There are some nights when supper needs to be simple, filling, and made from what is already in the freezer and pantry, and this kind of baked chicken casserole-style meal fits that need just right. Using frozen breaded chicken fillets as the base, this 5-ingredient oven chicken comes together with very little fuss, but it still bakes up hearty and comforting, with crisp chicken, warm sauce, and melty cheese all in one dish. It is the sort of practical Midwestern supper that feels like something a busy farm family might have relied on for years.
Serve this chicken with buttered green beans, corn, a simple salad, or mashed potatoes if you want something extra cozy. It also goes well with steamed rice or buttered noodles to catch the sauce, and a basket of warm dinner rolls on the side makes it feel like a full family table without much more work.
5-Ingredient Oven Chicken
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 frozen breaded chicken fillets
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 and lightly grease a 9x13-inch glass casserole dish.
2. Arrange the frozen breaded chicken fillets in a single layer in the prepared casserole dish.
3. Spoon the pasta sauce evenly over the tops of the chicken fillets, then sprinkle with the mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
4. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through, the coating is crisp around the edges, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving so the cheese settles a bit, then spoon extra sauce from the dish over each fillet when plating.
Variations & Tips
Pizza-Style: Add a few pepperoni slices or a spoonful of sautéed mushrooms under the cheese if you want a flavor that reminds the family of chicken parmesan crossed with pizza night.
Extra Crispy Tip: If you like the breading as crisp as possible, bake the chicken fillets for about 10 minutes first before adding the sauce and cheese, then return the dish to the oven to finish baking.
Cheese Swap: Provolone, Italian blend cheese, or even a little sharp white cheddar can be used in place of the mozzarella for a slightly different supper without changing the ease of the recipe.
Make It a Full Pan Meal: Scatter a layer of cooked pasta or steamed broccoli in the casserole dish around the chicken before baking, and the sauce and cheese will bring the whole meal together in one pan.