This 5-ingredient oven chicken is the kind of weeknight shortcut I love keeping in my back pocket when work runs late and I still want dinner to feel a little special. Using frozen breaded chicken tenders and a handful of pantry staples turns into a sticky, savory-sweet baked chicken dish with almost no prep, and it has that cozy casserole-style appeal that makes it feel much more homemade than the effort suggests.
Serve this chicken over steamed white rice, buttered noodles, or mashed potatoes to soak up the extra sauce. For sides, simple roasted broccoli, green beans, or a quick bagged salad balance the richness nicely, and if you want to lean into the comfort-food vibe, warm dinner rolls and a little extra sauce on the side are always a good idea.
5-Ingredient Oven Chicken
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds frozen breaded chicken tenders
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly coat a 9x13-inch glass baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Add the barbecue sauce, orange marmalade, soy sauce, and garlic powder directly to the baking dish, then stir until the sauce is smooth and evenly combined.
3. Place the frozen breaded chicken tenders into the sauce and turn them gently so they are coated on all sides, then spread them into an even layer.
4. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through, until the chicken is hot throughout and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
5. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly, then spoon the extra sauce over the chicken when plating.
Variations & Tips
Make it spicier: Stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of sriracha, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce if your family likes a little heat with the sweet-savory glaze.
Use chicken nuggets for kids: If chicken tenders are what you have, great, but this works with frozen breaded nuggets too. Just start checking a little earlier since smaller pieces heat through faster.
Keep the breading crispier: For the best texture, avoid overcrowding the dish and flip the pieces halfway through baking. If you want even more crispness, bake the tenders for 10 minutes first, then add them to the sauce and finish baking.
Meal prep shortcut: You can whisk the sauce together a day or two ahead and refrigerate it in a jar. When dinner time hits, all you have to do is pour, toss, and bake.
Try a different flavor balance: Apricot preserves can be swapped for the orange marmalade for a slightly milder sweetness, and a smoky barbecue sauce gives the finished dish a deeper, more savory flavor.
