If you’re craving a meal that perfectly balances bold, spicy flavors with comforting, cheesy goodness, look no further than this Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of crispy, juicy chicken tenders glazed in a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, paired with rich, creamy baked mac and cheese that’s baked to golden perfection. This dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser that brings together contrasting textures and tastes in such a harmonious way – it’s like a warm hug on a plate that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe comes from simple, quality ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating its irresistible flavor and texture. From the tender marinated chicken to the smooth, cheesy sauce for the macaroni, every element is a building block of this soul-satisfying dish.
- Chicken tenders (1 pound): The star protein, naturally tender and perfect for marinating and frying.
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Adds a tangy moisture that tenderizes the chicken, ensuring every bite is juicy.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup + 2 tablespoons): Used for dredging chicken for a crispy crust and thickening the mac and cheese sauce.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a smoky depth and beautiful color to the chicken coating.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon): Enhances flavor in both the chicken coating and cheesy sauce.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon): Balances and elevates all the flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon): Adds mild heat and earthiness throughout.
- Oil, for frying: Essential for creating the perfect golden, crispy exterior on the chicken.
- Honey (1/4 cup): The sweet base in the glaze that pairs beautifully with the spicy kick.
- Hot sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings the heat, perfectly complementing the honey’s sweetness.
- Butter (1 tablespoon melted + 2 tablespoons): Adds richness to both the hot honey glaze and mac and cheese sauce.
- Elbow macaroni (2 cups cooked and drained): The comfortable, classic pasta shape that holds onto every cheesy bite.
- Milk (2 cups): Creates a creamy, velvety cheese sauce base.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): The main cheese that delivers sharp, melty goodness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Adds delightful stretchiness and mild creaminess.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): A fresh note for garnish that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by soaking your chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This simple step locks in moisture and imparts a subtle tanginess that will shine through after frying. It’s the secret to keeping your tenders tender and juicy every time.
Step 2: Prepare the Flour Coating
While the chicken marinates, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This flavorful mixture is what will give your chicken that irresistible crispy crust with a touch of smoky spice and savory warmth.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Once marinated, dredge each chicken tender thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure each piece is well coated so that the exterior crisps beautifully and locks in all that juicy goodness.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken Tenders
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Fry the tenders in batches, avoiding overcrowding, until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and reach a safe internal temperature. This step builds the foundation for the perfect texture—crisp outside, tender inside.
Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze
While the chicken cools slightly, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, and melted butter in a small bowl. Then brush this glaze generously over the cooked tenders. This blend delivers that signature sweet heat that makes this recipe unforgettable.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
For the baked mac and cheese, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the additional flour to form a roux, cooking it for a minute to eliminate the raw taste. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses along with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, melting the cheeses into a luscious sauce.
Step 7: Bake the Mac and Cheese
Toss the cooked and drained elbow macaroni in the cheese sauce, then transfer it to a baking dish. Optional: sprinkle additional cheese on top for an extra golden crust. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until the top is bubbly and lightly browned, signaling absolute comfort food perfection.
How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley over the mac and cheese adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dish. You can also add a few thin slices of fresh chili on the chicken tenders if you want to up the spice factor and make it even more visually striking.
Side Dishes
This dish is pretty much a full meal on its own, but if you want to add sides, consider light, crisp options like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or coleslaw to provide a refreshing contrast to the warm richness on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken tenders stacked artistically over the mac and cheese for a rustic, homestyle appeal. You can also arrange the tenders in a circle around a bowl of baked mac and cheese for a fun, shareable presentation that will wow friends and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers of the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken and mac and cheese will keep well for up to 3 days, making for easy, delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked mac and cheese portion separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze the chicken tenders separately to preserve their crispy texture; simply reheat them fresh for the best taste.
Reheating
Reheat the mac and cheese gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess. For the chicken tenders, warming in a hot oven or air fryer helps re-crisp the coating without drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I make the hot honey glaze less spicy?
Absolutely! Feel free to reduce the amount of hot sauce or use a milder variety if you prefer a gentler heat level. The honey still ensures the glaze is deliciously sweet.
What type of cheese works best in baked mac and cheese?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for bold flavor, while mozzarella adds a creamy stretchiness. Combining the two provides the perfect texture and taste for this recipe.
Is buttermilk necessary for marinating the chicken?
Buttermilk really helps tenderize and add flavor, but if you don’t have it on hand, plain yogurt or milk with a splash of lemon juice can work as alternatives.
Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
You can, but frying gives the tenders their signature crispiness. Baking may result in a softer crust, so adjust expectations accordingly or try coating with a bit of oil sprayed on top for a crisper finish.
How spicy is this dish overall?
The hot honey glaze provides a pleasant, balanced heat that’s not overwhelming. You can easily control the spiciness by adjusting the amount or type of hot sauce used in the glaze.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is the kind of meal you’ll find yourself making whenever you want to impress loved ones or simply indulge in comfort food with a spicy twist. The mix of textures from crispy chicken to creamy macaroni, combined with the perfect balance of sweet and heat, makes it such a satisfying dish. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe might just become your new favorite go-to dinner that brings smiles to your table every time.
Print
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy fried chicken tenders glazed with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, served alongside creamy baked macaroni and cheese. This comforting meal combines a flavorful kick with rich, cheesy goodness for a satisfying dinner perfect for family and friends.
Ingredients
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
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
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.
- Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will coat the chicken for frying.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge them thoroughly in the flour mixture until well coated.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken tenders in batches until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Hot Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the honey, hot sauce, and melted butter. Brush this glaze generously over the fried chicken tenders to add a delightful sweet and spicy flavor.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Assemble the Mac and Cheese: Combine the cooked elbow macaroni with the cheese sauce, then transfer to a baking dish. Optionally, top with additional cheese for extra gooeyness.
- Bake the Mac and Cheese: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled macaroni and cheese for about 20 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden on top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, double dredge by dipping the chicken back into the buttermilk and flour mixture again before frying.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the glaze to control the spiciness according to your taste.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results and flavor.
- You can prepare the mac and cheese in advance and bake just before serving to save time.
