Name: Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Southern American
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 (canola or vegetable oil recommended); 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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If you’re craving a meal that brings together irresistible crispy chicken with a sweet and fiery twist, plus a rich, silky side that comforts every bite, then you have to try these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese. This dynamic duo delivers crunchy, tender chicken tenders dipped in a luscious hot honey glaze alongside decadently cheesy macaroni that’s baked to bubbly perfection. Every forkful is packed with layers of flavor and texture, making it an all-time favorite for family dinners, casual gatherings, or anytime you want to indulge in some seriously delicious comfort food.

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Putting together Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese is honestly a joy because the ingredients are straightforward yet each one plays an essential role. From the buttermilk that tenderizes the chicken to the blend of cheeses that create that perfect creamy sauce, every element contributes to a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and vibrant color.

Chicken tenders: The perfect protein base, tender and ideal for soaking up the marinade and crispy coating.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tang while tenderizing the chicken for a juicy bite.
All-purpose flour: Essential for the crunchy coating and the creamy roux in the mac and cheese.
Paprika: Brings a mild smoky warmth that deepens the flavor of the chicken crust.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to both the chicken breading and cheese sauce.
Salt and black pepper: Fundamental seasonings that elevate every part of the dish.
Oil for frying: Choose a neutral option like canola or vegetable oil for a crisp, golden finish.
Honey: The golden sweetness that balances the heat in the hot honey glaze.
Hot sauce: Packs the signature spicy kick that makes the glaze unforgettable.
Butter: Used melted in the glaze and melted with flour for a rich roux in the mac and cheese.
Elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds the cheesy sauce beautifully.
Milk: The creamy base for the velvety cheese sauce.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp and flavorful, the backbone of the mac and cheese’s cheesy goodness.
Mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey, stretchy texture for delicious melty appeal.

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

Step 1: Marinate and Prep the Chicken

Start by marinating those chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This step is vital because the acidity tenderizes the chicken and ensures the coating sticks beautifully, creating that crave-worthy crunch when fried.

Step 2: Make the Flavorful Coating

In a bowl, combine flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture not only creates a crispy crust, but also infuses every bite with a subtle warmth and savory punch that complements the honey glaze perfectly.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

After dredging each tender in the seasoned flour, fry them in hot oil heated to 350°F until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Draining them on paper towels helps keep that crunch extra crisp while you prepare the glaze.

Step 4: Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze

Mix honey, hot sauce, and melted butter into a luscious glaze. Brushing this over the warm tenders turns them into sticky, spicy-sweet bites that are downright addictive. This glaze is the heartbeat of the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese experience.

Step 5: Make the Roux and Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour to create a smooth roux. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Then stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella, plus seasonings, until you have a velvety, deeply flavorful cheese sauce ready to embrace your noodles.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake the Mac and Cheese

Toss the cooked elbow macaroni in the cheese sauce, transfer it to a greased baking dish, and top with extra cheese for that golden bubbly finish. Bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes until it’s foamy and beautifully browned on top.

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

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a bright pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the richness beautifully. Feel free to drizzle a little extra honey or a dash of hot sauce over the tenders for added flair and heat.

Side Dishes

This dish shines as a standalone feast but can be complemented wonderfully by a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables for a bit of earthiness that cuts through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful touch, serve the tenders on a wooden board alongside the mac in mini cast-iron skillets or colorful ramekins. This presentation feels casual yet special, perfect for sharing with friends or family and encouraging everyone to dig right in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Hot Honey Chicken Tenders and Baked Mac and Cheese separately in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. This keeps the chicken crispy and the mac creamy, so every bite stays fresh and delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze both components separately. Wrap the tenders well to protect the crisp texture, and freeze the mac and cheese in a freezer-safe dish. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat the tenders in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Warm the mac and cheese gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk if necessary to refresh the creamy sauce and prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

How should I store leftover Hot Honey Chicken Tenders and Mac and Cheese?

Keep the chicken tenders and mac and cheese separate in airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to three days to maintain texture and flavor.

Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking them at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, will give you a nicely browned, crispy result without the frying.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken tenders for this recipe?

Yes, just crisp them up by frying or baking and then brush on the hot honey glaze for that signature sticky, spicy-sweet finish.

What type of hot sauce works best in the glaze?

A classic cayenne-based hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot offers the perfect balance of heat and flavor, but feel free to use whichever hot sauce you love most.

Is it possible to make the mac and cheese ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the mac and cheese a day in advance and bake it just before serving to save time without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese is one of those magical dishes that feels special yet is simple enough to make any night of the week. The blend of crispy, spicy-sweet chicken paired with creamy, cheesy pasta creates a harmony of flavors and textures that’s impossible not to love. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a staple in your home just like it has in mine. Your taste buds will thank you!

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Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 8 reviews

Experience the ultimate comfort food combination with crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders glazed in a sweet and spicy honey sauce, paired perfectly with creamy, cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese. This Southern-inspired meal offers a delightful balance of textures and bold flavors, ideal for a family dinner or weekend indulgence.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
Method: Frying and Baking
Cuisine: Southern American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale

For the Hot Honey 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 (canola or vegetable oil recommended)
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

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl with buttermilk and marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and enhance flavor.
Prepare the Flour Coating: In a separate bowl, mix all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoned flour mixture.
Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then coat them thoroughly in the flour mixture to ensure a crispy crust after frying.
Fry the Tenders: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken tenders in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Make the Hot Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, combine honey, hot sauce, and melted butter. Brush this glaze generously over the hot fried tenders to impart a sweet and spicy flavor.
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens smoothly.
Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Combine with Macaroni: Toss the cooked and drained elbow macaroni with the cheese sauce ensuring every piece is well coated.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the cheesy macaroni into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top, then bake for 20 minutes or until the surface is golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy.

Notes

Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the glaze to make the chicken tenders more or less spicy according to preference.
For extra crunch, add a breadcrumb topping to the mac and cheese before baking.
Store leftovers separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat chicken tenders in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Warm the mac and cheese in the oven or microwave; add a splash of milk if needed to refresh the sauce.
You can bake the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes instead of frying, flipping halfway through.
Substitute hot sauce with barbecue sauce for a milder flavor variation.
Use alternative pasta shapes like shells, cavatappi, or penne if preferred.
If buttermilk is unavailable, milk with a splash of lemon juice can be used as a substitute for marinating.
Neutral oils with high smoke points like canola or vegetable oil are best for frying.