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 delightful dish is perfect for family dinners, game days, or any gathering where hearty flavors are a must!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of hot honey and crispy chicken creates a mouthwatering balance of sweet and spicy.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish even on busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Perfect for gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy hungry appetites.
• Comforting & Hearty: Baked mac and cheese adds that warm, cozy element that everyone loves.
• Versatile Dish: Serve as a main course or pair it with sides for a full meal experience.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep frying pan or Dutch oven: Essential for achieving the perfect crispy texture on your chicken tenders.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for marinating the chicken and combining ingredients for both the tenders and mac and cheese.
• Baking dish: Helps in baking the macaroni evenly while allowing for easy serving directly from the dish.

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Ingredients

To make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese, you’ll need the following 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

For the Hot Honey Glaze

• 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 chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize them.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mixture

In a bowl, mix together:
1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
2. 1 teaspoon paprika
3. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
4. 1/2 teaspoon salt
5. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge each tender in the flour mixture until fully coated.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken Tenders

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in your deep frying pan or Dutch oven. Fry the tenders until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

In a small bowl, combine:
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons hot sauce
– 1 tablespoon melted butter

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

Step 6: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking.

Step 7: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt:
– 2 tablespoons butter

Whisk in:
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Cook until bubbly, then gradually add:
– 2 cups milk

Whisk constantly until thickened. Stir in:
– 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

Continue stirring until all cheese has melted completely.

Step 8: Combine Macaroni with Cheese Sauce

Toss your cooked elbow macaroni in the cheese sauce until well coated. Transfer this mixture to a greased baking dish.

Step 9: Bake

Top with extra shredded cheese if desired. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

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 casual gathering or enjoying a family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

On a Platter

• Arrange the chicken tenders and baked mac and cheese on a large platter for an inviting presentation. This style encourages sharing and adds a communal feel.

With Fresh Vegetables

• Serve alongside crunchy carrot sticks, celery, or cucumber slices for a refreshing contrast. The crisp veggies balance the richness of the dish.

Dipped in Sauce

• Provide small bowls of dipping sauces like ranch dressing or additional hot honey glaze. This adds flavor variety and allows guests to customize their meal.

Garnished with Herbs

• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the chicken tenders for added color and freshness. This simple garnish brightens the dish visually and enhances its flavor profile.

With a Side Salad

• Pair with a light salad dressed in vinaigrette for a refreshing side option. A salad can help cut through the richness of the mac and cheese while adding texture.

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

Achieving perfection in your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure delicious results every time.

• Marinate Thoroughly: Letting the chicken tenders soak in buttermilk longer (up to 4 hours) will make them even more tender and flavorful.

• Heat Oil Properly: Ensure your frying oil reaches 350°F (175°C) before adding tenders. This helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crust without making them greasy.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh spices and high-quality cheese for richer flavors. Fresh products enhance taste significantly compared to pre-packaged options.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry tenders in batches to maintain oil temperature. Overcrowding can lower the heat, resulting in soggy chicken rather than crispy goodness.

• Mix Well: When combining cheese in your sauce, stir consistently until fully melted for a smooth texture. Uneven melting can lead to clumps in your mac and cheese.

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

Adding sides can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some fantastic side dishes that complement Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese perfectly.

1. Coleslaw
   A creamy coleslaw offers crunch and acidity, balancing out the sweet heat of the chicken tenders beautifully.

2. Garlic Bread
   Warm, buttery garlic bread is an easy-to-make side that pairs well with cheesy flavors while adding extra carbs for comfort.

3. Corn on the Cob
   Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness that complements the spicy honey while adding a fun element to your plate.

4. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables provide color, nutrients, and flavor contrast; choose bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus for great results.

5. Potato Wedges
   Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs are another hearty option that works wonderfully alongside fried chicken.

6. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits offers freshness that balances out the richness of both main dishes.

7. Baked Beans
   Sweet baked beans add another layer of flavor through their smokiness, pairing well with Southern-inspired meals.

8. Cucumber Salad
   A simple cucumber salad dressed lightly will refresh your palate between bites of spicy chicken tenders and creamy mac and cheese.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s taste and texture.

• Overmarinating the chicken: Leaving the chicken tenders in buttermilk for too long can lead to a soggy texture. Aim for 30 minutes to 1 hour for the best results.
• Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to season the flour mixture will result in bland chicken. Make sure to include paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for flavor.
• Not heating oil properly: If the oil isn’t hot enough when frying, the tenders will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer to ensure it reaches 350°F (175°C).
• Underbaking the mac and cheese: For a perfect texture, don’t rush the baking process. Ensure you bake until bubbly and golden brown on top.
• Ignoring cheese quality: Using pre-shredded cheese may not melt as well as block cheese. Opt for freshly shredded cheese for a creamier sauce.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short bursts of 1 minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat chicken tenders in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, feel free to mix cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for added flavor in the mac and cheese.

How spicy are Hot Honey Chicken Tenders?

The spiciness depends on your choice of hot sauce. Adjust it according to your heat preference!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare both components separately and combine them before serving.

What sides pair well with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese?

Coleslaw or a simple green salad complement this dish nicely.

Final Thoughts

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese is a delightful meal that combines crispy chicken with creamy pasta goodness. This dish is versatile; you can customize it by adding different spices or cheeses. Enjoy this hearty comfort food any night of the week!