Save 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 these crispy chicken tenders and macaroni for a weekend family dinner. The kids loved the crunchy texture and everyone had seconds of the cheesy macaroni—it’s now our go-to comfort food combo.
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: 1/4 tsp (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and milk, and one with panko, Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Dredge tenders in flour, then egg mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs. Heat oil in skillet, fry tenders in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Macaroni and Cheese:
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water, drain. Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat, add flour and whisk 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, cook until slightly thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in cheeses, salt, pepper, nutmeg; cook until sauce is creamy. Combine macaroni and cheese sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve chicken tenders hot with generous helping of macaroni and cheese.
Save This has become our family’s favorite meal for movie nights, with everyone helping themselves to seconds and sharing laughs around the table.
Required Tools
3 shallow bowls, large skillet, saucepan, whisk, slotted spoon or tongs, large pot for pasta, paper towels
Allergen Information
Contains: Gluten (flour, breadcrumbs, pasta), eggs, milk, cheese. May contain traces of nuts or soy depending on cheese and breadcrumbs, always check labels.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 690, Total Fat: 33 g, Carbohydrates: 58 g, Protein: 39 g
Save Try this comforting combo for your next family dinner and enjoy the perfect balance of crispy chicken and creamy macaroni. Leftovers make a tasty lunch the next day!
Recipe Guide
- → How do I get extra crispy chicken tenders?
Double-coat the chicken by repeating the dredging process in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy crust.
- → Can I substitute the cheese in the macaroni?
Yes, Gruyère or a sharp cheese can replace cheddar for a richer, nuttier flavor. Adding cayenne adds a spicy kick.
- → What type of oil is best for frying the chicken?
Use a neutral vegetable oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or sunflower oil, for even frying and crispiness.
- → How do I prevent the macaroni from sticking together?
Cook macaroni in plenty of salted boiling water and stir occasionally. Drain well and combine immediately with the cheese sauce.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare chicken tenders and macaroni separately. Reheat chicken in the oven for crispiness and gently warm the macaroni with added milk if needed.