If you are looking for a dish that combines crispy, flavorful chicken with irresistible cheesy comfort food, then you are going to love these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese. This recipe balances the sweet heat of a sticky honey and hot sauce glaze over perfectly fried chicken tenders, paired alongside creamy, baked macaroni and cheese that’s bubbling with melted cheddar and mozzarella. Each bite offers a cozy harmony of spice, sweetness, and cheesy goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or impressing at a casual get-together, this Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese recipe will soon become one of your favorites to make and share.

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started on your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese is a breeze thanks to simple, classic ingredients that each bring their own magic to the dish. These essentials are what make the flavor pop, the texture come alive, and the appearance irresistible, so let’s take a look.

Chicken tenders: Tender and quick-cooking, perfect for an even crispy fry and a juicy bite.

Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken for a juicy inside.
All-purpose flour: The base for the crispy coating and creamy roux.

Paprika and garlic powder: Essential spices that add depth and a subtle smoky kick to the chicken.
Salt and black pepper: Fundamental seasonings for balancing flavors.

Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for perfect frying.
Honey: Brings the beautiful sweetness that contrasts with the heat.
Hot sauce: Adds the spicy punch to the honey glaze.

Butter: Used both in the glaze and in the mac and cheese sauce to enrich flavor.
Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds cheese sauce beautifully.
Milk: For creamy cheese sauce that clings lovingly to each macaroni piece.

Shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese: A melty, cheesy dream team for the baked mac and cheese.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken tenders a soak in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This step is key because the acid in the buttermilk tenderizes the meat, ensuring every bite stays juicy and flavorful after frying. Plus, it helps the flour coating stick better for that golden crust you’re aiming for.

Step 2: Prepare the Flour Coating

While your chicken marinates, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour blend is what gives your tenders their irresistible flavor and crunch, so don’t rush this seasoning—it’s worth every bit!

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken Tenders

Remove the tenders from the buttermilk one at a time, letting any excess drip off, then coat them thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered; this ensures that perfect crispy texture once fried.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken Tenders

Heat your oil to around 350°F (175°C) and carefully fry the tenders until they are gloriously golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size. Once done, place them on paper towels to drain extra oil.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

In a small bowl, mix honey, hot sauce, and melted butter. This quick glaze is what transforms these tenders into Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese magic. Brush it generously over the still-warm tenders so every bite bursts with that sweet and spicy goodness.

Step 6: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to form a smooth roux. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly until the sauce thickens. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until all the cheese melts into a creamy, dreamy sauce.

Step 7: Combine Macaroni and Sauce

Toss the cooked elbow macaroni in your cheese sauce, making sure every piece is coated like a cheesy cloud, then transfer everything to a greased baking dish. For the ultimate topping, sprinkle extra shredded cheese over the surface.

Step 8: Bake the Mac and Cheese

Bake your mac and cheese in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s irresistibly cheesy, slightly crispy on top, and smells like comfort in the best way.

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

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or chopped chives sprinkle not only a pop of color but also a mild freshness that cuts through the richness. Consider a small drizzle of extra hot honey glaze on the side for those who want more heat with every bite.

Side Dishes

While the mac and cheese makes a perfect partner, some crisp celery sticks or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette help balance this indulgent meal, adding crunch and brightness for a well-rounded plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken tenders over the baked mac and cheese in individual cast iron skillets for a rustic touch, or create a fun family-style spread with platters of tenders beside a big dish of mac and cheese. Adding a small bowl of ranch dressing or blue cheese dip on the side is always a crowd-pleaser too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese store wonderfully in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the tenders and mac and cheese separate if possible to preserve crispiness and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken tenders and baked mac and cheese, but best practice is to wrap tenders individually or in a single layer and freeze mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container. Both will keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For tenders, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy again. Mac and cheese reheats beautifully in the oven as well—add a splash of milk before covering with foil to keep it creamy and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just slice the breasts into strips and follow the same marinating and frying steps. They might take a little longer to cook, but they work wonderfully.

Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes! To keep it crispy, bake the coated chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) on a wire rack over a baking sheet for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

What kind of hot sauce works best in the glaze?

A classic Louisiana-style hot sauce is ideal for that perfect balance of spice without overpowering the honey’s sweetness.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Swap out butter with dairy-free margarine and use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives to keep it creamy and delicious while accommodating dietary preferences.

How spicy is the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese?

The heat level can be adjusted by varying the amount of hot sauce in the glaze, so feel free to dial it up or down depending on your spice tolerance.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese, you’ll understand why they’re such a crowd-pleaser! The fusion of crispy, spicy-sweet chicken paired with indulgent baked mac and cheese creates a meal that is both comforting and exciting. This dish is perfect for family dinners, parties, or any occasion where you want to dish up something truly special and satisfying. Go ahead, make a batch, and watch everyone fall in love bite after bite.