Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

Experience the ultimate comfort food combo with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese. This dish features crispy fried chicken tenders coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze, perfectly paired with creamy, cheesy baked macaroni. It’s an ideal meal for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion that calls for hearty comfort food. The combination of flavors will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Flavorful: The chicken tenders are fried to perfection and glazed with a delightful hot honey sauce, delivering a crispy texture and bold flavor.
• Creamy Comfort: The baked mac and cheese is rich and cheesy, making it the perfect side dish that complements the tenders beautifully.
• Easy to Prepare: Despite its gourmet appeal, this recipe is straightforward to make and suitable for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Great for Sharing: With generous servings, it’s a fantastic choice for family meals or gathering friends around the dinner table.
• Versatile Dish: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish fits right in and satisfies all cravings.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking dish
• Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Frying pan: Essential for achieving crispy chicken tenders while allowing even heat distribution.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for marinating chicken and mixing dry ingredients without creating a mess.
• Whisk: Perfect for combining ingredients smoothly when making the cheese sauce.
• Baking dish: Ideal for baking macaroni and cheese to golden perfection.

Ingredients

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

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This helps tenderize the meat while adding moisture.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a bowl, mix together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Paprika
3. Garlic powder
4. Salt
5. Black pepper

Dredge each marinated tender in this flour mixture until evenly coated.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken Tenders

Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
– Carefully place chicken tenders in the hot oil.
– Fry until golden brown and cooked through.
– Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

In a small bowl, combine:
– Honey
– Hot sauce
– Melted butter

Brush this glaze generously over the fried tenders while they’re still hot.

Step 5: Preheat Oven for Mac and Cheese

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 6: Prepare Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan:
1. Melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour to create a roux.
3. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly until thickened.

Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until melted.

Step 7: Combine Macaroni with Cheese Sauce

Toss cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.

Step 8: Bake

Transfer macaroni into a greased baking dish.
– Top with extra shredded cheese.
– Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese!

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

Serving Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese is a delightful experience that can be customized to suit your taste. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate this comfort food dish.

On a Platter

• Arrange the chicken tenders on a large platter surrounded by baked mac and cheese for an inviting presentation. This makes it easy for guests to serve themselves.

With a Side Salad

• A fresh side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the tenders and mac and cheese, adding a refreshing crunch.

Drizzled with Extra Hot Honey

• For those who enjoy extra heat, serve the chicken tenders drizzled with more hot honey. This intensifies the sweet and spicy flavor profile.

Accompanied by Pickles

• Serve with dill pickles or pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the meal.

As Sliders

• Create sliders by placing chicken tenders in mini buns along with a dollop of mac and cheese. This fun finger food option is perfect for gatherings.

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

Perfecting this dish can take your culinary skills up a notch. Here are some tips to ensure your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese turn out amazing every time.

• Marinate Longer: Letting the chicken sit in buttermilk longer (up to 2 hours) enhances tenderness and flavor.
• Double-Dip for Crispiness: For an extra crispy coating, dip the tenders in flour twice — once after marinating and again just before frying.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) while frying. This ensures even cooking and prevents greasy chicken.
• Cheese Blend: Mix different types of cheese like gouda or pepper jack into your mac and cheese for added flavor complexity.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest on paper towels after frying. This helps keep them crispy by allowing excess oil to drain off.
• Garnish Creatively: Top your mac and cheese with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for color and freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

Pairing side dishes with your main meal enhances its overall appeal. Here are some great side options that work well alongside Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese.

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and texture, balancing the rich flavors of the main dish.
2. Cornbread: Serve warm cornbread as a sweet complement; it’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted seasonal vegetables add nutrition and vibrant color to your plate.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a delicious contrast in flavor while still keeping it casual.
5. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread offers another layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with cheesy mac.
6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob adds sweetness; simply season it with butter and herbs for extra taste.
7. Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad can be served cold, offering a cool counterpoint to hot dishes.
8. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made from seasonal fruits cleanses the palate between bites of rich food.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish.

• Over-marinating the chicken: Marinating for too long can make chicken tenders mushy. Stick to 30 minutes for the best texture.
• Skipping the flour mixture: Not dredging the chicken in flour can lead to less crispy tenders. Ensure you coat them thoroughly for that perfect crunch.
• Not preheating the oil: Frying in oil that isn’t hot enough will result in greasy chicken. Use a thermometer to check that it reaches 350°F (175°C) before frying.
• Neglecting to taste the cheese sauce: Forgetting to season your cheese sauce can lead to bland mac and cheese. Always taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or garlic powder.
• Not letting the mac and cheese rest before serving: Diving right in can make it too saucy. Let it sit for a few minutes after baking for the best texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

• Allow both components to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring as much air is removed as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between, until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat, adding a splash of milk to the mac and cheese if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free pasta for the macaroni.

Can I use different types of cheese in my baked mac and cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like gouda, pepper jack, or even vegan cheese alternatives for a unique flavor.

What is the best way to serve Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese?

Serve them hot together on a plate, drizzling extra hot honey on top. Pair with fresh veggies or a salad for balance.

How do I ensure my chicken tenders are crispy?

Make sure your oil is at the right temperature before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan. This helps maintain crispiness.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese bring comfort food to new heights. With their crispy texture and sweet-spicy glaze paired with creamy mac and cheese, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite spices or using different cheeses!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders paired with creamy Baked Mac and Cheese. This dish features succulent chicken tenders coated in a crispy batter and drizzled with a sweet-spicy hot honey glaze, perfectly balanced by the richness of cheesy baked macaroni. Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, this satisfying meal is sure to delight everyone at the table and leave them asking for more. Enjoy the combination of flavors that brings warmth and happiness in every bite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
2. Combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl; dredge marinated chicken in this mixture.
3. Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C) and fry chicken until golden brown; drain on paper towels.
4. Mix honey, hot sauce, and melted butter; brush over fried chicken.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour; gradually add milk and cheese until smooth.
6. Toss cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, transfer to a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake for about 20 minutes until bubbly.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying/Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tender (approximately 150g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 85mg