Description
Enjoy a comforting meal with crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders paired with creamy Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese. This recipe delivers a delightful balance of sweet heat and cheesy goodness, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Chicken Tenders
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 cup Oil
- 1/2 cup Honey
- 1/4 cup Hot Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 cups Elbow Macaroni
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 2 cups Milk
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons Flour
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Instructions
- Marinate chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and pour in the buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize.
- Prepare flour mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for the coating.
- Coat chicken: Remove the marinated tenders from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Fry chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated tenders and fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Make hot honey glaze: In a small bowl, combine honey, hot sauce, and melted butter until well mixed.
- Glaze chicken: Brush the hot honey glaze generously over the fried chicken tenders.
- Prepare mac and cheese: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in flour to form a roux.
- Make cheese sauce: Gradually add milk while whisking until the sauce thickens. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Combine and bake: Mix the cheese sauce with cooked elbow macaroni. Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Serve with a fresh side salad for added crunch and color.
- Check ingredient labels for potential allergens like dairy and gluten.
- For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 700 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese, comfort food, family dinner, sweet and spicy chicken, crispy chicken tenders, baked macaroni, Southern cuisine