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To make Crispy Crust Pizza-Parmesan Chicken Bake, you need these key ingredients: - 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup Italian bread crumbs - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients come together to create a comforting dish that’s both savory and cheesy. The rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and saves time. Marinara sauce gives a nice base, while mozzarella and Parmesan create a creamy, cheesy layer. When choosing your ingredients, some brands stand out. For marinara sauce, I recommend Rao’s or Classico. They both offer rich flavor. For cheese, try whole milk mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan from brands like Bel Gioioso or Sargento. If you need a substitute for rotisserie chicken, any cooked chicken works well. Just shred it finely. You can even use turkey if you prefer! Want to kick up the flavor? Try adding these optional ingredients: - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky taste - Chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies - Fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a stronger flavor These additions let you customize your bake. They enhance flavors and add nutrition. Don't hesitate to experiment with what you have on hand. Each choice can make your dish special! For the full recipe, check below. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for a crisp top. In a large bowl, mix the shredded rotisserie chicken with the marinara sauce. Add in the dried oregano, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Stir well until every piece of chicken gets that delicious sauce. In another bowl, combine the Italian bread crumbs with half of the grated Parmesan cheese. This means about ½ cup. Drizzle in the olive oil and mix everything together. You want the bread crumbs to feel moist but still crumbly. This mixture will help create that crunchy topping you crave. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish well. Spread the chicken mix evenly across the bottom. This ensures every bite has flavor. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken. Make sure it covers the chicken completely. Now, take the bread crumb mix and spread it over the cheese. Finally, add the rest of the Parmesan cheese on top for that golden finish. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, until you see a beautiful golden brown crust. Let it cool a bit before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves to make it look great. Enjoy this comforting dish! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To get a crispy crust, you need to focus on a few key steps. First, use a high-quality baking dish that conducts heat well. A metal dish works better than glass. Second, make sure your oven is fully preheated to 375°F. This ensures the bread crumbs bake quickly and get crispy. Also, adding olive oil to the bread crumbs helps them brown nicely. Don’t skip this step! Finally, let the dish cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps the crust set and keeps it from becoming soggy. One common mistake is not preheating the oven. This can lead to uneven cooking. Another mistake is using too much sauce. Too much moisture can make the crust soft. Be sure to measure your marinara sauce carefully. Lastly, avoid opening the oven door too often. Every time you do this, heat escapes. Keep the door closed to maintain a steady temperature for the best results. To make this dish, a few tools are essential. You will need a 9x13 inch baking dish, preferably metal. A good mixing bowl is important for combining ingredients. I also recommend using a sharp knife for cutting the chicken. A spatula helps spread the mixture evenly across the dish. Finally, an oven mitt is a must for safely removing the hot dish from the oven. For the full recipe, check out the entire guide to ensure you get all the details right! {{image_4}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of this dish. Just swap out the chicken for veggies. Use your favorites like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can follow the same steps in the recipe. Make sure to sauté the veggies first. This adds great flavor. Layer them in with the marinara sauce and cheese. You will still enjoy that crispy texture on top. If you're watching carbs, try using cauliflower rice instead of bread crumbs. This keeps the crunch while cutting down on carbs. Another option is to replace the marinara with a low-carb sauce. You can make a simple sauce using crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. This will keep all that pizza flavor without the extra carbs. Feel free to mix it up with your favorite flavors. Adding veggies like spinach or artichokes can boost nutrition. Different cheeses can also change the taste. Try adding goat cheese or cheddar for a twist. Each cheese adds a unique flavor. You can even top it with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This brings freshness and color to the dish. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your Crispy Crust Pizza-Parmesan Chicken Bake fresh, let it cool first. Use an airtight container for storage. This helps keep moisture in and prevents drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When reheating, the oven is best for taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This warms it evenly and keeps the crust crispy. You can also use a microwave, but the crust may lose its crunch. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To freeze the dish, cut it into portions first. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can take out just what you need. The dish will stay good for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best flavor, try to eat it within two months. You can find the full recipe for this tasty dish in the earlier sections. Enjoy your cooking! Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Cook it up to step 7 and cover it. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time for best results. This makes dinner planning easier! Crispy Crust Pizza-Parmesan Chicken Bake pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette - Garlic bread or breadsticks for a tasty side - Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans - A bowl of extra marinara sauce for dipping These sides add color, flavor, and nutrition to your meal! To make this recipe gluten-free, swap Italian bread crumbs for gluten-free ones. Many brands offer tasty options. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers or oats. Check all sauces and cheese for gluten-free labels. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious dish without worry! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. This blog post explored how to make a Crispy Crust Pizza-Parmesan Chicken Bake. We covered essential ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for a perfect bake. I shared variations to suit different diets and ways to store leftovers. You can create a delicious dish that is both easy and fun. Experiment with flavors and enjoy it fresh or saved for later. With these tips, you're on your way to a great cooking experience. Enjoy every bite!

Crispy Crust Pizza-Parmesan Chicken Bake

Experience a delightful twist on mealtime with this Crispy Crust Pizza-Parmesan Chicken Bake! This easy recipe combines savory rotisserie chicken with a zesty marinara sauce and a crunchy topping that the whole family will love. Discover simple steps to create a cheesy, comforting dish and explore delicious variations to suit your taste. Ready to elevate your weeknight dinners? Click through for the full recipe and tips!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded

1 cup marinara sauce

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup Italian bread crumbs

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's perfectly hot when you're ready to bake.

    In a spacious mixing bowl, put together the shredded rotisserie chicken and pour in the marinara sauce. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, garlic powder, and optional crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat. Stir all the ingredients together until the chicken is thoroughly coated in the sauce.

      In a separate bowl, mix the Italian bread crumbs with half of the grated Parmesan cheese (approximately ½ cup). Add the olive oil and combine everything until the bread crumbs are moistened and have a crumbly texture.

        Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish, creating a uniform layer.

          Next, evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the chicken mixture, ensuring every bite will be cheesy.

            Take the seasoned bread crumb mixture and sprinkle it over the mozzarella in an even layer, ensuring it fully covers the cheese.

              Finish the dish by adding the remaining ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, dusting it over the top of the bread crumb layer for an extra cheesy, golden finish.

                Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You're looking for a beautifully golden brown crust on top that is crispy to the touch.

                  After baking, allow the dish to cool for a few minutes so it sets slightly before slicing into squares. Garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 6

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the bake hot, cut into squares, and offer a small bowl of extra marinara sauce on the side for delightful dipping. Enjoy this comforting, cheesy treat!