If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, creamy, and crunchy all at once, you’ve got to try these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese. This combo is comfort food elevated: juicy chicken tenders marinated in buttermilk for tenderness, then fried golden and coated in a sticky, spicy hot honey glaze that offers just the right kick. Paired with a rich, decadent baked mac and cheese that’s ooey-gooey and topped with a crispy golden crust, this meal feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a casual get-together, these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese deliver irresistible flavor and plenty of smiles around the table.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe is simple but essential, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and color that bring the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese to life. From the crispy coating on the chicken to the creamy, cheesy sauce in the macaroni, every component plays its part perfectly.

1 pound chicken tenders: The star protein, naturally tender and perfect for quick cooking.

1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and tang, helping to tenderize the chicken for juicy results.
1 cup all-purpose flour: For creating that crisp, golden coating on the tenders.

1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a warm smoky flavor and beautiful color to the dredging mix.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses both the chicken and cheese sauce with mild, savory depth.

1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors throughout the dish.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity in seasoning.
Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for frying to achieve crispiness.

1/4 cup honey: The key to that irresistible sweet glaze on the chicken.
2 tablespoons hot sauce: Brings the spicy punch that makes the hot honey glaze stand out.
1 tablespoon butter, melted: Adds richness and helps marry the honey and hot sauce into a smooth glaze.

2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained: The comforting pasta base for the baked mac and cheese.
2 tablespoons butter: Used to start the creamy cheese sauce’s roux.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce for perfect coating.

2 cups milk: Creates the creamy base of the cheese sauce.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp, flavorful, and melty cheese for richness.
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Helps achieve that stretchy, gooey cheese pull everyone loves.

1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the cheese sauce flavor.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat to the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Complements the cheesy flavors with savory notes.

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

Step 1: Marinate and Prepare the Chicken

Start by marinating your chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This makes the chicken extra tender and juicy while adding a subtle tang that balances the hot honey glaze later. Meanwhile, mix the dredging flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to infuse every bite with flavor.

Step 2: Dredge and Fry the Chicken

Once marinated, coat each tender thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C), then fry the tenders until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Proper frying ensures a crisp exterior while locking in all that juicy goodness inside. Drain on paper towels to keep the coating crunchy and not greasy.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

While the tenders are still hot, mix together the honey, hot sauce, and melted butter. Brush this sticky, spicy, and sweet glaze generously over the chicken for that signature flavor punch. The warm glaze clings beautifully to the crispy tenders, turning them into irresistible hot honey chicken.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour to create a smooth roux, which will thicken your sauce perfectly. Slowly add milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Once thickened, stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until the sauce is ultra cheesy and smooth.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Mac and Cheese

Toss the cooked macaroni into your luscious cheese sauce until every piece is coated in creamy goodness. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, top with a little extra shredded cheese for that golden crust, and bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and invitingly golden on top.

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

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can really elevate this dish. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top of the mac and cheese for a pop of color and freshness. A little drizzle of extra hot honey over the chicken tenders right before serving adds an enticing glossy finish and an extra touch of heat sweet harmony.

Side Dishes

Although the tenders and mac and cheese are filling on their own, adding a crisp green salad or some steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans can balance the richness nicely. The light, refreshing qualities of greens make this indulgent meal feel well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests, serve the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese family-style on a large platter with a selection of dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese. You could also turn the chicken tenders into sliders using soft buns and a few pickles for a fun finger-food twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken tenders and baked mac and cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the components separate helps preserve the chicken’s crispiness and the creamy texture of the mac and cheese.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked mac and cheese for up to 2 months. Cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container. The chicken tenders don’t freeze as well with the glaze, so it’s best to freeze those plain and add the hot honey glaze after reheating.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, warm the mac and cheese in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly. Reheat chicken tenders in the oven on a wire rack to maintain crispiness. After warming, reapply the hot honey glaze for that freshly glazed taste.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes! You can slice chicken breasts into strips to mimic tenders, but be sure to cook them fully and keep an eye on the frying time since breast meat can dry out faster.

How spicy is the hot honey glaze?

The glaze has a moderate heat level that balances the honey’s sweetness, but you can adjust the amount of hot sauce to make it milder or spicier to suit your taste.

Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking is a healthier alternative. Coat the tenders as usual and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.

What cheeses work best in the mac and cheese?

Cheddar provides the sharpness and flavor backbone, while mozzarella adds gooey stretch. For more complexity, feel free to try a blend with Colby or Gruyere.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes, many kids love chicken tenders and mac and cheese. You can reduce or omit the hot sauce to make the glaze milder, or serve it on the side so they can control the heat level themselves.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, you have to make these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese as soon as possible. The way the spicy-sweet chicken pairs with creamy, cheesy pasta is downright addictive and guaranteed to win over any crowd. It’s comfort food with a fun twist, perfect for sharing and enjoying together. So go ahead, dive into this crowd-pleasing classic, and watch it become your new favorite go-to meal!