Save to Pinterest Juicy, golden-brown chicken tenders served alongside creamy, classic macaroni and cheese—a comforting duo perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
When my family started asking for 'restaurant chicken fingers' at home, I whipped up this combo, and it instantly became a weekend favorite. The smiles when cheesy macaroni hits the table alongside homemade tenders are unbeatable.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins: 500 g (1.1 lbs)
- All-purpose flour: 120 g (1 cup)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Milk (for dredging): 2 tbsp
- Panko breadcrumbs: 120 g (1 cup)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 40 g (1/2 cup)
- Paprika: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp (plus 1/2 tsp for macaroni, divided use)
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp (plus 1/4 tsp for macaroni, divided use)
- Vegetable oil (for frying): 120 ml (1/2 cup)
- Elbow macaroni: 250 g (9 oz)
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
- All-purpose flour (for roux): 2 tbsp
- Whole milk (for sauce): 500 ml (2 cups)
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 150 g (1 1/2 cups)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 50 g (1/2 cup)
- Ground nutmeg (optional): 1/4 tsp
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:
- Serve the chicken tenders hot with a generous helping of macaroni and cheese on the side.
Save to Pinterest This meal is a go-to for weekday celebrations and always brings everyone to the kitchen before it's even served. Watching my kids crunch into the tenders while stealing scoops of macaroni makes every bit of prep worthwhile.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad to lighten up the meal, or add some steamed broccoli for extra veggies and color on the plate.
Allergen & Diet Information
This recipe contains gluten (flour, breadcrumbs, pasta), eggs, and dairy. Always check cheese and breadcrumb labels if sensitivities to nuts or soy are a concern.
Nutrition Info
Each serving provides approximately 690 calories, 33 g total fat, 58 g carbohydrates, and 39 g protein—making it a satisfying and hearty dinner option.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy the unbeatable combo of crunchy chicken and creamy pasta—sure to become a household favorite. Leftovers reheat beautifully for a quick and comforting lunch the next day.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure chicken tenders turn out crispy?
Double-coating the chicken by dipping it twice in the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture creates an extra crunchy crust. Also, frying in hot oil until golden brown seals in moisture.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses in the macaroni?
Yes, Gruyère or other melting cheeses can be used in place of cheddar or mozzarella for varying flavors and textures.
- → What is the best way to prevent the macaroni sauce from becoming lumpy?
Whisk the flour and butter gently to form a smooth roux, then gradually add milk while continuously stirring to avoid lumps.
- → Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?
Baking is possible; coat the tenders as usual, place them on a greased baking sheet, and bake at 200°C (400°F) until crispy and cooked through.
- → How can I add a bit of spice to the dish?
Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the breadcrumb mix or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a mild kick.