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Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Bliss

A delightful blend of crispy, sweet, and spicy hot honey chicken tenders paired with creamy baked mac and cheese.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Ingredients
  • 1 pound Chicken Tenders The main protein source.
  • 1 cup Buttermilk Can be substituted with milk mixed with lemon juice.
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour For the crispy coating.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Adds smoky flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Enhances flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • Oil for frying Use high smoke point oil like canola.
  • 1/2 cup Honey Opt for local variety.
  • 1/4 cup Hot Sauce Cayenne-based preferred.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter For glaze and mac and cheese.
Baked Mac and Cheese Ingredients
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni Classic choice for mac and cheese.
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Sharp and creamy flavor.
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Adds stretchiness.
  • 2 cups Milk For cheese sauce.

Equipment

  • Deep skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking dish
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Thermometer

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Marinate the chicken by placing tenders in a bowl and covering them with buttermilk. Let soak for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Prepare the coating by whisking together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl.
  3. Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the breaded chicken for about 4–5 minutes on each side.
  4. Make the hot honey glaze by combining honey, hot sauce, and melted butter in a medium bowl.
  5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) as you prepare the Baked Mac and Cheese.
  6. Create the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, mixing in flour to form a roux, then slowly add milk while stirring until thickened.
  7. Incorporate the cheese and macaroni by removing the saucepan from heat and stirring in shredded cheeses along with cooked elbow macaroni.
  8. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a prepared baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Serve hot honey chicken tenders alongside the baked mac and cheese for a comforting meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For extra crispiness, consider adding seasoned breadcrumbs over the flour coating before frying. Adjust hot sauce to suit spice tolerance.

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