Finding something new to do with chicken is always on my radar. When I’m going through my magazines or looking on Pinterest if it’s a chicken recipe that seems even remotely interesting and new for my repertoire I cut it out or pin it for safekeeping. I came up with this recipe however by looking through my cupboard and mixing a bit of this and that until I had a wonderful combination.

Fresh from the oven baked chicken

Tonight I served the chicken alongside some mashed potatoes and blanched/sauteed asparagus. The first time I made this however I pour the chicken and all the yummy sauce overtop some penne pasta and broccoli. Either way, it’s been a hit and there isn’t a leftover morsel to be had. You can make the sauce ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator until baking time if needed.

Baked Chicken Tenders with Creamy Tomato Sauce

Recipe By: Everyday Cooking Adventures, 2014

Serves: 2

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup alfredo sauce
• 1 small tomato, diced OR 7 oz. canned, diced tomato, drained
• 1 Tbsp. dried or fresh parsley
• Salt & fresh ground black pepper
• 6-8 skinless chicken tenders or 2 chicken breasts, sliced into tenders
• 2 Tbsp. mustard
• 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/2 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp. garlic salt
• Dash red pepper flakes
• cooking spray

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. In a small bowl combine the alfredo, tomatoes and parsley. Season with a pinch each of salt and pepper. Set aside.

2. Prepare a ceramic or glass baking dish by spraying lightly with cooking spray. Pour the mustard onto a plate. Pour the breadcrumbs onto a second plate. Dip the chicken pieces one at a time in the mustard, turning to coat both sides thoroughly and then dip into the breadcrumbs, turning again to coat. Place each finished chicken tender into the prepared baking dish. Continue until all chicken has been breaded.

3. Pour the sauce over the chicken to cover. Loosely place foil over top to prevent browning too soon. Place in the oven on the middle rack. Bake 10 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking an additional 10 minutes. Serve alongside pasta, potatoes, and/or vegetables.