chicken tenders casserole recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best chicken tenders casserole recipe

I’m so excited to share this recipe with you all – chicken tenders casserole is a staple in my household, and for good reason. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. My kids love helping me prepare it, and it’s always a hit with the family.

I remember first making this recipe years ago when my oldest was just a toddler. I was looking for something easy to make that would please the whole family, and this recipe fit the bill perfectly. The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it to your taste by adding your favorite veggies or seasonings.

Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it even healthier and more convenient for busy families like mine. Today, I’m sharing my updated version of this beloved recipe with all of you. This casserole is made with breaded chicken tenders, creamy sauce, and a crunchy topping that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

And the best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes! I’ve served this dish at countless family gatherings, potlucks, and even as a quick weeknight dinner.

My kids have grown up on this recipe, and now they’re starting to ask for it themselves when they come home from college for visits. That’s how much we love it in our household! So if you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and customize to your taste, look no further than this chicken tenders casserole recipe.

Crispy Chicken Tenders Casserole

4.6 from 966 votes

A comforting and flavorful casserole featuring crispy chicken tenders, a creamy sauce, and a cheesy topping. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders

1 lb chicken tenders
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup buttermilk

For the Sauce

1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Topping

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
3In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4Add chicken tenders to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.
5Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
6Pour buttermilk into a bowl and dip each chicken tender into the buttermilk, then place it back onto the plate.
7Let it sit for 10 minutes.
8While the chicken is marinating, prepare the sauce.
9In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
10Stir until well combined.
11Spread the sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
12Place the marinated chicken tenders on top of the sauce in a single layer.
13Spoon any remaining buttermilk over the tenders.
14Bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
15In a small bowl, mix shredded cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter.
16Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the chicken tenders.
17Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
18Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
19This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve.
20Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

This chicken tenders casserole is a staple in our household because it’s easy to make, customizable to our tastes, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether we’re serving it at a family gathering or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe never fails to deliver.

One of my favorite things about this casserole is that it reheats beautifully – simply pop it in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This makes it perfect for meal prep or serving leftovers at school lunches or sports events.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Chicken Tenders Casserole

Q: What type of chicken tenders should I use?

I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips or tenders for this recipe. You can also use frozen chicken tenders if you prefer.

Q: Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup with another type of soup?

Yes, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken soup if you prefer a different flavor.

Q: How do I make sure the casserole doesn’t dry out?

To prevent the casserole from drying out, make sure to cover it with aluminum foil during baking and check on it every 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s not getting too brown.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it overnight before baking.

Q: What if I don’t have any panko breadcrumbs?

You can substitute panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers if you don’t have any panko breadcrumbs on hand.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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