chicken tenders casserole recipe

The Best chicken tenders casserole recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my family’s favorite chicken tenders casserole recipe. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s always a hit with my kids and husband. I love how easy it is to make, and the best part is that it’s a great way to get my family to eat healthier. The chicken tenders are made with lean protein, and the casserole is loaded with veggies and whole grains.

It’s a perfect recipe for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event. Plus, it’s so versatile – you can customize it to your taste by adding different spices or herbs. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and every time it turns out delicious. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites.

They love the process of breading and baking the chicken tenders, and they’re always eager to dig in when it’s done. As for me, I love how this recipe brings everyone together – we’ll often have family movie nights or game nights while enjoying this casserole. It’s become a tradition in our household, and I’m so grateful to have such a wonderful recipe to share with my loved ones. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients – fresh veggies, lean protein, and wholesome grains make all the difference in the flavor and texture of the dish.

I’ve tried making this recipe with lower-quality ingredients, but it just doesn’t compare to using the good stuff. So be sure to invest in some fresh produce and wholesome grains for this one – trust me, it’ll be worth it! One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. My kids are picky eaters, so I like to add different spices or herbs to suit their tastes.

And because everyone has different preferences when it comes to heat level, I can adjust the spice level to suit our needs. But no matter what I do, this recipe always turns out delicious. It’s become a staple in our household because of its versatility and ease of preparation.

Chicken Tenders Casserole

4.9 from 1744 votes

A comforting and flavorful casserole featuring crispy chicken tenders smothered in a creamy sauce, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a family dinner.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders

1.5 lbs chicken tenders
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 eggs
2 cups panko breadcrumbs

For the Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Topping

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 400°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a shallow bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4In another bowl, beat eggs.
5In a third bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.
6Dredge each chicken tender in flour mixture, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
7Place coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
8Bake chicken tenders for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, turning halfway through cooking.
9While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce.
10In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
11Whisk until well combined.
12Heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
13In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange the cooked chicken tenders in a single layer.
14Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken tenders, ensuring they are well coated.
15In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and melted butter.
16Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the chicken and sauce.
17Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
18Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Baking dish
Mixing bowls
Oven
Spatula
Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 135mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 25g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the casserole for extra nutrition and flavor.

For added convenience consider preparing individual portions before freezing then simply microwave as needed straight from freezer without defrosting first ensures even cooking every time which helps prevent overcooking especially important when serving guests whose tastes may vary greatly depending personal preferences regarding heat levels desired flavors etc…

Additionally considering prepping portioned servings ahead time really saves stress especially during busy weekdays when everyone rushes around trying get ready school/work/run errands…

By having healthy ready-to-go meals like this one available at all times truly makes life easier!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Tenders Casserole

Q: What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips or nuggets – they’re perfect for breading and baking.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken tenders instead of fresh?

A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders if you prefer – just thaw them before breading and baking.

Q: What kind of seasonings should I use on my chicken tenders?

A: You can customize your seasonings however you like – some popular options include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, or any other combination that suits your taste.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for regular breadcrumbs.

Q: How do I store leftover casserole?

A: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days – reheat by microwaving until hot through.

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