Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. You want to make sure that each piece is well-coated in these flavours. In a bowl, whisk the egg. In another shallow dish, pour the breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken piece in the egg mixture, then coat it with breadcrumbs.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces in batches, ensuring they’re golden brown on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Assemble the Casserole: In your prepared 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom. Then, add the browned chicken pieces, spreading them evenly across the dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, followed by a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
- Serve and Garnish: Once your casserole is baked to perfection, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of colour and added flavour.
Notes
For the best results, don’t skip browning the chicken before assembling the casserole. This step locks in the flavours and adds a crispy texture to the chicken that you won’t get by simply baking the raw chicken. Also, feel free to experiment with adding your favourite herbs or using different types of cheese, like provolone or cheddar, to make the dish uniquely yours.