Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders & Baked Mac and Cheese

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The aroma of crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese wafts through the kitchen, a delight that makes your taste buds dance in anticipation. Imagine biting into those tender chicken strips coated in a sweet and spicy glaze, perfectly complemented by creamy, cheesy macaroni—pure comfort food bliss.

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Growing up, family gatherings were often centered around these mouthwatering dishes. My cousin would sneak bites while I was trying to be fancy at dinner, and let’s just say, there were no leftovers! It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together, perfect for game nights or cozy family dinners.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are easy to make and bursting with flavor
  • The mac and cheese is creamy and dreamy, making it a visual treat on your plate
  • This dish is versatile enough for weeknight meals or special occasions
  • Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love!

I still remember the first time I made this dish for friends; their faces lit up like Christmas morning when they took that first bite.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for 3-4 breasts based on your guest list for satisfying portions.

  • Panko Breadcrumbs: These add an extra crunch; opt for plain panko to control the seasoning.

  • Hot Honey Sauce: A mix of honey and chili flakes gives a sweet kick; adjust heat levels to suit your taste.

  • Macaroni Pasta: Small elbow macaroni works best for holding onto that gooey cheese sauce.

  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings out rich flavors; feel free to mix in some mozzarella for extra creaminess.

  • Milk: Whole milk creates a luscious texture in the cheese sauce; don’t skimp on it!

  • Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the overall saltiness of your dish.

  • Seasonings (Salt and Pepper): Simple but essential; enhance the flavors of both chicken and mac and cheese.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

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

Prepare the Chicken Tenders: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut chicken breasts into strips. Season them with salt and pepper.

Bread the Chicken Tenders: Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken strip first in flour, then egg, then panko until well-coated.

Bake the Chicken Tenders: Place breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through for even cooking.

Make Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey and chili flakes. Stir occasionally until heated through—this should take about 5 minutes.

Cook the Macaroni Pasta: Meanwhile, bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente—typically around 8 minutes—then drain.

Create the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot used for pasta, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux before gradually adding milk while whisking until smooth—about 5 minutes.

Add Cheese to Sauce: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Add seasonings as desired before mixing in cooked pasta until fully combined.

Serve those crunchy hot honey chicken tenders alongside your decadent baked mac and cheese. Enjoy every last bite while relishing those satisfied expressions around your table!

You Must Know

  • Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese create a delightful flavor explosion
  • The combination of sweet heat and cheesy goodness makes for a cozy comfort meal that’s perfect for any occasion
  • This dish will impress even the pickiest eaters!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken tenders in hot honey before coating them. While they bake, prepare your mac and cheese on the stovetop to ensure everything is hot and ready to serve together.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken tenders for tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian twist. Experiment with different cheeses in your mac and cheese to find your perfect blend of flavors!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, ensuring crispy tenders.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Always use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor impact when making Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
  • Don’t overcrowd the baking tray; this helps achieve that desirable, crispy texture
  • Remember to let your chicken rest after cooking for juicier bites!

Sometimes I make this dish when I need a pick-me-up after a long day, and my family can’t get enough. Their happy faces remind me why I love cooking so much!

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Frozen chicken tenders can be used but adjust cooking time accordingly for thorough heating.

How spicy is the hot honey?

The hot honey provides a mild sweetness balanced with a hint of spice, adjustable to your taste.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep ingredients in advance; just assemble and bake when ready to serve!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines crispy, sweet, and spicy chicken tenders with creamy macaroni and cheese. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, game nights, or any occasion when you need a crowd-pleasing meal. With easy-to-follow instructions and delicious flavors, it’s a guaranteed hit that brings everyone together around the table.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup hot honey sauce (honey mixed with chili flakes)
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cut chicken breasts into strips; season with salt and pepper.
  3. Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Coat each chicken strip in flour, then egg, then panko.
  4. Bake chicken strips for about 20 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
  5. In a saucepan over low heat, combine honey and chili flakes for hot honey sauce; stir until heated through.
  6. Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain.
  7. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat, stir in flour to create a roux, gradually whisk in milk until smooth (about 5 minutes).
  8. Add shredded cheddar cheese until melted; mix in cooked macaroni and seasonings.
  9. Serve chicken tenders alongside mac and cheese drizzled with hot honey.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 300g)
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

 

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