This 4-ingredient oven chicken is the kind of easy dinner that saves a busy weeknight. Everything goes right into one glass casserole dish, which means less prep, fewer dishes, and a comforting baked meal with very little effort. Using ground chicken keeps it budget-friendly and quick-cooking, and the simple mix of sauce and cheese gives it that cozy casserole feel families tend to ask for again.
Serve this with steamed rice, buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or a big scoop of roasted vegetables to round out the meal. It also works well with a simple green salad or garlic bread if you want something easy on the side to soak up the extra sauce.
4-Ingredient Oven Chicken
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds raw ground chicken
2 cups pasta sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly coat a glass casserole dish with cooking spray if desired for easier cleanup.
2. Add the raw ground chicken to the casserole dish and break it up gently with a spoon or clean hands so it is spread into an even layer.
3. Pour the pasta sauce evenly over the chicken, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning across the top.
4. Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese, covering the sauce as evenly as possible.
5. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Variations & Tips
Add pasta: Turn this into a heartier casserole by stirring in 2 to 3 cups of cooked pasta before baking. It is a great way to stretch the meal when you need leftovers for lunch the next day.
Swap the cheese: Mozzarella gives a classic mild flavor, but provolone, an Italian blend, or even a little Parmesan on top can add more depth. Use what you already have in the fridge to keep this recipe practical.
Check doneness carefully: Because ground chicken starts out raw in the baking dish, use a meat thermometer to make sure the center reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If your chicken is packed tightly, stir once midway through baking for more even cooking.
Make it more flavorful: If you are okay going beyond four ingredients, a little minced garlic, diced onion, or red pepper flakes can add extra flavor with hardly any extra work.
Meal prep tip: Assemble the casserole earlier in the day, cover, and refrigerate until dinnertime. When baking straight from the fridge, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time and check that the middle is fully cooked.