I love a classic chicken parmesan from an Italian restaurant but when I can’t order the gluten free version and I’m super short on time I make this Lazy Chicken Parm Quinoa Casserole! It takes minimal effort and prep time, plus it uses simple ingredients and comes together in just 30 minutes!
This Lazy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Casserole recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight meal. This recipe is an easy gluten free weeknight dinner and a nut free recipe too, just like this fried chicken taco recipe and this breaded chicken caesar salad.
If you also love an easy recipe with tomatoes like me, check out these 20 easy tomato recipes!
why you’ll love this recipe
- Minimal clean-up: Just one pot or one pan for the quinoa and a baking dish for the casserole. Cleaning up only two dishes for a whole meal is fine by me! I hate doing dishes, especially a lot of dishes!
- Scalable: Easily adjust portions for one or a family or doubles for a get together. I like to make this when I am having famly over because it can feed a lot of people and takes minimal time to prepare.
- Leftovers potential: Doubles well for future meals or lunches. I love heating a portion of this up the next day for lunch!
- This recipe uses Skinless, boneless chicken breasts, a lean protein source with minimal fat compared to traditional fried chicken parm.
- Make weeknights easier by assembling the Lazy Chicken Parmesan Casserole ahead of time: Store it covered in the fridge and bake before serving.
ingredients & substitutions
Success Boil-in-Bag Tri-Color Quinoa: This is a quick and easy way to cook quinoa because there’s no measuring and no mess. I used Success Boil-in-Bag Tri-Color Quinoa.
Chicken breasts: The protein base of the Lazy Chicken Parm. I use skinless chicken breasts because they are lean. You can use boneless, skinless thighs instead if you prefer.
Marinara sauce or pasta sauce: Adds flavor and moisture. Choose your favorite brand or make your own.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts for a cheesy topping. Use a dairy-free shredded mozzarella alternative for a dairy free Lazy Chicken Parmesan Casserole.
Italian garlic and herb seasoning: Adds savory flavor. You can skip it or make your own mixing garlic powder, fresh basil and onion powder in a small bowl.
taste & texture
Expect a mix of textures in this Lazy Chicken Parm Quinoa Casserole. Fluffy quinoa adds a base, juicy chicken gives savory bites, and melty cheese creates a creamy layer. The rich tomato sauce ties it all together. It’s not a classic crispy chicken parm, but it’s a quick and flavorful weeknight option with comforting textures and familiar Italian flavors.
directions
Step 1
Cook the quinoa: Prepare the Success Boil-in-Bag Tri-Color Quinoa according to package instructions. This usually takes about 10 minutes on medium heat.
Step 2
Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill or air fryer grill to medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill for 10-12 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Make sure to check the chicken is fully cooked with your meat thermometer.
Step 3
Assemble the casserole: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a baking dish, combine the cooked quinoa, chicken pieces, and marinara sauce in a single layer.
Step 4
Season and bake: Sprinkle the Italian garlic and herb seasoning over the casserole. Top with the mozzarella cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
expert tips & tricks
- For extra flavor, I add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the top before baking.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the chicken breasts in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Simple side dish ideas: I recommend serving this Lazy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Casserole with a side of garlic bread or a simple side salad.
- Feel free to mimic more of the traditional chicken parmesan by mixing gluten free bread crumbs with italian seasoning with 1 tbsp of olive oil and adding on top before baking. For a low carb Lazy Chicken Parm I use crumbled pork rinds on top.
- To give this easy meal a spicy kick, I add red pepper flakes on top.
Recipe Variations
I use fat free cheese on top for a low fat Lazy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Casserole.
- I swap chicken for plant-based alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or lentil crumbles for a vegan Lazy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Casserole. Use dairy-free mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce.
- I serve the Easy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Casserole hot out of the oven with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
serving, storing and meal prepping
For leftovers of the Lazy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Casserole, I store them covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen portions in the microwave until warmed through, or thaw overnight and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly.
To prep the Lazy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Casserole ahead of time, assemble the casserole in a baking dish, cover tightly, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bake when ready to eat.
To meal prep, bake the Lazy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Casserole according to recipe directions. Portion out each into an individual airtight container. Reheat frozen portions in the microwave until
If you make this recipe and enjoyed it, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok and Pinterest. Join my exclusive weeknight meal plan group for 5 weekly 30-minute dinner recipes plus a weekly grocery shopping list. I would love for you to follow along!
Lazy Chicken Parm (gluten free, dairy free option)
Ingredients
- 1 boil-in-bag quinoa
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2-3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup low fat shredded mozzarella cheese or plant based ontopn
- 2 tablespoons Italian garlic and herb seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa: Prepare the boil-in-bag quinoa according to package instructions. This usually takes about 15 minutes.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill for 10-12 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Assemble the casserole: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a baking dish, combine the cooked quinoa, shredded chicken, and marinara sauce.
- Season and bake: Sprinkle the Italian garlic and herb seasoning over the casserole. Top with the mozzarella cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This was really good. I made the chicken in the air fryer the day before to save time. I also couldn’t find the quinoa but found something similar at Sam’s Club. Will definitely make it again.
Yay! I am SOOOO glad you enjoyed it! It’s one of my favorites!