There is something mighty comforting about a simple baked chicken supper that comes together right in one casserole dish, especially on a busy weeknight when nobody wants a sink full of extra bowls. This 5-Ingredient Oven Chicken leans on humble pantry staples to turn raw chicken tenderloins into a creamy, savory dinner with hardly any fuss at all. It is the kind of practical recipe home cooks have passed around for years because it is dependable, filling, and made from ingredients folks often already have tucked away in the cupboard.
This chicken is especially good served over hot rice, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy mashed potatoes so you can spoon up every bit of the creamy sauce. For vegetables, I like green beans, sweet corn, or a simple side salad to keep supper balanced. A basket of warm rolls or sliced bread on the table never hurts either, especially for soaking up the extra sauce.
5-Ingredient Oven Chicken
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds raw chicken tenderloins
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 packet (1 ounce) dry ranch seasoning mix
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch glass casserole dish.
2. Arrange the raw chicken tenderloins in an even layer in the prepared casserole dish.
3. In a medium bowl, stir together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and ranch seasoning until smooth and well combined.
4. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and spread it evenly so all the tenderloins are coated. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
6. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving, then spoon the chicken and sauce over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes if desired.
Variations & Tips
Add a vegetable: If you want to stretch the dish a bit, tuck in a layer of frozen broccoli florets or drained canned green beans around the chicken before adding the sauce. They will cook right along with everything else and make it more of a full meal.
Change the cheese: Cheddar gives this casserole a familiar sharpness, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or a simple mozzarella blend will melt beautifully too. If you like a little extra color on top, place it under the broiler for just a minute or two at the end.
Make it extra savory: A light sprinkle of black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika can be added without changing the spirit of this easy 5-ingredient supper. Those little pantry touches can make it taste like you worked much harder than you did.
Watch the bake time: Chicken tenderloins cook faster than larger chicken breasts, so start checking a few minutes early if your pieces are small. You want the chicken juicy and tender, not overbaked.
Serve it country-style: For a cozy Midwestern table, spoon this chicken over mashed potatoes and add buttered corn or peas on the side. It is the kind of hearty plate that feels just right on a cool evening.