PREP TIME: 5 MINS | COOK TIME: 25 MINS | YIELD: 4 SERVINGS
This is a wonderful thirty-minute chicken casserole that is Paleo, gluten-free, and whole30 compliant. A total crowd-pleaser with perfectly seasoned chicken baked with Marinara sauce, Parmesan, and mozzarella, then topped with crispy pork rind. This dreamy casserole is perfect as is, but feel free to add chopped spicy sausage if desired if you prefer a meatier dish. I did it a couple of times, and it was amazing!
INGREDIENTS
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut lengthwise
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt and fresh cracked pepper
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional
1 c. marinara (or any tomato sauce, make sure it’s no sugar added)
1 c. Parmesan, grated
1 1/2 c. mozzarella, shredded
1/2 c. pork rind, crushed, optional
1 tbsp freshly chopped basil, for garnish
HOW TO MAKE MOZZARELLA PARMESAN CHICKEN CASSEROLE
Step 1: Add the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, crushed chilli pepper flakes to a shallow plate. Whisk well to combine, then add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 5 minutes.
Step 2: While the chicken is marinating, ready the oven. Preheat it to 400 degrees F or 200 degrees C. And using oil, cooking spray, or butter, lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 3: In the prepared baking dish, lay the chicken in a single layer. Pour the tomato sauce over and top with Parmesan and shredded mozzarella, then lightly sprinkle with crushed pork rinds.
Step 4: Place the chicken casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked and the cheese has melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Remove the chicken casserole from the oven when done. Serve immediately garnished with some chopped basil. Enjoy!
NOTES:
Enjoy this chicken casserole alongside cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low carb/keto meal or with plain rice, pasta, bulgur, or quinoa.
If you decided to use whole chicken breasts, you have to cook them a little longer depending on the thickness of the chicken and your oven.
Instead of pork rind, you can use a little Parmesan to sprinkle on top of the chicken casserole.
Nutrition Facts:
Energy 599.48cal | Fat 38.86g | Protein 52.49g | Carbs 8.74g | Saturated Fat 16.51g | Polyunsat Fat 4.33g | Monounsat Fat 14.84g | Sugar 0.31g | Cholesterol 164.95mg | Sodium 1113.41mg | Potassium 572.02mg | Fiber 1.62g