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 first made this combo for a Sunday family meal and it was an instant hit. Everyone loved how crispy the chicken turned out next to the creamy macaroni, and now it’s a frequent request when we want a cozy, satisfying dinner.
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
- Black pepper: 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: 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
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Ground nutmeg (optional): 1/4 tsp
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs plus milk, one with panko, Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper. Coat chicken in flour, then egg mixture, then breadcrumbs. Heat oil in skillet over medium. Fry chicken 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Macaroni and Cheese:
- Boil macaroni in salted water, drain. Melt butter in saucepan over medium, whisk in flour for 1 minute (roux). Whisk in milk until smooth, cook until thickened (3 to 4 minutes). Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, salt, pepper, nutmeg; cook until melted and creamy. Add macaroni and mix well.
- Serve:
- Serve chicken tenders hot with macaroni and cheese on the side.
Pin It Sharing this meal brought everyone to the table, with kids reaching first for the tenders and adults enjoying second helpings of macaroni. It’s a comfort food favorite for busy weeknights and gatherings alike.
Required Tools
3 shallow bowls, large skillet, saucepan, whisk, slotted spoon or tongs, large pot for pasta, paper towels
Allergen Information
Contains gluten, eggs, milk, cheese. Check labels for nuts or soy if needed.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories, 690. Total fat, 33 g. Carbohydrates, 58 g. Protein, 39 g.
Pin It Enjoy crispy chicken tenders and creamy macaroni as a delightful comfort food combination. This dish is best served fresh and makes any dinner feel special.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve extra crispiness on the chicken tenders?
Double-coat the chicken by dipping it twice through the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture before frying to create a thicker, crispier crust.
- → Can I substitute cheeses in the macaroni?
Yes, Gruyère can be used instead of cheddar for a richer flavor, and adding a pinch of cayenne can introduce a subtle spice.
- → What oil is best for frying the chicken tenders?
Vegetable oil works well due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, ensuring crispy, golden-brown tenders.
- → How should the macaroni be cooked before combining with the cheese sauce?
Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain well before adding to the sauce to maintain texture.
- → Can this dish be paired with beverages?
A light, fruity white wine or a refreshing sparkling lemonade complement the richness of the chicken and cheese nicely.