Throw raw chicken tenderloins in the glass casserole dish and 4 simple ingredients to get a meal

The key is having enough liquid for the chicken to poach gently in the oven so it doesn’t dry out.

Here’s a dead-simple recipe using your method and just 4 ingredients.

The “4 Simple Ingredients”

1. Raw Chicken Tenderloins (about 1 lb)

2. A Jar of Salsa (16 oz, your favorite heat level)

3. A Can of Black Beans (15 oz, drained and rinsed)

4. Shredded Cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or pepper jack, about 1 cup)

What to Do

1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the glass casserole dish.

2. Layer: Lay the raw chicken tenderloins in a single layer on the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle the drained black beans evenly over the chicken.

3. Smother: Pour the entire jar of salsa over everything, making sure all the chicken is well-coated. Use a spoon to spread it evenly.

4. Bake (Uncovered): Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F, and it should be opaque and pull apart easily with a fork.

5. Cheese Melt: Remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Return it to the oven for just 5-7 more minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and melted.

6. Rest & Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Serve as is in bowls, or spoon it over rice, cauliflower rice, or tortilla chips. A dollop of sour cream or diced avocado on top is a wonderful optional extra.

Why This Works

The glass dish is perfect for this because you can check if the chicken is done without lifting it out. The liquid from the salsa creates enough steam and liquid to gently cook the tenderloins, keeping them juicy while the beans add a creamy texture and heartiness.

A few alternative 4-ingredient combos you could use the exact same way:

• Creamy Italian: Chicken + Cream of Mushroom Soup + Grated Parmesan Cheese + Broccoli Florets. (Mix soup and parm, pour over chicken and broccoli, bake).

• Zesty Greek: Chicken + Marinated Artichoke Hearts (jar, drained) + Kalamata Olives + Crumbled Feta Cheese. (Add halved cherry tomatoes for a 5th ingredient bonus). Bake and squeeze fresh lemon over the top.

• Tangy BBQ: Chicken + BBQ Sauce + Sliced Red Onion + Pineapple Chunks (canned, drained).

If you meant a different style of ingredient, just let me know, and I can tailor this to exactly what you have in your pantry.