Parmesan Chicken Bites With Cheesy Garlic Sauce

As summer break comes to an end and school and my new job (yessss!) starts on Monday, I have been looking for new quick and easy recipes that can be on the table in 30 min or less. Annnnd I've found a new favorite!!!! This dish is really yummy and picky eater approved! It's everything kids love.. crunchy, cheesy and easy to eat. 

I didn't plan on posting this dish (hence the lack of photos) but my kiddos enjoyed it so much that I decided to share it anyway. 

Here's what you'll need for 4 servings: 

•1 lb pack of chicken tenders 

•1 cup flour

•2 eggs, beaten

•2 cups of Panko breadcrumbs

•3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

•1/2 tsp black pepper and garlic powder

•1 tsp seasoning salt and garlic salt 

•2 oz cream cheese

•1/4 cup milk

•1 tsp oil

•2 oz shredded Colby-Jack cheese or cheese of your choice

•oil for frying 

Cut each of the chicken tenders into 2 pieces. Season with seasoning salt and set aside. 

In a blender or food processor, pulse the Panko and Parmesan cheese until its a fine crumb mixture. 

Put the flour, egg, and crumb mixture into separate shallow dishes. 

Stir the pepper and garlic powder into the crumb mixture. 

Dust each piece of chicken with the flour then dip in egg, and roll in the crumb mixture. Coat all pieces before you start frying. 

Pour enough oil in a large skillet to cover one side of the chicken. Heat over med heat. Add the chicken in batches and fry until golden brown on each side. About 3-4 minutes. Make sure to fry long enough to cook each piece all the way through.  Remove and drain on paper towels. 

For the cheese sauce, melt the cream cheese in the microwave for 30 seconds. Whisk in the milk, garlic salt and oil until smooth. When smooth, add cheese and microwave for another 30 seconds. Whisk again until smooth, adding more milk if necessary. 

Spoon sauce over chicken or serve on the side as a dipping sauce. 

Serve immediately. 

Enjoy!