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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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★★★★★

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.

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

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl with buttermilk and marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and enhance flavor.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese.
  7. 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.
  8. Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
  9. Combine with Macaroni: Toss the cooked and drained elbow macaroni with the cheese sauce ensuring every piece is well coated.
  10. 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.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, Baked Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Southern Cuisine, Fried Chicken, Cheesy Macaroni, Spicy Honey Glaze

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