Hey there, fellow superheroes of the household! We all know that the question “What’s for dinner?” can creep up on us faster than you can say, “I need a break!” But fear not, dear moms, because I’ve got your back. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that even those picky little eaters in your life will devour faster than you can say, “Don’t play with your food!”
Introducing… drumroll… Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders! Yep, you heard me right. Cheesy. Baked. Chicken. Tender. It’s like a golden ticket to Momville happiness.
Ingredients? Check. Recipe? Check. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure, shall we?
Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders:
- 1 pound (450g) chicken tenders or chicken breast strips
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil for greasing
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: First things first, we need to get that oven going. Preheat it to a toasty 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, grab your superhero cape…or just a baking sheet. Grease it up with cooking spray or a smidge of vegetable oil to prevent any cheesy stickiness.
- Prepare Breading Station: It’s time to set up our breading station. Think of it as your culinary battle station, ready to take on those picky palates! In one bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. And in the third bowl, let the cheesy party begin! Combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and a bit more salt and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Grab those chicken tenders one by one and let them take a dip into each bowl. First, they’ll hit the flour mixture, then the eggy embrace, and finally, they’ll cozy up in that cheesy breadcrumb blanket. Give ’em a gentle press to make sure the breading sticks like it’s been glued by a toddler’s imagination.
- Place on Baking Sheet: Line up your breaded chicken tenders on the baking sheet, giving them a bit of elbow room. We want them to cook evenly, not have a cheesy collision in the oven.
- Bake: Pop those little delights into the preheated oven and let the magic happen for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and cooked through. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C). The aroma will make your house feel like a five-star restaurant!
- Serve: Once your Cheesy Baked Chicken Tenders emerge from the oven, let them cool for a minute (or not, if you’re dealing with hungry little monsters). Serve ’em up with your kiddo’s favorite dipping sauces—ketchup, honey mustard, ranch dressing—the more, the merrier!
This recipe is as easy as sneaking a piece of chocolate when no one’s looking (don’t worry, we won’t tell). Plus, it’s a certified hit with the tiny critics. Pair it with some simple sides like steamed veggies or frenchfries, and voilà! You’ve just saved dinner, Mom-style. Enjoy the cheesy goodness, and may your evening be filled with giggles, full tummies, and a little peace and quiet—well, as much as you can get with kids running around!
