This 5-ingredient oven chicken is the kind of practical weeknight dinner that earns a permanent place in the rotation. Using frozen breaded chicken patties as the base keeps prep minimal, while a simple layer of pasta sauce and melted mozzarella turns them into a comforting baked entrée with plenty of flavor. It has a bit of the spirit of chicken Parmesan, but in an easy casserole-style format that comes together with pantry and freezer staples.
Serve this chicken with buttered pasta, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad to balance the rich melted cheese and sauce. Roasted broccoli, green beans, or zucchini also pair nicely, and if you want to stretch the meal further, spoon some of the extra sauce over rice or spaghetti on the side.
5-Ingredient Oven Chicken
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 frozen breaded chicken patties
1 1/2 cups pasta sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spread a thin layer of the pasta sauce in the bottom of a ceramic baking pan to help prevent sticking.
2. Arrange the frozen breaded chicken patties in a single layer in the pan. Spoon the remaining pasta sauce evenly over the patties.
3. Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top, then finish with the Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
4. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through, the sauce is bubbling, and the cheese is fully melted and lightly golden in spots.
5. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving so the cheese can settle slightly. Serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Add a vegetable layer: Tuck a layer of baby spinach or thinly sliced zucchini under and around the chicken patties before adding the sauce. The vegetables soften as the dish bakes and make it feel more complete as a one-pan meal.
Use a different cheese: Provolone, an Italian cheese blend, or part-skim mozzarella all work well here. If you want a sharper finish, add a little extra Parmesan during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Make it crispier: For a firmer breaded texture, bake the chicken patties on a sheet pan for about 10 minutes first, then transfer them to the sauce-lined baking dish and continue with the recipe. That extra step helps the coating stay a bit crisper under the sauce.
Check your brand’s timing: Since frozen breaded chicken patties can vary in thickness and size, use the package baking time as a guide and add a few extra minutes if needed after topping with sauce and cheese. The center should be hot and the cheese fully melted before serving.