When the holidays are peeking around the corner and the pantry needs to stretch a little farther, this kind of supper earns its place at the table. Using frozen chicken patties and just a handful of everyday items, you can turn out a hot, filling meal with almost no fuss at all. It is the sort of practical casserole-style bake that feels right at home in a Midwestern kitchen, where making do well has always been its own kind of art.
Serve this easy supper with a simple green salad, buttered green beans, canned corn, or applesauce if you want to keep things extra easy. A few pickle slices on the side brighten up the rich, savory flavors, and if you have a little more room in the budget, roasted potatoes or a cup of tomato soup make it feel like a full and cozy cold-weather meal.
5-Ingredient Pre-Holiday Easy Supper
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 frozen chicken patties
4 hamburger buns, split
1 cup pasta sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Directions
1. Heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a metal baking sheet or shallow baking pan.
2. Arrange the bottom halves of the buns on the baking sheet, then set one frozen chicken patty on each bun.
3. Spoon the pasta sauce evenly over the patties and sprinkle with the Italian seasoning.
4. Top each patty with shredded mozzarella cheese, making sure the sauce is mostly covered.
5. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the chicken is heated through, the cheese is melted, and the edges are bubbling and golden.
6. Add the top halves of the buns during the last 2 minutes if you want them warmed, then serve right away.
Variations & Tips
Add a vegetable layer: If you have an onion or a little bell pepper to use up, slice it thin and tuck it under the sauce. It stretches the meal and adds good flavor without changing the easy nature of the dish.
Use different cheese: Mozzarella gives that familiar pizza-style top, but provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a little cheddar will work in a pinch. This is a fine place to use what is already in the refrigerator.
Make it open-faced: For a supper that feels a little less bready, skip the top buns and serve these open-faced with a fork and knife. That is especially handy if you want to pair them with a side salad or soup.
Crisp the buns separately: If you like a firmer bun, toast the halves in the oven or under the broiler for a minute or two before assembling. That keeps them from getting too soft under the sauce and cheese.
Watch the salt: Frozen chicken patties and jarred sauce can both be well seasoned already, so taste before adding anything extra. A light hand keeps the whole pan balanced and lets the simple ingredients do their work.