Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

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If you’re craving a meal that perfectly balances crispy, spicy, sweet, and cheesy, then you simply must try these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese. This dish is a comforting marriage of tender, juicy chicken coated in a crunchy crust and drizzled with a smoky hot honey glaze, paired with creamy, cheesy macaroni baked to golden perfection. It’s a soul-satisfying dinner that feels both indulgent and wholesome all at once, guaranteed to become a fast favorite for family dinners or weekend feasts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on straightforward ingredients that come together to create an explosion of flavor and texture. Each component is carefully chosen to build layers of taste, from the spicy-hot honey glaze on the chicken to the rich, creamy cheese sauce enveloping tender macaroni.

• Chicken tenders: These are the star protein, naturally tender and perfect for soaking up the marinade and coating.
• Buttermilk: Essential for marinating, it tenderizes the chicken while adding a subtle tang.
• All-purpose flour: Creates the crispy crust on the chicken and forms the roux for the cheese sauce.
• Paprika and garlic powder: Boost the flavor profile of the chicken breading with smoky and savory notes.
• Honey and hot sauce: Combined to make the irresistible hot honey glaze that balances heat with sweetness.
• Butter: Adds richness to both the glaze and the cheese sauce for decadent creaminess.
• Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta choice for baked mac and cheese, providing perfect bite-sized morsels.
• Cheddar and mozzarella cheese: A melty, cheesy duo that makes the sauce luscious and gooey.
• Milk: Creates the creamy base for the cheese sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
• Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder: Essential seasonings that bring everything together harmoniously.
• Oil for frying: Needed to achieve crisp and golden-brown chicken tenders with a satisfying crunch.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Tenders

Start by soaking your chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This simple step is a game-changer because it tenderizes the meat and adds a subtle tang that boosts flavor. For the best results, marinate overnight, letting the buttermilk work its magic deeply.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While the chicken marinates, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. This seasoned flour is what gives your tenders their crave-worthy crunchy crust packed with flavor. When you’re ready, dredge each tender in the flour mix, shaking off any excess so the coating is even but not clumpy.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat oil to 350°F in a deep skillet or fryer and carefully place the coated tenders in the hot oil. Fry them until golden and crisp, usually around 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and lay the tenders on paper towels to drain any excess oil—they should be perfectly crunchy yet tender on the inside.

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, and melted butter until smooth and glossy. While the tenders are still warm, brush this luscious glaze over them generously. The glaze adds that addictive layer of spicy-sweet flavor that makes these chicken tenders truly unforgettable.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

Preheat your oven to 375°F as you start the mac and cheese. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a smooth roux. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens into a creamy base. Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted, then season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This rich sauce is the heart of your baked mac and cheese.

Step 6: Combine Macaroni and Cheese, Then Bake

Toss the cooked elbow macaroni in the warm cheese sauce, making sure each piece is coated in cheesy goodness. Transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust, and bake for about 20 minutes. When it comes out, bubbly and golden, you’ve created a perfect cheesy side to pair with your hot honey chicken tenders.

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

Garnishes

Don’t forget to add a finishing touch! Freshly chopped parsley or chives sprinkled over the mac and cheese adds a vibrant green pop, balancing richness with freshness. A light drizzle of extra hot honey glaze over the chicken can amplify that glorious spicy-sweet flavor and make your presentation even more inviting.

Side Dishes

While the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with something crisp and refreshing elevates the experience. Consider serving a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or even simple garlic sautéed greens to add variety and brighten the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic family-style vibe, serve the mac and cheese right from the baking dish alongside a platter of hot honey chicken tenders. For a more playful presentation, arrange tenders on skewers and drizzle with extra hot honey as finger food, perfect for parties or casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, wrap any leftover Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese tightly and store promptly in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay moist and flavors will meld even better after a day. The mac and cheese retains that creamy texture if cooled and stored properly.

Freezing

Both components freeze well if stored separately. Freeze leftover tenders in an airtight package to keep their crunch as much as possible. The mac and cheese should be cooled completely before freezing in a sealable container. This way, you can enjoy a quick and comforting meal any time with minimal prep.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken tenders in a hot oven or air fryer to bring back their crispness. Microwave can work but may soften the crust. The baked mac and cheese reheats beautifully covered in the oven or microwave—stir midway if microwaving to reansure even heating and creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking is a great alternative for a lighter version. Coat the tenders as usual and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through. They won’t be quite as crisp as fried, but the hot honey glaze will still shine.

What kind of hot sauce works best for the glaze?

Feel free to use your favorite hot sauce, but classic options like Frank’s RedHot or Texas Pete work wonderfully because they have a balanced heat and flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey without overpowering it.

Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Marinate the chicken tenders up to a day ahead for deeper flavor. You can also prepare the cheese sauce and macaroni earlier, assemble, and then bake right before serving. The glaze should be brushed on hot chicken right before serving for best results.

Is there a way to make the mac and cheese gluten-free?

Certainly! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for the roux and ensure your pasta is gluten-free. This swap doesn’t alter the creamy, cheesy texture but makes the dish friendly for gluten-sensitive eaters.

How spicy is the hot honey glaze?

The glaze has a gentle kick that balances perfectly with the sweetness of honey. If you want it milder, reduce the hot sauce slightly; for a more intense heat, add more or even a pinch of cayenne. It’s super customizable to your taste buds!

Final Thoughts

I truly can’t recommend these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese enough. It’s one of those recipes that bring comfort and delight in every bite while being easy enough for a weeknight meal. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen and home.

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