Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

These hot honey chicken tenders are crispy, spicy, and perfectly sweetened with a sticky glaze. Paired with creamy baked mac and cheese, this dish makes a comforting and flavorful meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

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

1. Step 1: Marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Step 3: Dredge the marinated tenders in the seasoned flour mixture, coating them well.
4. Step 4: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the tenders until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
5. Step 5: Mix honey, hot sauce, and melted butter in a small bowl to make the hot honey glaze.
6. Step 6: While still hot, brush the glaze generously over the fried chicken tenders.
7. Step 7: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Step 8: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
9. Step 9: Gradually whisk in milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens.
10. Step 10: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until cheese melts smoothly.
11. Step 11: Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce and transfer to a greased baking dish.
12. Step 12: Top with extra shredded cheese and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy tenders, double-dip the chicken in buttermilk and flour mixture before frying.
• Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the glaze to suit your preferred spice level.
• Use a mix of cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack for a different flavor in the mac and cheese.
• To make it lighter, bake the chicken tenders instead of frying.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken tenders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep them crispy. The mac and cheese reheats well in the microwave or oven but may need extra milk to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can slice chicken breasts into strips and follow the same marinade and frying method. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on thickness.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour for dredging and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux in the mac and cheese sauce.

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.7 from 105 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and comforting meal featuring crispy fried chicken tenders glazed with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, paired perfectly with creamy baked macaroni and cheese topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Hot Honey 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

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
• Extra shredded cheese, for topping (optional)

---

Instructions

1. Marinate Chicken: Marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
2. Prepare Flour Mixture: In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper; this mixture will coat the chicken for a flavorful crust.
3. Dredge Chicken: Remove tenders from buttermilk and dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture until fully coated.
4. Fry Chicken: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry chicken tenders in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Make Hot Honey Glaze: Mix honey, hot sauce, and melted butter in a small bowl to prepare the spicy-sweet glaze.
6. Glaze Tenders: While the chicken is still hot, brush the hot honey glaze generously over each tender for a sticky, flavorful finish.
7. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the macaroni and cheese.
8. Make Roux: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour until smooth to form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes.
9. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
10. Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until all the cheese melts completely into the sauce.
11. Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Toss the cooked elbow macaroni in the cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is coated thoroughly.
12. Bake Mac and Cheese: Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, top with extra shredded cheese if desired, and bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbling.

Notes

• Buttermilk marinade is key for tender chicken but can be substituted with milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice if unavailable.
• Maintain oil temperature between batches to ensure even frying and avoid greasy chicken.
• The hot honey glaze can be adjusted by varying the amount of hot sauce to suit your spice tolerance.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results in the macaroni and cheese.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Hot honey chicken tenders, baked mac and cheese, fried chicken, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, spicy chicken, homemade macaroni and cheese