This 4-ingredient oven chicken is the kind of easy dinner that saves a busy weeknight without feeling plain or boring. Using raw chicken tenderloins keeps the cooking time short, and the simple savory coating bakes right into the chicken for a juicy, family-friendly main dish. It is a practical casserole-style meal that feels right at home on a Midwest dinner table, especially when you need something dependable, budget-friendly, and satisfying.
Serve this chicken with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, rice, or roasted vegetables to soak up the extra juices in the dish. A crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, green beans, or even simple dinner rolls make it feel like a full meal, and for kids or picky eaters, macaroni and cheese or baked potato wedges pair especially well.
4-Ingredient Oven Chicken
Servings: 4 to 6
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds raw chicken tenderloins
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch glass casserole dish.
2. Spread the raw chicken tenderloins in an even layer in the prepared casserole dish.
3. In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, dry ranch seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese until evenly combined.
4. Spoon the mixture over the chicken and spread it gently so the tenderloins are well coated.
5. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F in the thickest piece.
6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving so the juices can settle and the topping can firm up slightly.
Variations & Tips
For extra color: Sprinkle a little chopped parsley over the top before serving. It does not change the flavor much, but it makes the dish look fresher and brighter on the table.
For picky eaters: Use a little less ranch seasoning for a milder flavor, and serve the chicken sliced into bite-size pieces. Kids often enjoy it more when it is easy to portion and pair with noodles or potatoes.
To add crunch: For a slightly crisp top, place the baked chicken under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely so the topping does not brown too much.
To switch the cheese: Romano or an Italian cheese blend can be used in place of Parmesan if that is what you have on hand. The flavor will be a little sharper and saltier, so taste carefully when serving with salty sides.
Storage tip: Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or covered in the oven so the chicken stays tender instead of drying out.
