There are days when supper needs to be simple, filling, and made from what you already have tucked away in the freezer and pantry. This 3-Ingredient Oven Chicken is the kind of practical Midwestern meal that feels right at home on a busy weeknight, turning humble frozen chicken patties into a hot, satisfying dish with very little fuss. It is the sort of recipe a home cook keeps in her apron pocket for those evenings when everybody is hungry and nobody wants to wait long.

Serve this easy chicken with mashed potatoes, buttered green beans, corn, a crisp side salad, or even a scoop of macaroni and cheese if you want a heartier plate. It also pairs nicely with simple dinner rolls or toast to catch every bit of the warm sauce and melted cheese.

3-Ingredient Oven Chicken Using Frozen Chicken Patties

Servings: 4

Baked chicken patties topped with sauce and melted cheese
Baked chicken patties topped with sauce and melted cheese

Ingredients

4 frozen chicken patties

1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and arrange the frozen chicken patties in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.

2. Bake the chicken patties for 10 minutes, then remove the pan from the oven and spoon marinara sauce evenly over each patty.

3. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the sauce-covered patties and return the pan to the oven.

4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes more, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken patties are hot all the way through. Serve right away.

Variations & Tips

Parmesan Finish: If you have it on hand, a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan over the mozzarella adds a little extra savory flavor and gives the top a nice old-fashioned chicken Parmesan feel.

Pizza Style: Add a few pepperoni slices or a pinch of Italian seasoning before the final bake if you want to lean into a pizza supper the whole family will recognize right away.

Make It a Sandwich: Tuck a finished patty into a toasted bun or hoagie roll for a quick hot sandwich. It is especially good with a little extra sauce spooned over the top.

Watch the Oven Time: Since brands of chicken patties can vary in thickness, check the package directions and make sure the patties are heated through before serving. The cheese should be nicely melted, but not overbrowned.