Pin it Juicy, golden-brown chicken tenders served alongside creamy, classic macaroni and cheese—a comforting duo perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
I remember making this meal on a chilly evening when my family craved something both nostalgic and satisfying. The combination always brings smiles around the table.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins: 500 g (1.1 lbs), fresh or thawed
- All-purpose flour: 120 g (1 cup), for dredging
- Eggs: 2 large, beaten
- Milk (for tenders): 2 tbsp, to mix with eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs: 120 g (1 cup), for coating
- Parmesan cheese: 40 g (1/2 cup), grated
- Paprika: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Salt (for tenders): 1 tsp
- Black pepper (for tenders): 1/2 tsp
- 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 (for sauce): 500 ml (2 cups)
- Cheddar cheese: 150 g (1 1/2 cups), shredded
- Mozzarella cheese: 50 g (1/2 cup), shredded
- Salt (for pasta): 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper (for pasta): 1/4 tsp, ground
- Nutmeg (optional): 1/4 tsp, ground
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 each chicken tender first in flour, then in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken tenders in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Prepare the Macaroni and Cheese:
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions; drain and set aside. 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 3–4 minutes. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and nutmeg; cook until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy. Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Serve:
- Plate hot chicken tenders with a generous helping of macaroni and cheese on the side.
Pin it Every time we make this for dinner, it turns into a happy, laughter-filled mealtime with everyone reaching for seconds together.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad, steamed veggies, or enjoy with sparkling lemonade for a bit of freshness.
Allergen Information
This meal contains gluten (flour, breadcrumbs, pasta), eggs, and milk; always check labels for possible nut or soy traces in cheeses and breadcrumbs.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 690 calories, 33 g total fat, 58 g carbohydrates, 39 g protein.
Pin it This comforting combo is sure to please kids and grown-ups alike. Enjoy this easy dinner any night of the week!
Common Questions
- → How do I achieve extra crispiness on the chicken tenders?
Double-coating the tenders by repeating the flour, egg, and breadcrumb steps creates an extra crunchy crust.
- → Can I substitute different cheese in the macaroni?
Yes, Gruyère or a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack can replace cheddar for varied flavors.
- → What oil is best for frying the chicken tenders?
Vegetable oil works well due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- → How do I prevent the macaroni from sticking together?
Cook macaroni in plenty of salted boiling water and stir occasionally until al dente, then drain well.
- → Is it possible to add a spicy kick to the dish?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix or cheese sauce adds a subtle heat.