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Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 21 reviews

This recipe features crispy fried chicken tenders coated in a spicy, sweet hot honey glaze, paired perfectly with creamy baked macaroni and cheese. The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the chicken while the homemade cheese sauce provides a rich, comforting side that will delight your taste buds and satisfy your craving for classic comfort food with a flavorful twist.

Ingredients

Scale

For the 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

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
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Additional shredded cheese for topping (about 1/2 cup)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
  2. Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This will be used to dredge the chicken for a flavorful coating.
  3. Dredge the Chicken: Remove chicken tenders from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then coat each tender thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the surface for an even crust.
  4. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated chicken tenders in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  5. Make the Hot Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, hot sauce, and melted butter until smooth and well combined.
  6. Glaze the Chicken: While the chicken is still warm, brush each tender generously with the hot honey glaze, allowing the sweet and spicy flavors to meld with the crispy coating.
  7. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the macaroni and cheese.
  8. Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste while forming a smooth paste.
  9. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Gradually add the milk to the roux while whisking constantly. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
  10. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until all pasta is evenly coated with the rich cheese mixture.
  11. Transfer and Top: Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust.
  12. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat for juicier tenders.
  • Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for perfectly fried chicken without being greasy.
  • Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the glaze to control the spiciness according to your taste.
  • For a crispier topping on the mac and cheese, add breadcrumbs mixed with butter before baking.
  • Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or oven.
  • Ensure the cheese is fully melted in the sauce to avoid graininess.

Nutrition

Keywords: hot honey chicken tenders, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, spicy chicken, crispy chicken tenders, cheesy macaroni

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/hot-honey-chicken-tenders-with-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/