Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

Introduction

Get ready to elevate your dinner game with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders served alongside creamy Baked Mac and Cheese. This recipe combines juicy chicken tenders brushed with a spicy honey glaze and comforting, cheesy macaroni. It’s the ultimate comfort food that pleases both kids and adults alike. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this winning combo will have everyone going back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves chicken and cheese!
• Unbelievably Delicious: The spicy-sweet glaze adds a unique twist.
• Comforting & Satisfying: Perfect for cozy family meals.

This recipe stands out with its perfect balance of sweet and spicy from the hot honey glaze and the creamy texture of the baked mac and cheese. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or celebrating a special occasion, this dish will impress your guests and keep everyone satisfied.

Ingredients Needed

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Oil, for frying

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

For the Baked Mac and Cheese:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

1. Marinate: First, marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to ensure they are juicy and flavorful.
2. Prepare the Coating: In a bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This will be your coating for the chicken.
3. Dredge the Chicken: Take each marinated chicken tender and dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated.
4. Heat Oil: In a deep pan, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to get crispy tenders.
5. Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken tenders in the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Make the Hot Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, and melted butter. Brush this glaze generously over the fried tenders while they are still hot.
7. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for the baked mac and cheese.
8. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute. Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously until it thickens.
9. Add the Cheeses: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese along with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
10. Combine with Pasta: Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
11. Bake the Mac and Cheese: Top with extra shredded cheese and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Serve the hot honey chicken tenders on a plate drizzled with any extra glaze. Pair them with a hearty scoop of baked mac and cheese on the side. A sprinkle of chopped parsley can add a touch of color and freshness!

How to Store Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Once cooled, place the chicken tenders and mac and cheese in airtight containers. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them in individual portions. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Tips to Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

• Extra Crispy Tenders: Double-dip the chicken in buttermilk and flour for an even crispier texture.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to mix and match cheeses based on your preference.
• Adjust Spice Level: Modify the amount of hot sauce in the glaze to suit your heat tolerance.

Variation

• Add Veggies: Mix in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the baked mac and cheese for extra nutrients.
• Spicy Version: Use a spicier hot sauce or even add chili flakes to the glaze for an extra kick.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before marinating.

How do I make this gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta for the mac and cheese.

Is the hot honey glaze too spicy?

You can adjust the heat level by simply reducing the amount of hot sauce in the glaze or using a milder sauce.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese is a recipe that hits all the right notes—crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for any family dinner or gathering and sure to impress. If you try this recipe, leave a comment and a star rating. We’d love to hear your thoughts! What variations did you try? Share your experience with us and don’t forget to spread the love on social media!

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

Oumnia

Enjoy a delicious dinner with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders paired with creamy Baked Mac and Cheese. This dish features juicy chicken tenders with a spicy honey glaze and cheesy macaroni, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken Tenders

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk for marinating chicken
• 1 cup all-purpose flour for coating
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for frying

For the Hot Honey Glaze

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

For the Baked Mac and Cheese

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for cheese sauce
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for cheese sauce
• 2 cups milk for cheese sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese for cheese sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for cheese sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
• In a bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Dredge each marinated chicken tender in the flour mixture until well-coated.

Cooking Chicken Tenders

• Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
• Fry the chicken tenders in the hot oil until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

Making Hot Honey Glaze

• In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, and melted butter.
• Brush the glaze generously over the fried tenders while they are still hot.

Preparation for Baked Mac and Cheese

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux.
• Gradually add the milk while whisking until thickened.
• Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella along with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Baking Mac and Cheese

• Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce and transfer to a greased baking dish.
• Top with extra cheese and bake for 20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

Notes

Double-dip the chicken in buttermilk and flour for extra crispy tenders. You can mix different cheeses for the mac and cheese based on your preference.