Preheat and prepare the dish: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with olive oil.
Season the chicken: If using plain cooked chicken, toss it with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, and half the Italian seasoning. This keeps the flavor bold after baking.
Warm the aromatics: In a small skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Sauté the minced garlic for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the marinara, remaining Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Build the base: Spread half the sauce in the bottom of the casserole dish. Add the chicken in an even layer, then spoon the remaining sauce over the top, coating the chicken well.
Add the cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the sauced chicken. Add 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan on top of the mozzarella.
Make the “crumb” topping: In a small bowl, mix the almond flour with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of pepper.
Scatter this mixture over the cheese for a crisp, golden finish.
Bake: Place the casserole in the center of the oven and bake for 22–28 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the top is lightly browned.
Broil for color (optional): For a deeper golden crust, switch to broil for 1–2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Rest and garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes to set. Sprinkle with chopped basil or parsley before serving.