Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

Experience the ultimate comfort food combo with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese — crispy fried chicken tenders glazed in sweet and spicy hot honey, paired with creamy, cheesy oven-baked macaroni. This dish is perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or any occasion where you crave hearty flavors that please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Flavorful: The chicken tenders are perfectly fried to golden brown perfection and coated in a deliciously sweet and spicy hot honey glaze.
• Creamy Comfort: The baked mac and cheese is rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, making it a beloved classic.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Dish: Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this meal fits right into any casual gathering or family dinner.
• Kid-Approved: Kids love the crunchy chicken tenders and cheesy pasta combo—making it a hit for picky eaters!

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the essential tools you’ll need for this recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking dish
• Cooking thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep frying pan or Dutch oven: Essential for frying chicken tenders evenly while maintaining the right oil temperature for crispy results.
• Mixing bowls: Used to marinate the chicken and mix dry ingredients, ensuring everything is well combined before cooking.
• Whisk: Perfect for creating a smooth cheese sauce by blending milk and flour without lumps.
• Baking dish: A sturdy vessel that holds your mac and cheese while it bakes to golden perfection.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken 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
• 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

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Marinate your chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This will help tenderize the meat and enhance its flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Mixture

In a bowl, mix together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Paprika
3. Garlic powder
4. Salt
5. Black pepper

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Dredge each marinated tender in the flour mixture until fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken Tenders

Heat oil in your deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the tenders until they are golden brown and cooked through—about 4-5 minutes per side. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

In a small bowl, combine:
1. Honey
2. Hot sauce
3. Melted butter

Brush this hot honey glaze generously over the fried tenders while they are still hot.

Step 6: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) as you prepare your mac and cheese.

Step 7: Create the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly until thickened.

Step 8: Add Cheeses

Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until completely melted.

Step 9: Combine with Macaroni

Toss cooked elbow macaroni in your cheese sauce until fully coated. Transfer this mixture into a greased baking dish.

Step 10: Bake

Top with extra shredded cheese if desired. Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly on top.

Enjoy your homemade Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese, perfect for any occasion!

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

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese make a delightful meal that’s perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Here are some creative ways to serve this comforting dish.

Plate it Up

• Arrange the chicken tenders and mac and cheese on a large platter for sharing at family meals.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor.

Dipping Sauces

• Serve with a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, blue cheese dressing, or an extra side of hot honey for those who love a spicy kick.

Accompanying Drinks

• Pair with refreshing lemonade or iced tea to complement the sweet and spicy flavors of the dish.

Side Salads

• Add a light side salad of mixed greens or coleslaw to balance the richness of the mac and cheese.

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

Achieving the perfect Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Marinate Longer: For juicier chicken tenders, marinate them in buttermilk for several hours or overnight. This enhances flavor and tenderness.

• Maintain Oil Temperature: Ensure that your oil stays at 350°F (175°C) while frying. This prevents greasy chicken and ensures a crispy coating.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded varieties. Opt for block cheese for maximum creaminess.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of hot sauce in your glaze based on your heat preference. A little goes a long way!

• Even Baking: When baking the mac and cheese, cover it with foil initially to allow it to heat through without burning, then uncover it towards the end for a golden top.

• Let It Rest: Allow the fried chicken tenders to rest briefly after frying; this helps retain moisture before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

Pairing sides with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders can enhance your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options.

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw adds freshness that complements the rich flavors of the main dish.
2. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is a classic side that brings sweetness to balance out the savory elements.
3. Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans with almonds provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with creamy mac and cheese.
4. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra cheese sauce from your plate.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients while enhancing overall taste.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs serve as an excellent hearty side that pairs well with fried chicken.
7. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers brightness and sweetness, balancing out the meal’s spiciness.
8. Biscuit Bites: Fluffy biscuit bites can be served warm alongside, providing another comforting element to your dinner spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese, avoiding common pitfalls can make a big difference in your results. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken tenders can lead to dry meat. Ensure you let them soak in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes for juicy, flavorful chicken.

• Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many tenders at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in batches to maintain the right temperature and achieve that crispy texture.

• Neglecting to Preheat the Oven: If you forget to preheat your oven before baking the mac and cheese, it may not cook evenly. Always preheat to 375°F (190°C) ahead of time for best results.

• Not Using Enough Cheese: Underestimating how much cheese to add can lead to a bland mac and cheese. Be generous with both cheddar and mozzarella for a rich, creamy dish.

• Using Cold Milk: Adding cold milk straight from the fridge when making your cheese sauce can cause lumps. Warm it slightly before adding to ensure a smooth consistency.

• Rushing the Cheese Sauce: Trying to rush through making the roux or adding cheese too quickly can result in clumpy sauce. Take your time for a silky texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place on a baking sheet and cover with foil; heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: For tenders, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil until crispy again; mac and cheese can be heated in a pan over low heat with a splash of milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese:

How do I make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders spicy?

You can adjust the spiciness of your hot honey glaze by increasing the amount of hot sauce used or by adding crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Can I use gluten-free flour for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for dredging your chicken tenders while still achieving great results.

What side dishes pair well with Baked Mac and Cheese?

Baked mac and cheese complements various sides like steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or even a fresh salad for balance.

Can I prepare Hot Honey Chicken Tenders ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken tenders up to overnight in advance. Just fry them fresh before serving for maximum crispiness.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese is a delightful comfort food combination that’s sure to please everyone at your table. This recipe is versatile—you can customize it by adding different spices or cheeses as you prefer. Enjoy this hearty meal any night of the week!