Chicken Parmesan Casserole

:Chicken Parmesan Casserole

**Ingredients:**

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. **Prepare the Chicken:**
– Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
– Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
– Sear the chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. They don’t need to be fully cooked through, as they will finish cooking in the oven.

3. **Assemble the Casserole:**
– Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
– Place the seared chicken breasts in the dish.
– Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
– Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
– If you like a crunchy topping, mix the breadcrumbs with a little olive oil and sprinkle them over the cheese.

4. **Bake:**
– Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

5. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
– Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.

Serve this Chicken Parmesan Casserole with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It’s a comforting, cheesy dish that’s sure to be a hit!