Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

There’s something about Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of meal that balances sweet, spicy, cheesy, and crispy all in one bite—and let’s be honest, who doesn’t need that after a long day? Whether you’re feeding picky kids, hungry teenagers, or simply treating yourself after work (no judgment, you deserve it!), this recipe is both crave-worthy and surprisingly simple to pull together.

Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

• Double comfort factor. Crispy chicken with sticky-sweet heat plus creamy, bubbling mac and cheese? That’s soul food at its finest.
• Weeknight-friendly. With easy steps and everyday ingredients, you’ll have dinner on the table without feeling like you ran a culinary marathon.
• Crowd pleaser. From game nights to Sunday dinners, everyone—from spice lovers to cheese fanatics—will come back for seconds.

And bonus: your kitchen is going to smell so good, the neighbors might “casually” drop by right around dinnertime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Hot Honey Tenders

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Oil, for frying
• ¼ 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
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

( You can find the complete list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Soak your chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you’re ahead of the game). This step makes the chicken extra tender and juicy.

Step 2: Fry to Crispy Perfection

Mix your flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge each tender until coated, then fry at 350°F until golden brown. Set them on paper towels to drain.

(Pro tip: don’t hover over the oil like it’s a suspense thriller—walk away for a few seconds, but keep an eye out. Golden crispiness happens fast.)

Step 3: Hot Honey Magic

Combine honey, hot sauce, and melted butter. Brush this glorious mixture over your fried tenders while they’re still hot. Sticky, spicy, sweet—basically irresistible.

Step 4: Mac and Cheese Comfort

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Start with a roux: melt butter, whisk in flour, and slowly add milk until smooth and thick. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and seasonings until melted into creamy perfection. Toss in your cooked macaroni and transfer to a baking dish. Sprinkle on a little extra cheese (because why not?) and bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Too spicy? Dial back the hot sauce in the honey glaze.
• Want more crunch? Add a panko breadcrumb topping to your mac before baking.
• Shortcut lover? Use rotisserie chicken and drizzle with hot honey glaze to save time.

And remember: cheese sauce always looks thinner in the pan but thickens beautifully once baked—so don’t panic if it seems “soupy” at first.

My Family’s Take on This Recipe

The first time I made this dish, my kids asked if we could “eat it every single Friday forever.” (And honestly, I almost said yes.) The chicken tenders disappeared faster than I could plate them, and the mac and cheese? Let’s just say there were zero leftovers. It quickly became my go-to for family nights when I want everyone happy—and quiet—at the dinner table.

FAQs About Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

Bringing It All Together

At the end of the day, Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food duo—crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy all at once. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself craving on cozy evenings, family get-togethers, or anytime you want a plate of pure happiness.

So grab your apron, crank up your favorite playlist, and get ready to watch those plates clear. This dish is proof that comfort food can be bold, fun, and a little bit magical.

More Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese, you’ll definitely want to try a few more recipes that bring the same cozy vibes and big flavors:

• Warm up on chilly nights with this creamy and hearty Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili that’s loaded with bold flavors.
• For another one-pan wonder, this cheesy and comforting One Pot Queso Chicken and Rice is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Looking for a fall-inspired twist? Try the sweet-savory flavors of Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken—it’s a dinner that feels like autumn on a plate.
• And if you’re craving even more cheesy goodness, don’t miss this decadent Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese for the ultimate comfort food mashup.

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