This 5-ingredient oven chicken is the kind of dependable dinner that saves a busy evening without feeling boring. Using raw chicken tenderloins keeps the cooking simple and quick, and everything comes together right in one glass casserole dish with very little cleanup. It is a great family-style meal when you want something warm, hearty, and full of flavor with almost no fuss.
Serve this chicken with fluffy rice, buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables to catch all the savory juices from the baking dish. A simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or warm dinner rolls round it out nicely, and if you want to make it extra comforting for kids, a side of macaroni and cheese fits right in.
5-Ingredient Oven Chicken
Servings: 4 to 6
Ingredients
1 1/2 to 2 pounds raw chicken tenderloins
1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix, about 1 ounce
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon paprika
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a glass casserole dish.
2. Spread the raw chicken tenderloins in an even layer in the prepared dish.
3. In a medium bowl, stir together the ranch seasoning mix, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and paprika until well combined.
4. Spoon the mixture evenly over the chicken tenderloins and spread it gently so the chicken is coated.
5. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F in the thickest piece.
6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices settle and the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Serve warm with rice, potatoes, or vegetables, spooning the pan sauce over the top.
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a glass casserole dish.
2. Spread the raw chicken tenderloins in an even layer in the prepared dish.
3. In a medium bowl, stir together the ranch seasoning mix, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and paprika until well combined.
4. Spoon the mixture evenly over the chicken tenderloins and spread it gently so the chicken is coated.
5. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F in the thickest piece.
6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices settle and the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Serve warm with rice, potatoes, or vegetables, spooning the pan sauce over the top.
Variations & Tips
Kid-Friendly Version: If your family prefers milder flavors, reduce the paprika a bit and serve the chicken over buttered noodles. The creamy sauce helps keep the chicken tender and makes it especially appealing for picky eaters.
Add Vegetables: You can tuck broccoli florets or sliced mushrooms around the chicken before baking for an easy all-in-one dinner. Just be sure not to overcrowd the dish so everything cooks evenly.
Cheese Tip: Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce more smoothly than the shelf-stable kind, so if you have a block on hand, it is worth using for the best texture and flavor.
Storage Tip: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven so the chicken stays moist.
Make It Heartier: For a bigger meal, serve this chicken over mashed potatoes or rice and spoon every bit of sauce over the top. That little extra step makes a very simple dinner feel special enough for Sunday supper.