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, or any occasion when you crave something hearty and satisfying. The standout combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd favorite that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The crispy chicken tenders combined with the sweet and spicy hot honey glaze create an irresistible flavor profile.
• Comfort Food Classic: Baked mac and cheese brings back nostalgic memories of home-cooked meals, making this dish a comforting choice.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect even for novice cooks.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main course for dinner or as a fun party dish; it suits various occasions beautifully.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether it’s kids or adults at the table, everyone loves this Southern-inspired meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese, you’ll need some essential tools to help streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep frying pan: Ensures even cooking of chicken tenders to achieve that golden crispiness.
• Mixing bowls: Allow you to combine ingredients easily without mess.
• Saucepan: Perfect for making the creamy cheese sauce for the mac and cheese.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate ingredients smoothly when making sauces.

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 Tenders

Marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to ensure they are tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will give your chicken a tasty crust.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Dredge each marinated tender in the flour mixture until evenly coated.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken Tenders

Heat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the tenders until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Make Hot Honey Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together honey, hot sauce, and melted butter. Brush this glaze generously over the fried tenders while they are still hot for maximum flavor.

Step 6: Preheat Oven for Mac and Cheese

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

Step 7: Create Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly until thickened. Stir in cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until melted.

Step 8: Combine Pasta with Cheese Sauce

Toss your cooked macaroni in this creamy cheese sauce until well coated. Transfer everything to a greased baking dish.

Step 9: Bake

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

Enjoy your delicious Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese!

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

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese is a delightful meal that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your comfort food feast.

Casual Family Dinner

• Serve the chicken tenders and mac and cheese on individual plates for a warm family meal.
• Add a side of steamed broccoli for a pop of color and nutrition.

Game Day Snack Platter

• Arrange the chicken tenders on a large platter surrounded by baked mac and cheese.
• Include small bowls of extra hot honey sauce for dipping.

Picnic Style

• Pack the hot honey chicken tenders and mac and cheese in portable containers.
• Pair with fresh fruit like watermelon or grapes for a refreshing touch.

Kid-Friendly Meal

• Cut the chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
• Serve with a side of carrot sticks or cucumber slices for added crunch.

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

To achieve the best results with your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese, keep these tips in mind. They will help you create crispy, flavorful chicken and creamy, cheesy pasta every time.

• Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken tenders to marinate in buttermilk for longer than 30 minutes enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices yield better flavor. Consider using freshly ground black pepper or paprika for an extra kick.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: Ensuring the oil is at the right temperature (350°F/175°C) prevents greasy chicken. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying too many tenders at once can lower oil temperature. Fry in batches for optimal crispiness.
• Experiment with Cheese Blends: Mix different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack into your mac and cheese for unique flavors.
• Let It Rest: After frying, allow the chicken tenders to rest on paper towels briefly to maintain their crispiness.

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

Pairing side dishes with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to complement your main dish:

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy coleslaw adds freshness to your meal. Try making it with green cabbage, carrots, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
2. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is perfect alongside spicy chicken tenders; serve it warm with butter melted on top.
3. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread provides an extra carb option that pairs well with cheesy dishes; it’s easy to make using baguettes or breadsticks.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal veggies like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender.
5. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side that complements both the chicken and mac and cheese beautifully.
6. Green Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds color and nutritional balance to your plate.
7. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast to the spicy honey glaze on your chicken fingers; bake or fry them until golden brown.
8. Pickles: Tangy pickles provide a crunchy contrast to the softness of mac and cheese while cutting through its richness—perfect as an appetizer or garnish!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes that you should avoid:

• Overcooking the chicken: Ensure the chicken tenders are cooked just right to keep them juicy and tender. Use a thermometer to check for doneness.
• Neglecting the marination time: Skipping the buttermilk marination can lead to drier chicken tenders. Allow at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor and moisture.
• Using too much oil: If the frying oil is not hot enough, the tenders will absorb too much oil. Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) for crispy results.
• Not whisking the cheese sauce: Failing to whisk continuously while adding milk can cause lumps in your cheese sauce. Keep stirring for a smooth, creamy texture.
• Skipping the baking step: Don’t forget to bake the mac and cheese! This step gives it that delicious golden-brown topping that everyone loves.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

• Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese.

Can I use other cheeses for mac and cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for unique flavors.

How do I make hot honey?

To make hot honey, mix honey with your favorite hot sauce. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.

Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them?

Absolutely! For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes.

What can I serve with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese?

These tenders pair well with coleslaw, green beans, or a crisp garden salad for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese is a delightful meal that combines sweet and spicy flavors with creamy comfort. This recipe is versatile; feel free to customize it by adding your favorite spices or using different types of cheeses. Try this dish tonight; your family will love it!