Description
Crispy, juicy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese are the ultimate comfort food combo. Sweet, spicy chicken tenders paired with creamy, cheesy baked macaroni make this dish perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or when you’re craving something cozy and indulgent.
Ingredients
For the Hot Honey Tenders:
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1 pound chicken tenders
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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Oil, for frying
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¼ cup honey
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2 tablespoons hot sauce
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1 tablespoon butter, melted
For the Baked Mac and Cheese:
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2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups milk
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
For the Hot Honey Tenders:
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Marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra flavor).
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In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
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Dredge tenders in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
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Fry in hot oil (350°F) until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
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In a small bowl, whisk honey, hot sauce, and melted butter. Brush over chicken tenders while hot.
For the Baked Mac and Cheese:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux.
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Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
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Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted, then add salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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Toss cooked macaroni in cheese sauce and transfer to greased baking dish.
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Sprinkle with extra cheese and bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
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Adjust the hot sauce amount to control spice level.
For extra crunch, add panko breadcrumbs on top of mac before baking.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat chicken in the oven to keep it crispy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Fry + Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (chicken + mac)
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 1020 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg