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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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★★★★★

5.1 from 25 reviews

Crispy, golden fried chicken tenders glazed with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, paired perfectly with creamy, cheesy baked macaroni and cheese. This recipe offers a deliciously comforting meal with a delightful balance of flavors and textures that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Tenders and Marinade

  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Chicken Coating

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Oil, for frying

Hot Honey Glaze

  • 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: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
  2. Prepare Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to mix all the dry seasonings evenly.
  3. Dredge Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture until fully coated.
  4. Fry Chicken: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken tenders in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 4-6 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
  5. Make Hot Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together honey, hot sauce, and melted butter until combined. Brush this glaze generously over the hot fried chicken tenders to coat them with a spicy-sweet finish.
  6. Preheat Oven: Set your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) in preparation for the mac and cheese bake.
  7. Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux and cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly to avoid browning.
  8. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously, cooking until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  9. Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Reduce heat to low, then stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until all the cheese melts and the sauce is silky smooth.
  10. Combine with Pasta: Toss the cooked and drained elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated.
  11. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with extra shredded cheese for a golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Notes

  • For extra crispy tenders, double dredge by repeating the flour coating step.
  • You can adjust the amount of hot sauce in the glaze to control spiciness.
  • Use whole milk for a richer mac and cheese or substitute with low-fat milk for a lighter version.
  • Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving for better texture.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat in the oven for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot honey chicken tenders, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, fried chicken, cheesy pasta, spicy honey chicken, easy dinner recipe

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