Ah, the beauty of leftover fried chicken! I can still remember that Sunday dinner when my family devoured the last crispy piece, and I thought, “What am I going to do with all this goodness tomorrow?” That’s when the magic of the Leftover Fried Chicken Parmesan Casserole was born! It’s a glorious symphony of flavors and textures, perfect for those pantry-raiding evenings when you want something hearty yet comforting. Seriously, if you’ve ever looked at leftover fried chicken and thought, “What can I do with this?” let me tell you, this casserole is your answer!
What I love about this recipe is how forgiving it is. You can throw in whatever you have kicking around—pasta, veggies, or extra cheese. It’s like a cozy hug in casserole form and can make even the grumpiest of eaters squeal with delight. I once made it for a potluck, and let’s just say I had to guard my leftovers fiercely; they disappeared faster than my willpower on cookie dough. So, let me walk you through this delightful dish!
What’s in Leftover Fried Chicken Parmesan Casserole?
- Leftover fried chicken: This is the star of the show! Use your leftover pieces and feel free to mix in both dark and white meat for variety.
- Penne pasta: You can use penne or any pasta shape you love. It’s all about that pasta-to-sauce ratio, so choose your favorite!
- Marinara sauce: A good quality marinara adds a delicious tomato base. I’m a fan of Rao’s, but any brand you love will do nicely.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: This creates that gooey, melty deliciousness that binds everything together.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Essential for that sharp cheesy flavor—plus it gives a beautiful golden crust! I always go for the freshly grated stuff.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings the whole dish together, giving it that Italian flair.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic elevates the flavor and adds a little kick—so don’t skimp on this!
- Fresh parsley: For garnish—because a little greenery makes everything look delicious, right?
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that are key to bringing out the flavors.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, but if you like a little heat, sprinkle some on top!
Is Leftover Fried Chicken Parmesan Casserole Good for You?
This casserole is definitely more of a comfort food than a health food. However, it does have its perks! The dish is loaded with protein from the leftover fried chicken and cheese, which keeps you satiated. Plus, it has carbohydrates from the pasta, great for that energy boost! Just keep in mind that the frying process does add some calories and fat. If you’re looking to lighten it up, swap out some cheese for veggies like spinach or mushrooms—or even use baked chicken instead of fried!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups leftover fried chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz penne pasta (or any favorite pasta)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat
How to Make Leftover Fried Chicken Parmesan Casserole?
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)—the magic temperature for all things casserole!
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, garlic, Italian seasoning, and the bite-sized pieces of fried chicken. Stir to combine well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the chicken and pasta mixture on the bottom.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese over the first layer.
- Add the remaining chicken and pasta mixture on top, followed by the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for extra heat.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Take it out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving. It’s showtime!
Tips for the Best Leftover Fried Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- This dish is incredibly customizable—throw in any leftover veggies you have in the fridge!
- If you want to make this a bit healthier, consider using whole wheat pasta or adding a side salad to round out the meal.
- Don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish—trust me, it makes everything prettier!
There you have it—Leftover Fried Chicken Parmesan Casserole! It’s comfort food at its finest and a surefire way to impress your family or guests. So go on, dig into your fridge, and whip this up. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you—happy cooking!
