This oven baked 3-ingredient chicken Waldorf is the kind of retro, low-effort dinner that feels especially perfect when you need something comforting but still nice enough to set out for guests. It has that classic sweet-savory combination of tender chicken, crisp celery, and apple in a creamy sauce, and it reminds me of the sort of practical summer entertaining recipe that busy moms kept in rotation because it looked impressive without asking for much time in the kitchen.
Serve this with buttered rice, egg noodles, or roasted potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. A simple green salad, steamed green beans, or sliced tomatoes on the side help balance the richness, and if you're putting it out for company, warm dinner rolls and iced tea make it feel like an easy summer supper.
Oven Baked 3-Ingredient Chicken Waldorf
Servings: 4
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders, cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup mayonnaise
2 cups diced Waldorf-style mix of apple and celery
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a medium white ceramic casserole dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, mayonnaise, and diced apple-celery mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
3. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
4. Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling gently around the edges.
5. Let rest for 5 minutes, then stir gently and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Add crunch: If you like more texture, stir in a handful of chopped walnuts right before baking or sprinkle them over the top for the last 10 minutes. It gives the dish a more classic Waldorf salad feel.
Use rotisserie chicken: To save time on a busy weeknight, swap in cooked shredded rotisserie chicken and bake just until everything is hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
Choose the right apple: A firm, slightly tart apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith holds its shape best and keeps the dish from tasting too sweet.
Make it lighter: You can replace part of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter sauce, though the texture will be a little less rich.
Meal prep tip: Assemble the casserole a few hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate until dinner. That makes this a great option for company or a hectic workday when you want something ready to slide into the oven.