Yield: Serves 6 to 8 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes
This is one of the easiest things to make, yet completely worthy of a special date. Combine your ingredients, light some candles, and voilà, you have just set the scene for an Italian dinner at home. I serve this with a warm loaf of bread, a little salted butter and, of course, a glass of red wine. It’s not a meal to turn down!
INGREDIENTS
4 cups shredded cooked chicken breast meat
1 (28-ounce) jar marinara sauce
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced thin or shredded
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko bread crumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons thinly sliced fresh basil
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat an 8 × 8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Layer the chicken in the bottom of the baking dish. Pour the marinara over the chicken and stir to combine. Top with the mozzarella and Parmesan. In a small bowl, mix the panko with the melted butter, salt, pepper, and pepper flakes and sprinkle on top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbling and golden. Scatter the basil over the casserole and serve.
To cook the chicken, place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and shred.
