As the comforting aroma of sizzling chicken wafted through my kitchen, I couldn’t help but smile at the memories it stirred. Introducing my take on Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese—a delightful dish that effortlessly merges crispy, golden tenders with smooth, cheesy goodness. This recipe stands out not only for its irresistible flavor but also for its quick prep time, making it the perfect comfort food after a busy day or a fun weekend dinner with loved ones. Each bite of the spicy-sweet honey glaze on the chicken pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy macaroni, creating a hearty meal that warms your heart. Are you ready to transform your dinner table into a comforting Southern feast? Let’s dive into this delicious culinary adventure!
Why Is This Recipe a Must-Try?
Ultimate Flavor Combo: The sweet and spicy honey glaze on the chicken perfectly complements the creamy macaroni, creating a flavorful dance on your palate.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Ideal for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy guests of all ages.
Quick and Easy Prep: With minimal prep time, you can whip up this heavenly meal even on your busiest nights.
Versatile Pairing: Serve it alongside garden salads or coleslaw for a well-rounded meal that’s both filling and refreshing.
Comfort Food Classic: With its Southern roots, this recipe feels like a warm hug, making you reminisce about family dinners while delivering delicious comfort. Enjoy making this Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese alongside your favorite [Mac Cheese Comfort](https://luxeflavors.com/ultimate-mac-and-cheese/) for a full feast.
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Ingredients
• Perfect for a satisfying meal.
For the Chicken Tenders
- Chicken Tenders – The star of the dish; opt for skinless and boneless for the best frying results.
- Buttermilk – Tenderizes the chicken, ensuring maximum flavor; can be substituted with milk plus lemon juice for a tangy twist.
- All-Purpose Flour – This creates a crunchy coating for frying and helps the seasoning adhere.
- Paprika – Adds a lovely warmth and color to the chicken.
- Garlic Powder – Elevates the flavor profile with its distinctive essence.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance the overall taste.
- Oil – Choose neutral oils like canola or vegetable for frying to achieve crispy tenders.
- Honey – Provides the delicious sweetness needed for the hot honey glaze.
- Hot Sauce – Adds a spicy kick; I recommend a cayenne-based hot sauce for the perfect balance.
- Butter – Adds richness to the glaze, ensuring it clings beautifully to the chicken.
For the Baked Mac and Cheese
- Elbow Macaroni – A classic choice, but feel free to use shells or cavatappi for fun shapes!
- Butter – Used for making a smooth roux that thickens the cheese sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour – Thickens the creamy cheese sauce to keep it rich and satisfying.
- Milk – Whole milk is recommended for the creamiest cheese sauce; it really makes a difference!
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – The primary flavor component; look for good meltability.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Adds a stretchy, creamy texture that will have everyone going back for seconds.
- Salt, Black Pepper & Garlic Powder – These seasonings are essential to elevate your mac and cheese to new heights.
This recipe for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese promises your family a comforting meal to remember!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by soaking the skinless, boneless chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor. While the chicken marinates, you can prepare your other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful coating. Mix these dry ingredients well, ensuring they’re evenly incorporated for consistent seasoning on your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Once marinated, take each chicken tender and dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour, then set the coated tenders aside on a plate. This will ensure a crispy exterior when fried.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated chicken tenders in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
In a small mixing bowl, combine honey, hot sauce, and melted butter. Stir until well blended, creating a spicy-sweet glaze that perfectly complements your fried chicken. The aroma will be irresistible, signaling your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are nearly ready!
Step 6: Coat Tenders with Glaze
Once the chicken tenders are fried, brush the hot honey glaze generously over them. Make sure each tender is well coated for that signature spicy sweetness. You might want to serve some additional glaze on the side for those who love extra flavor.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven for Mac and Cheese
While you prepare the mac and cheese, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your baked macaroni and cheese achieves a beautifully golden, bubbling finish by the time it’s all ready to serve alongside your chicken tenders.
Step 8: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Gradually add in whole milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and smooth for a rich cheese sauce.
Step 9: Combine with Pasta
Once the cheese sauce is ready, toss in the cooked elbow macaroni, making sure all the pasta is well coated in the creamy mixture. This step enhances the creamy texture of your baked mac and cheese, making it a perfect sidekick to the spicy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders.
Step 10: Prepare for Baking
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese for that delightful melty topping. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly, ensuring it’s hot and inviting for serving.
Make Ahead Options
These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken in buttermilk and coat it with flour up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it refrigerated to maintain freshness. Additionally, prepare the macaroni and cheese and assemble it in the baking dish up to 3 days ahead—just cover it tightly with foil and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy this delicious meal, simply bake the mac and cheese from the refrigerator while frying the chicken tenders. This way, you’ll have a comforting dinner ready with minimal effort, just like freshly made!
Expert Tips for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese
• Marination Magic: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to ensure a tender, flavorful bite. A longer marination time results in better texture.
