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Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 10 reviews

This comforting meal features crispy hot honey chicken tenders paired perfectly with creamy baked mac and cheese. The chicken tenders are marinated in buttermilk, dredged in seasoned flour, fried to golden perfection, then glazed with a spicy sweet hot honey sauce. Served alongside a rich, cheesy baked macaroni dish, it’s a deliciously satisfying combination ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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

  1. Marinate Chicken Tenders: Place the chicken tenders into a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.
  2. Prepare Breading Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings.
  3. Dredge Chicken Tenders: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk marinade and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides.
  4. Fry Chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the breaded chicken tenders in batches until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  5. Make Hot Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, and melted butter until well combined. Brush the glaze generously over the fried hot chicken tenders while they are still warm, allowing the coating to set.
  6. Preheat Oven for Mac and Cheese: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese.
  7. Make Cheese Sauce Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes without browning.
  8. Add Milk and Thicken Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce, about 5-7 minutes.
  9. Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Lower the heat and add cheddar and mozzarella cheeses along with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  10. Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked and drained elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat all the pasta evenly.
  11. Bake Mac and Cheese: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Optionally top with extra shredded cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize and add moisture.
  • Adjust the hot sauce amount in the honey glaze to suit your preferred spice level.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest mac and cheese.
  • Ensure oil is at the correct temperature before frying to achieve crispy chicken.
  • This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings.
  • Leftover mac and cheese reheats well in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot honey chicken tenders, baked mac and cheese, crispy chicken, comfort food, spicy honey chicken, creamy mac and cheese

Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/hot-honey-chicken-tenders-with-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/