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
- 3–4 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
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut chicken breasts into strips; season with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Coat each chicken strip in flour, then egg, then panko.
- Bake chicken strips for about 20 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine honey and chili flakes for hot honey sauce; stir until heated through.
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain.
- 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).
- Add shredded cheddar cheese until melted; mix in cooked macaroni and seasonings.
- 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