Throw frozen chicken patties on the baking sheet and 5 common pantry items to get a meal so delicious your husband will be begging for more!

This little supper came about one winter evening when the roads were slick, the pantry was thin, and I had a hungry husband pacing the kitchen. I opened the freezer, spotted a bag of frozen chicken patties, and decided to treat them like the start of a real meal instead of just something to slap on a bun. With nothing more than a baking sheet and five pantry staples, those plain patties turned into a saucy, cheesy, downright comforting dish that tasted like I’d fussed all afternoon. It’s the kind of practical, Midwestern make-do cooking I grew up with: take what you have, season it with a little love, and slide it into the oven while you set the table. Before you know it, you’ve got a hot, hearty meal that’ll have your husband asking when you’re making it again.

I like to serve these oven-baked chicken patties over a scoop of fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles so they can soak up every bit of that garlicky, herbed tomato sauce. A simple green side—like steamed green beans, a tossed salad, or even just some sliced cucumbers and onions in vinegar—keeps the plate balanced. Warm dinner rolls or a few slices of buttered bread are perfect for mopping up the extra sauce. If you’re cooking for a crowd, add a pan of roasted vegetables and a little dish of grated Parmesan at the table so folks can help themselves.

Servings: 4

4 frozen breaded chicken patties

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup, and lightly grease it with a little of the olive oil so the patties don’t stick.

Lay the frozen chicken patties in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. They should be neatly spaced so hot air can circulate around them; do not thaw them first.

In a small bowl, stir together the tomato sauce, remaining olive oil, garlic powder, and dried Italian seasoning. Taste the sauce and add salt and black pepper if needed, keeping in mind that some jarred sauces and frozen patties are already salty.

Spoon a generous layer of the seasoned tomato sauce over the tops of each frozen chicken patty, spreading it almost to the edges. If any sauce remains, drizzle it around the patties on the baking sheet so it can bubble and thicken as it bakes.

Place the baking sheet on the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the patties are hot all the way through and the sauce is bubbling. If your package gives a specific time, use that as a guide, but always check doneness.

To be sure the chicken is safely cooked, use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a patty; it should read at least 165°F (74°C). If it hasn’t reached that temperature, return the pan to the oven and check again after a few more minutes.

Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the patties rest for 3–5 minutes so the coating stays crisp and the sauce settles. Serve each patty with a spoonful of the extra sauce from the pan over rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite sides.

You can dress this simple baked chicken up in all sorts of ways without straying from the spirit of pantry cooking. If you have a little shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on hand, sprinkle it over the sauced patties during the last 5 minutes of baking for a bubbly, cheesy topping that makes the dish taste like a quick chicken Parmesan. A pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the tomato sauce will give it a gentle heat, while a teaspoon of sugar or a drizzle of honey can soften the acidity if your sauce tastes sharp. If you don’t keep Italian seasoning, use a mix of dried basil and oregano, or even just one of them—this is a forgiving recipe. For a creamier version, swirl a few tablespoons of heavy cream or evaporated milk into the tomato sauce before spooning it over the patties. You can also tuck a slice of cheese under the sauce on each patty for a gooey center. Food safety is important when working with frozen poultry: always bake the patties straight from the freezer (do not leave them sitting out on the counter to thaw), keep them on a clean baking sheet, and avoid cross-contamination by washing your hands and any utensils after handling the frozen meat. Use a thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C), and refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in a shallow container. Reheat leftovers until steaming hot before serving.