Easy Family Dinner: Crispy Baked Chicken Strips with Creamy Velveeta Shells & Cheese

For many of us, the aroma of a warm, cheesy meal instantly transports us back to childhood. If you’ve followed my culinary journey for any length of time, you’ll know that I hail from a generation where convenience foods first took center stage. I practically grew up on boxed meals and frozen dinners – my mom even had a dedicated freezer in the garage, stocked to the brim with a delightful selection to make meal times simpler.

My earliest memories of mac and cheese revolve around the classic, powdered cheese variety. You’d boil the noodles, stir in the vibrant orange powder with a splash of milk and a pat of butter, and voilà! As a child, I absolutely adored it. My mom wasn’t exactly a gourmet chef, so this was often the closest we got to a homemade dish, and it satisfied my young taste buds just fine.

The Mac and Cheese Revolution: Discovering Velveeta Shells & Cheese

Then, at some point – I can’t pinpoint the exact year, but I was already living independently, making my own grocery choices and paying for them – Velveeta introduced its Shells & Cheese. I believe this culinary revelation occurred in the late 1980s. And let me tell you, it was nothing short of mind-blowing. After years of the somewhat bland, powdery, orange-colored noodles I was accustomed to, Velveeta Shells & Cheese was a revelation.

It was incredibly creamy, bursting with a rich, “real cheese” flavor that made me an instant convert. The sauce had a smooth, luscious texture that coated every single shell perfectly. And those shells! They were so much more fun and satisfying than plain old elbow macaroni. From that moment on, Velveeta Shells & Cheese became a staple in my pantry, a go-to for comfort and convenience.

Balancing Homemade and Convenient: Family Meals Today

Fast forward two decades and I now have children of my own. While I absolutely love to cook from scratch and pride myself on making many meals from the ground up, I also understand the realities of busy family life. There are days when a delicious, quick, and easy meal from a box is not just a lifesaver, but a welcome treat. And yes, Velveeta Shells & Cheese remains a beloved favorite in our household, appreciated by both kids and adults alike.

It’s even better when you stumble upon a fantastic deal, like finding a multi-pack of Velveeta Shells & Cheese at Walmart. Stocking up ensures that a quick and satisfying meal is always within reach, perfect for those hectic weeknights or when the kids are craving that specific cheesy comfort.

Want to see more of my shopping adventures and other great finds? You can check out what I found on my shopping trip here.

The Perfect Pairing: Breaded and Baked Chicken Strips

Chicken strips are always a guaranteed hit with my family. They are incredibly fast and simple to prepare, making them an ideal companion for the quick cooking time of Velveeta Shells & Cheese. While the chicken strips are baking to golden perfection in the oven, you can easily whip up the creamy shells and cheese, crack open a can of green beans (or steam some fresh ones!), and within minutes, you’ve got a complete, wholesome meal you can be proud of – and one your family will absolutely adore.

This meal strikes the perfect balance between convenience and a satisfying homemade touch. Baking the chicken strips offers a healthier alternative to frying, reducing mess and making cleanup a breeze. The crispy coating of the chicken perfectly complements the smooth, rich sauce of the Velveeta Shells & Cheese, creating a harmonious and comforting flavor profile that will quickly become a family favorite.

Recipe: Breaded and Baked Chicken Strips

To make this ultimate comfort meal, here’s how to prepare those delicious, crispy baked chicken strips:

Breaded and Baked Chicken Strips with Velveeta #CheesyShells

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts cut into strips
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup bread crumbs (I used panko for extra crispiness)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Line a baking pan with foil for easy cleanup and spray generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Beat the eggs lightly in a shallow bowl and set aside. This will be your wet coating for the chicken strips.
3. In a separate medium bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, bread crumbs (panko works wonders for extra crunch!), Italian seasoning, ground pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Mix them thoroughly until well combined.
4. Dip each chicken strip first into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat it completely with the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good, even coating. Place the coated chicken strips on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch too much.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, golden brown, and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 C). The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken strips.

Notes

Recipe source: ChocolateChocolateandmore.com

For an extra boost of flavor, you can marinate the chicken strips for 30 minutes in a little milk or buttermilk before breading. This helps tenderize the chicken and ensures a juicier result. Don’t forget to serve these crispy chicken strips with a side of that incredible Velveeta Shells & Cheese!

Did you make this recipe?

We’d love to see your creations! Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram using #CheesyShells and tag us!

And just look at that liquid gold! The rich, velvety cheese sauce from Velveeta Shells & Cheese is truly a sight to behold and an even greater delight to taste. It’s the kind of creamy texture that makes every forkful a pure moment of comfort.

More Cheesy Delights and Community Connections

Beyond this classic pairing, Velveeta offers a world of cheesy possibilities. From dips to casseroles, its signature creaminess elevates any dish. If you’re looking for more cheesy ideas and inspiration, be sure to connect with Velveeta on their website and find them on Facebook to stay updated on their latest recipes and product news.

This recipe for Breaded and Baked Chicken Strips with Velveeta Shells & Cheese is more than just a meal; it’s a moment of simple joy, a nod to nostalgia, and a testament to how quick, comforting, and utterly delicious family dinners can be. I’m always thrilled to share these kinds of recipes that make life a little easier and a lot tastier. You can also find me sharing at some of these great link parties where I connect with other food enthusiasts and discover new culinary inspirations.

So next time you’re pondering what to make for dinner, remember this winning combination. It’s a meal that brings smiles, satisfies hunger, and creates warm memories around the family table, proving that sometimes, the simplest meals are the most cherished.