Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort meal featuring crispy fried chicken tenders coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze, paired with rich, creamy, and cheesy baked macaroni. This hearty, satisfying duo delivers bold flavors and classic comfort in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This irresistible combination of crispy, spicy-sweet chicken and indulgent baked macaroni and cheese is perfect for family dinners, weekend feasts, or soul-warming gatherings. The hot honey glaze brings the perfect balance of sweetness and heat, while the creamy, golden-topped mac and cheese offers a rich, satisfying complement. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, this meal is sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Hot Honey 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

Directions

For the Hot Honey Tenders:

Marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Dredge the tenders in the flour mixture and fry in hot oil (350°F) until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix honey, hot sauce, and melted butter. Brush over the fried tenders while hot.

For the Baked Mac and Cheese:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux.
Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened.
Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until melted.
Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce and transfer to a greased baking dish.
Top with extra cheese and bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories: 620 kcal per serving

Variations

Extra Spicy Tenders: Add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or increase the hot sauce in the glaze.
Honey BBQ Tenders: Substitute hot sauce with barbecue sauce for a milder, smoky flavor.
Three-Cheese Mac: Add Monterey Jack or Gruyère for an even creamier, richer mac and cheese.
Panko-Crusted Chicken: Use a mix of flour and panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
Bacon Mac and Cheese: Stir cooked bacon bits into the mac and cheese before baking for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken tenders and mac and cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the tenders in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to retain crispiness. Warm the mac and cheese in the oven or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of milk if needed to refresh the sauce.

FAQs

How should I store leftover Hot Honey Chicken Tenders and Mac and Cheese?

Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken tenders?

Yes, fry or bake them to crisp up, then brush with the hot honey glaze.

What type of hot sauce works best?

A classic cayenne-based hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot is ideal, but any favorite hot sauce will work.

Can I make the mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, then bake just before serving.

How do I prevent the mac and cheese from drying out?

Cover with foil for the first half of baking and add a bit more cheese sauce if needed.

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes, shells, cavatappi, or penne all work well with cheese sauces.

How can I make the glaze less spicy?

Use more honey and less hot sauce to tone down the heat.

What oil is best for frying the chicken?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or vegetable oil.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in buttermilk?

Marinating in buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick better, but if needed, milk with a splash of lemon juice can be used as a substitute.

Conclusion

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese is a show-stopping comfort meal that perfectly balances crispy, sweet-and-spicy chicken with rich, creamy macaroni. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a fun weekend indulgence, this satisfying combination of textures and bold flavors is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds.

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

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Experience the ultimate comfort food combo with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese — crispy fried chicken tenders glazed in sweet and spicy hot honey, paired with creamy, cheesy oven-baked macaroni. A hearty, crowd-pleasing Southern-inspired meal! #hothoneytenders #bakedmacandcheese #comfortfood

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Southern American

Instructions

For the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders:

Marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
In a bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Dredge the marinated tenders in the flour mixture.
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the tenders until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
In a small bowl, mix honey, hot sauce, and melted butter.
Brush the hot honey glaze generously over the fried tenders while still hot.

For the Baked Mac and Cheese:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to form a roux.
Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the cheese melts completely.
Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce and transfer to a greased baking dish.
Top with extra shredded cheese and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

Notes

Adjust the hot sauce amount to make the tenders more or less spicy.
Add a breadcrumb topping to the mac and cheese for an extra crispy layer.
Perfect for game days, weekend feasts, or special family dinners!