A delicious aroma fills your kitchen as you bite into perfectly crispy hot honey chicken tenders, sweet and spicy with each mouthful. Paired with creamy baked mac and cheese, this dish takes about an hour from start to finish and is sure to impress your family and friends at any gathering. The combination of flavors and textures makes it irresistible, while the easy cooking technique ensures that anyone can achieve delicious results.
This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, game day feast, or any occasion where comfort food is a must. The chicken can be marinated a day in advance, and leftovers can be stored for later enjoyment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The chicken tenders are incredibly crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
- A delightful blend of sweet honey and spicy hot sauce elevates the flavor.
- Baked mac and cheese is indulgent, cheesy, and satisfying.
- The dish comes together in about an hour, perfect for busy nights.
What You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing dish:
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 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
Buttermilk can be substituted with milk mixed with vinegar.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Chicken tenders can be replaced with chicken breasts.
- Honey can be swapped for maple syrup.
- Any pasta shape can work instead of elbow macaroni.
- Cheddar and mozzarella can be interchanged with similar cheese types.
How to Make It
Here’s how to prepare this delicious meal:
Marinate
- Marinate chicken tenders. In a bowl, soak the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare Coating
- Mix flour mixture. In another bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Dredge
- Dredge the tenders. Take the marinated tenders and coat them thoroughly in the flour mixture.
Fry
- Fry the chicken. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry the tenders until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
Make Glaze
- Mix hot honey glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, and melted butter.
Brush
- Brush glaze on tenders. While the chicken is still hot, brush the hot honey glaze generously over each tender.
Preheat Oven
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese.
Make Cheese Sauce
- Make the roux. In a saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden.
Add Milk
- Whisk in milk. Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.
Melt Cheese
- Add cheeses. Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the cheese is fully melted.
Combine Macaroni
- Combine with macaroni. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well-coated, then transfer to a greased baking dish.
Bake
- Bake. Top with extra shredded cheese and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, the texture may change.
Reheat: Heat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure the oil is at the right temperature for crispy chicken.
- Don’t skip the marination step for tender chicken.
- Use a mix of cheeses for a richer flavor profile.
- Bake the mac and cheese uncovered for a crispier top.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair with a refreshing drink for a complete experience.
- Great for casual entertaining or family gatherings.
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