Description
A delicious meal featuring crispy fried chicken tenders glazed with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, paired perfectly with creamy, cheesy baked macaroni and cheese. This comforting recipe combines crunchy textures and rich flavors ideal for a satisfying family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Baked Mac and Cheese
- 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
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for the coating.
- Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk and coat them thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even cover.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer 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.
- Make the Hot Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together honey, hot sauce, and melted butter. While the tenders are still hot, brush this glaze over them generously to add a sweet and spicy flavor.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Macaroni and Sauce: Toss the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is coated evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust.
- Bake Mac and Cheese: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly, and the cheese sauce is set.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes it and adds moisture.
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature to achieve a crispy coating without greasiness.
- You can adjust the level of spiciness in the hot honey glaze by varying the amount of hot sauce.
- For extra cheesy mac and cheese, add a mix of your favorite cheeses like gouda or parmesan.
- Make sure to cook the macaroni al dente before mixing with the cheese sauce, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: hot honey chicken tenders, baked mac and cheese, crispy fried chicken, cheesy macaroni, comfort food
