A Chicken Parmesan Casserole is so delightful and relatively easy to put together! Budget friendly ingredients come together to make an Italian classic that is perfect for special events on a tight budget.
As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reaching for the simplicity and warmth of comforting casseroles.
So Simple You Can Even Use Dollar Tree Ingredients
For this savory creation, I opted for convenience without compromising on flavor. Two banquet meals with chicken nuggets from Dollar Tree became the star ingredients. If you can’t find these, fear not! Dollar Tree often stocks chicken tenders, another excellent option for this dish. Basically, any breaded chicken is the prefect addition to this dish (chicken patties, nuggets, or tenders).
Cheese Options
You only need about 4 oz of Mozzarella to make this casserole perfect. You can use what you have, what you find at your local grocery store, or the block mozzarella at Dollar Tree is actually a steal because it’s real cheese! I’ve also used cheese sticks when the block wasn’t available. Both options work seamlessly; it’s all about making the most of your budget-friendly finds.
How to Build the Casserole
When I made this casserole I used chicken nuggets into bite-sized pieces. No matter what type of chicken you’re using, you will want to dice it into bite sized pieces for this dish.
In a 9×13 dish, I combined the sliced, microwaved, breaded chicken (chicken nuggets, tenders, or patties) with pasta sauce and 16 oz of cooked penne pasta. This creates a harmonious blend of flavors that promises to elevate any holiday gathering.
The Art of Casserole Convenience
One of the joys of a casserole, especially during the holiday hustle, is its make-ahead nature. Assembling this Chicken Parm Casserole the day before and letting it meld in the refrigerator makes for an easy and comforting Christmas feast. Just pop it in the oven, and voilà!
Baking at 350°F for approximately 25 minutes, the casserole transforms into a bubbling, cheesy wonderland. The tantalizing aroma fills the kitchen, promising a dish that’s as heartwarming as it is budget-friendly.
A Budget Friendly Feast!
So, while we’re using chicken nuggets in lieu of traditional tenders, the result is a Chicken Parm Casserole that stands tall among its counterparts. Embrace the festive cheer with this easy-to-make, Dollar Tree-inspired delight that proves elegance can be found in the most unexpected places. Wishing you a cozy and delicious holiday season!
FOR MORE INEXPENSIVE FAMILY RECIPES CHECK OUT THESE VIDEOS:
- 3 Delicious Pantry Friendly Meals
- 105 Meals for $115 – Feeding My Family For a week
- The Top 10 Secrets to saving big on food!
MORE WEEKNIGHT RECIPES TO TRY:
- Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes
- Cheesy Tortellini Bake(My Kids LOVE THIS!)
- Rotisserie Chicken Enchiladas! (These are SO EASY!)
Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Discover the joy of Easy Chicken Parmesan Casserole – a wallet-friendly delight perfect for the holidays. Using inexpensive breaded chicken and affordable mozzarella, this casserole is both simple and savory.
Ingredients
- 2 boxes of Dollar Tree banquet meals with chicken nuggets (or frozen chicken tenders)
- 4oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 24oz jar of pasta sauce
- 16 oz cooked penne pasta or your favorite pasta
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook your chicken according to the package instructions.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the microwaved chicken pieces with the pasta and sauce, ensuring an even distribution.
- Top the casserole with the grated mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
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