Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken cube in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the breaded chicken in batches until golden brown on all sides. You don’t need to cook it all the way through at this point.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange the seared chicken in a single layer over the sauce.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese and fresh basil.
- Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta mixture over the chicken.
- Top with the remaining marinara sauce and 3 cups of mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For a crispier topping, sauté the breadcrumbs in olive oil with a touch of garlic powder before adding them to the top of the casserole. You can also add spinach or mushrooms for a healthier twist. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