• Perfect Frying: Always check the oil temperature before frying. If it’s not hot enough, the coating can become soggy instead of crispy; aim for 350°F (175°C).
• Glaze Control: Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the honey glaze based on your heat preference. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
• Creaminess Boost: For extra creamy mac and cheese, increase the cheese quantity and consider adding a breadcrumb topping before baking for a delightful crunch.
• Dish Flexibility: Customize your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders by swapping chicken for tofu and adding veggies like broccoli to the mac and cheese for added nutrients.
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Variations
Feel free to let your creativity flow as you explore these delicious twists on this comforting dish!
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh, marinating and frying them just as you would the chicken for a tasty vegetarian option.
- Cheese Lovers: Experiment with gourmet flavors by using gouda, pepper jack, or even blue cheese in the mac and cheese for an elevated taste experience.
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or roasted bell peppers to the mac and cheese for added nutrition and color.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in extra spicy hot sauce or diced jalapeños in the glaze for a fiery kick that spicy food enthusiasts will love.
- Crumbly Topping: Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese before baking for a delightful crunchy topping.
- Southern Twist: Incorporate some crumbled bacon into the mac and cheese for a smoky flavor that beautifully complements the chicken tenders.
- Buffalo Style: Marinate the chicken in buffalo sauce instead of the buttermilk for a zesty alternative that pairs well with a side of ranch dressing.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the mac and cheese for a fragrant twist that elevates its flavor profile.
Whatever variation you choose, these options offer even more ways to savor this comforting dish. Pair it with a refreshing side salad or a family favorite like [Cheesy Chicken Rice](https://luxeflavors.com/cheesy-chicken-and-rice-casserole/), and you’ve got a memorable meal for everyone!
What to Serve with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese
Elevate your meal experience with perfect pairings that bring out the delicious flavors and comfort of this satisfying dish.
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Garden Salad: Fresh greens tossed in a light vinaigrette provide a crisp contrast to the rich mac and cheese while balancing the meal.
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Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and slight tanginess, enhancing the sweet-spicy notes of the chicken tenders.
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Cornbread Muffins: Soft, buttery cornbread muffins complement both the chicken and macaroni, adding sweetness and a delightful texture.
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of vibrant, caramelized vegetables offers a savory note, filling out the plate with extra nutrients and flavors.
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Pickles or Pickled Vegetables: The tangy bite of pickles cuts through the richness, providing a zesty offset to the meal that sparks your palate.
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Sweet Tea: A classic Southern drink, sweet tea offers a refreshing sweetness that perfectly pairs with the bold flavors of the chicken tenders.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: End your meal on a sweet note with warm cookies. Their gooey texture makes for a comforting dessert after a hearty dinner.
These suggestions will not only enhance your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese but will make your dining experience truly memorable!
How to Store and Freeze Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese
Fridge: Store leftover chicken tenders and mac and cheese in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Allow to cool completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze chicken tenders and mac and cheese separately in airtight containers or freezer bags. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat chicken tenders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until crisp and heated through. Mac and cheese can be reheated in the microwave for a few minutes or baked until bubbly again.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy frozen meals, thaw chicken and mac and cheese in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best results.
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use for the chicken tenders?
Opt for skinless and boneless chicken tenders for the best results. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and remains moist and tender throughout the frying process.
How should I store leftovers, and how long do they last?
Store leftover Hot Honey Chicken Tenders and Baked Mac and Cheese in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the dishes to cool completely before sealing to help retain freshness.
Can I freeze Hot Honey Chicken Tenders and Baked Mac and Cheese?
Absolutely! Freeze the chicken tenders and mac and cheese separately in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy the flavors of this dish even after a while.
What’s the best way to reheat the chicken tenders and mac and cheese?
Reheat the chicken tenders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy and heated through. For the mac and cheese, you can either pop it into the microwave for a few minutes or bake it in the oven until it’s bubbly again.
Can I modify this recipe for dietary restrictions or preferences?
Certainly! For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with tofu. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gouda or pepper jack, to suit your taste. Adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli into the mac and cheese can also enhance its nutritional value.
How can I make sure the chicken is crispy when frying?
Ensure the oil is hot enough, ideally around 350°F (175°C), before adding the chicken tenders. This temperature helps to create that perfect crispy coating. Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the temperature to drop and result in soggy tenders.
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for coating.
- Dredge marinated chicken in coating mixture, shaking off excess flour.
- Heat oil to 350°F and fry chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix honey, hot sauce, and melted butter for glaze.
- Brush glaze over fried chicken tenders.
- Preheat oven to 375°F for baked macaroni and cheese.
- Make roux with melted butter and flour, then whisk in milk until thick.
- Melt cheddar and mozzarella into the cheese sauce.
- Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni.
- Transfer to baking dish, top with cheese, and bake for 20 minutes.
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