Name: Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons hot sauce; 1 tablespoon butter, melted; 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained; 2 tablespoons 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

Introduction

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders paired with creamy Baked Mac and Cheese make for a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. The spicy-sweet glaze adds a delicious kick to crispy chicken, while the rich mac and cheese offers a satisfying side to complete the plate.

The image shows a white plate with two main parts. On the left side, there is a creamy macaroni and cheese with a light yellow-orange sauce covering small pasta pieces, topped with a sprinkle of green herbs. On the right side, there are several golden-brown crispy chicken tenders stacked slightly over each other, showing a crunchy texture with some sesame seeds sprinkled on top. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons hot sauce

1 tablespoon butter, melted

2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained

2 tablespoons 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

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to ensure they stay tender and flavorful.

Step 2: In a bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Coat each marinated tender evenly in the flour mixture.

Step 3: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated tenders until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-6 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 4: Mix honey, hot sauce, and melted butter in a small bowl. Brush this hot honey glaze generously over the fried chicken tenders while they are still warm.

Step 5: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes without browning.

Step 6: Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, mozzarella, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.

Step 8: Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce, then transfer it to a greased baking dish. Top with extra shredded cheese if desired.

Step 9: Bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Serve warm alongside the hot honey chicken tenders.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispy chicken, double dredge by dipping the tenders back into the buttermilk and flour mixture before frying.

Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of hot sauce in the glaze or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.

Use a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a richer mac and cheese flavor.

Leftover glaze can be drizzled over roasted vegetables or used as a dipping sauce for wings.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through. Baking makes it a healthier option but may result in less crispiness compared to frying.

What type of hot sauce works best for the glaze?

A classic cayenne-based hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot works perfectly, offering balanced heat and flavor. You can substitute with your favorite hot sauce depending on your heat preference.