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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

Ingredients

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

Instructions

For the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders:

  1. Marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.

  2. In a bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

  3. Dredge the marinated tenders in the flour mixture.

  4. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the tenders until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

  5. In a small bowl, mix honey, hot sauce, and melted butter.

  6. Brush the hot honey glaze generously over the fried tenders while still hot.

For the Baked Mac and Cheese:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. In a saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to form a roux.

  3. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until thickened.

  4. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until the cheese melts completely.

  5. Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce and transfer to a greased baking dish.

  6. 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!

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