Event Child Recipe

1. Bake or Heat Chicken Tenders

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange 4 mini breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment, spacing them evenly. Bake for 12–15 minutes, flipping once halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and exterior is golden and crisp. If using frozen pre-cooked tenders, follow package instructions for time/temperature.

2. Cook Pasta

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup uncooked macaroni and cook 7–9 minutes until al dente. Reserve 2 tbs cooking water, then drain pasta and set aside.

3. Make Simple Mac & Cheese Sauce

In the same pot over medium heat, melt 1 tbs butter. Whisk in 1 tbs flour and cook 30 seconds to 1 minute to remove raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 1 cup milk until smooth. Cook, stirring frequently, until sauce slightly thickens (2–3 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. If sauce is too thick, stir in up to 2 tbs reserved pasta water.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add drained macaroni back into the pot with the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.

5. Plate Entrée

Place a portion of mac & cheese (about 1 cup) on a child-sized plate. Arrange 4 warm chicken tenders alongside. Serve 2 tbs ketchup on the plate or in a ramekin if desired. Garnish with one fresh fruit slice.

6. Scoop 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream into a small chilled dessert bowl or cup. Drizzle 1 tbs chocolate syrup over the scoop if desired. Return promptly to a cool service area to prevent melting.

7. Pour 1 cup of the selected beverage (milk, apple juice, or lemonade/fruit punch) into a child-safe cup. Provide a straw if requested and ensure the cup is spill-resistant for younger children.

8. Set the plate and dessert bowl on a tray or table with a napkin and the child-size utensil set. Confirm the child's beverage choice and place the beverage to the upper right of the plate. Ensure the meal is slightly cooled to a safe temperature before serving to children under 12.