Save Juicy, golden-brown chicken tenders served alongside creamy, classic macaroni and cheese—a comforting duo perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
When my kids request their favorite dinner, crispy chicken tenders with homemade macaroni and cheese is always top of the list. It's the ultimate meal for a cozy night at home.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins: 500 g (1.1 lbs)
- All-purpose flour: 120 g (1 cup)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Milk: 2 tbsp
- Panko breadcrumbs: 120 g (1 cup)
- Parmesan cheese: 40 g (1/2 cup), grated
- Paprika: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp (plus 1/2 tsp for macaroni)
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp (plus 1/4 tsp for macaroni)
- Vegetable oil: 120 ml (1/2 cup), for frying
- Elbow macaroni: 250 g (9 oz)
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
- All-purpose flour (for sauce): 2 tbsp
- Whole milk: 500 ml (2 cups)
- Cheddar cheese: 150 g (1 1/2 cups), shredded
- Mozzarella cheese: 50 g (1/2 cup), shredded
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with milk, and one with panko, Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge and Coat:
- Dredge each chicken tender first in flour, then in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Frying:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken tenders in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Prepare the Macaroni:
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth; cook until slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and nutmeg; cook until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese:
- Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well.
- To Serve:
- Serve the chicken tenders hot with a generous helping of macaroni and cheese on the side.
Save My family loves gathering on weekends for this memorable meal, with everyone vying for the last piece of chicken and a scoop of creamy macaroni.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. A side of tangy pickles complements the richness and adds crunch.
Allergen Info
Contains: Gluten (flour, breadcrumbs, pasta), Eggs, Milk, Cheese. Check all labels for potential traces of soy or nuts.
Nutrition
Each serving: Calories 690, Fat 33 g, Carbohydrates 58 g, Protein 39 g. Actual values will vary depending on brands and variations.
Save Enjoy this classic comfort-food favorite with loved ones and savor every crispy, cheesy bite.