair this hearty chicken casserole with fresh, vibrant sides that complement its rich flavors.
• Crisp Green Salad Companion: Toss together a light mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness.
• Wine and Beverage Pairing: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc that balances the dish's robust cheese and marinara notes.
• Garnish and Fresh Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, herbal touch and enhance the visual appeal of the casserole.

How to Store Leftovers from Pioneer Woman Chicken Parmesan Casserole

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover casserole in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain quality and prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Seal cooled casserole in shallow containers and refrigerate up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to lock in moisture and prevent odor absorption.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual portions or entire casserole in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months for convenient future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated portions in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive drying. Add 2-3 tablespoons water or extra marinara sauce to restore moisture and ensure chicken remains tender.

Items You’ll Need for Pioneer Woman Chicken Parmesan Casserole

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Provides perfect space for layering casserole ingredients.
• Large Skillet: Used for frying chicken to golden brown perfection.
• Three Mixing Bowls: Helps create separate stations for chicken coating process.
• Whisk: Perfect for beating eggs smoothly.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps precisely measure seasonings.
• Cooking Spray: Prevents casserole from sticking to baking dish.
• Cheese Grater: Helps grate fontina and parmesan cheese freshly.
• Spatula: Useful for mixing pasta and sauce evenly.
• Kitchen Tongs: Great for handling and turning chicken while frying.

Hearty Pioneer Woman Chicken Parmesan Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Pioneer Woman chicken parmesan casserole delivers classic Italian-American comfort with rich marinara and melted cheese layers. Home cooks appreciate this hearty dinner that simplifies traditional chicken parmesan into an easy, crowd-pleasing one-pan meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 12 oz (340 g) fontina cheese, freshly grated
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 1 lb (454 g) whole wheat rotini
• 1 jar (24 oz/680 g) marinara sauce
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups seasoned panko bread crumbs
• ½ cup seasoned fine breadcrumbs
• 3 tbsps vegetable or canola oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried basil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation Setup: Activate oven to 375°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Pasta Preparation: Boil water and cook rotini pasta slightly under package time for al dente texture, then drain and reserve.
3. Chicken Coating Process: Create three-stage breading station with flour seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder; whisked eggs; and combined panko and traditional breadcrumbs. Thoroughly coat chicken thighs by dredging through each station, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Crispy Chicken Technique: Sear chicken pieces in hot olive oil until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
5. Sauce Foundation: Spread marinara sauce across baking dish’s bottom, incorporating minced garlic and dried basil for enhanced flavor profile. Fold cooked pasta into sauce, distributing evenly and sprinkling half the fontina cheese throughout.
6. Casserole Assembly: Layer crispy chicken atop pasta mixture, drizzle remaining marinara, and generously cover with residual fontina and all Parmesan cheese for complete coverage.
7. Baking Finale: Roast in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts into a bubbling, golden-brown crust with crispy perimeter. Allow 10-minute resting period after removing from oven to stabilize dish and facilitate clean serving.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta 2-3 minutes less than package instructions to maintain a slightly firm texture, preventing mushy results in the final casserole.
• Chicken Coating Technique: Pat chicken thighs completely dry before dredging to ensure the breading adheres perfectly and creates a crispy, golden exterior.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Use freshly grated fontina and Parmesan for the best melting quality and most flavorful cheese layer that creates a beautiful golden-brown top.
• Resting Ritual: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking, which helps the dish set and makes cutting and serving much easier without falling apart.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 605
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 1090 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 215 mg