Chicken tenders on Texas toast with sauce and sherred mozzarella

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
   Start by setting up your breading station. In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, then the egg, and finally coat it with the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a good coating. Repeat with all chicken tenders.
2. Fry the Chicken:
   Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken tenders and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken tenders from the skillet and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   While the chicken is frying, warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using), and simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together. Set aside.
4. Toast the Texas Toast:
   While the chicken and sauce are cooking, toast the Texas toast slices according to the package instructions or on a griddle with a little butter for extra flavor. Toast until golden and crispy.
5. Assemble the Dish:
   Place the toasted Texas toast on a baking sheet. Top each slice with one or two chicken tenders, depending on the size of the bread. Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over the chicken tenders, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
6. Melt the Cheese:
   Preheat your broiler. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, keeping an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
7. Serve and Garnish:
   Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve immediately with a side salad, crispy fries, or any of your favorite sides.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders on Texas Toast:

• For extra crunch: Use panko breadcrumbs for the chicken tenders. They create a crispier coating than regular breadcrumbs.
• Make it spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the chicken tenders before serving.
• Add toppings: Want to make it even more indulgent? Add crispy bacon strips, sautéed mushrooms, or extra cheese on top.
• Use homemade Texas toast: If you have time, try making your own Texas toast at home. Simply butter thick slices of bread and toast them until golden brown.

Why This Dish is a Winner

This Chicken Tenders on Texas Toast with Sauce and Shredded Mozzarella is the ultimate comfort food. The crispy chicken tenders paired with buttery, toasty bread, tangy marinara, and melted cheese create a combination that’s hard to beat. Plus, it’s simple to make, customizable to your preferences, and sure to become a new family favorite.

Perfect for busy nights, casual gatherings, or even as a fun dinner with the kids, this dish brings all the flavors you crave in one easy-to-make meal. So next time you’re craving comfort food with a twist, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!