Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you are looking for a meal that perfectly balances comfort food with a little kick of excitement, then these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese are exactly what you need. This dish offers crispy, golden chicken tenders coated in a luscious hot honey glaze that’s sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive. Paired with creamy, cheesy baked macaroni, this combination is a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Once you try this crowd favorite, it will surely become a go-to dinner for cozy nights or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese starts with simple, accessible ingredients that bring vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. Each one plays a vital role, from tenderizing the chicken to creating that perfect creamy cheese sauce that holds everything together.

• Chicken tenders: The star protein that cooks quickly and stays tender when marinated.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tenderizes the chicken for juicy bites.
• All-purpose flour: Perfect for dredging and creating that crisp outer coating on the tenders.
• Paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth to the breading mix.
• Garlic powder: Adds savory depth to both the chicken and cheese sauce.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every component.
• Honey: Provides the key sweetness to the hot honey glaze.
• Hot sauce: Delivers that fiery punch to make the sauce exciting and memorable.
• Butter: Used in both the glaze and the roux for richness and silky smooth texture.
• Elbow macaroni: The classic shape to hold the creamy cheese sauce inside and out.
• Milk: Creates the creamy base of the mac and cheese sauce once thickened with flour and butter.
• Cheddar and mozzarella cheese: The dynamic duo that melts beautifully for ultimate cheesiness and stretch.

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

Step 1: Marinate and Prep the Chicken Tenders

To kick things off, soak your chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This simple step ensures your tenders are juicy and tender inside every bite. Meanwhile, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful coating.

Step 2: Dredge and Fry the Tenders

Next, coat each chicken tender generously in the seasoned flour mixture. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry them until golden and cooked through. The frying gives you that wonderful crunch outside while locking the tenderness inside. Drain on paper towels so they stay crispy without excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

While the tenders are still warm, whisk together honey, hot sauce, and melted butter for the glaze. Brush this sticky, spicy-sweet mixture all over the chicken, letting it soak into every crispy nook. This glaze is what gives the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders their unforgettable flavor boost.

Step 4: Prepare the Baked Mac and Cheese

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and start on the cheese sauce by making a classic roux with butter and flour. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened. Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, stirring until you have a creamy, cheesy sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Bake the Macaroni

Toss cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is coated in cheesy goodness. Transfer this mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and lightly golden. This baked mac and cheese perfectly complements the hot honey tenders with its rich, melty texture.

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

Garnishes

Elevate your presentation by adding a few fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor contrast. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes if you want an extra layer of heat along with the hot honey glaze.

Side Dishes

This dish is a full meal but feel free to add some fresh elements like a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Crisp celery sticks or carrot sticks also make great crunchy, fresh companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the hot honey chicken tenders on skewers alongside mini ramekins of extra honey glaze for dipping. Or plate the baked mac and cheese in individual cups and top each with a single tender for a charming party bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The tenders and mac and cheese keep well for about 3 to 4 days, making great next-day meals.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked mac and cheese separately for up to 2 months. For the chicken tenders, freezing is best done before glazing to maintain crispiness when reheated.

Reheating

Warm the mac and cheese in the oven or microwave until bubbly again. For crispy tenders, reheat them in a hot oven or air fryer to bring back their delightful crunch without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I make the hot honey glaze less spicy?

Absolutely! The hot sauce amount in the glaze can be adjusted to your heat preference. Simply reduce the quantity or use a milder sauce to tone down the spice.

What type of cheese works best in the mac and cheese?

Cheddar and mozzarella offer a perfect balance of sharpness and creaminess, but you can experiment with other melting cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack for different flavors.

Is frying the only way to cook the chicken tenders?

While frying gives the crispiest texture, you can also bake the coated tenders in the oven for a lighter version. Just spray them with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) until golden.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, but the buttermilk not only tenderizes but also adds a slight tang that enhances flavor. If using regular milk, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s effect.

How do I prevent the mac and cheese from drying out when baking?

Make sure the cheese sauce is nice and creamy before baking, and don’t over-bake. Covering the dish with foil for part of the baking time can help retain moisture.

Final Thoughts

If you have not yet tried Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese, you are truly in for a treat. This dish combines the nostalgic comfort of mac and cheese with a spicy, sweet twist on crispy chicken—an unbeatable pairing that’s satisfying and full of personality. Whether it’s for weeknight dinners or entertaining friends, this recipe is sure to make your meal plans a little more exciting. Grab your ingredients and get cooking—you won’t regret it!

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