hot honey tenders and mac n cheese recipe

Hot Honey Tenders and Mac n’ Cheese Recipe is a delicious and indulgent combination of crispy, tender chicken tenders paired with rich, creamy mac n’ cheese. This dish brings together the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and comfort, making it an instant favorite for family dinners or special occasions. The hot honey tenders are coated with a crispy breading and then drizzled with sweet and spicy honey sauce, while the mac n’ cheese is velvety smooth and cheesy, creating a perfect pairing. The dish draws inspiration from Southern comfort food, combining crispy fried chicken with a creamy pasta dish, but adds a fun twist with the hot honey, giving it an extra kick. The history of mac and cheese dates back centuries, with origins in Europe before becoming a staple in American kitchens, while hot honey has emerged as a trendy ingredient, blending sweetness and spice in a whole new way. Whether you’re serving this dish to kids, adults, or a crowd, it’s sure to be a hit, offering the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and spicy flavors all in one meal.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Hot Honey Tenders, you’ll need boneless chicken tenders, flour, breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices like garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper for the breading. The hot honey sauce, made with honey, hot sauce, and a dash of cayenne, is the star of the dish, providing a sweet and spicy kick. For the mac n’ cheese, you’ll use elbow macaroni, butter, flour, milk, and a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses to create a creamy sauce. The dish is seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepare the Hot Honey Tenders: Preheat your oven or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). In one bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs. Dredge the chicken tenders in the flour mixture, dip them in the egg wash, and then coat them in breadcrumbs.
2. Cook the Chicken Tenders: Heat oil in a pan or air fryer and cook the chicken tenders for about 4-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. If you’re using an oven, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and fully cooked.
3. Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine honey, hot sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until well combined and warmed through.
4. Prepare the Mac n’ Cheese: Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour to create a roux, and slowly add in milk, stirring until smooth. Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble the Dish: Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the crispy chicken tenders. Serve the tenders alongside a generous portion of creamy mac n’ cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Hot Honey Tenders and Mac n’ Cheese

For crispy chicken tenders, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying, and don’t overcrowd the pan. If baking, try using a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to allow the tenders to crisp evenly. When making mac n’ cheese, don’t overcook the pasta—al dente is best, as it will absorb the creamy cheese sauce without becoming mushy. For extra flavor in the mac n’ cheese, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of mustard powder to the cheese sauce.

Variations and Customizations

Add Veggies: For a more complete meal, add roasted or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to the mac n’ cheese or alongside the tenders.
Change the Protein: Swap the chicken tenders for crispy tofu or cauliflower for a vegetarian or plant-based option.
Make it Spicy: For an even spicier twist, add a dash of cayenne or chili flakes to the hot honey sauce or toss the chicken tenders in extra hot sauce.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses in the mac n’ cheese, such as Gruyère, gouda, or fontina, for a more complex flavor profile.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While delicious, Hot Honey Tenders and Mac n’ Cheese is a rich, indulgent dish, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. The chicken provides protein, while the mac n’ cheese offers a satisfying serving of carbs and fat. To make the dish lighter, try using whole wheat pasta, reducing the amount of butter, or using a lower-fat cheese blend. You can also bake the chicken tenders instead of frying to cut down on calories and fat. If you’re looking to make the dish more balanced, add a side of vegetables or a fresh salad to increase the fiber content.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken tenders and mac n’ cheese ahead of time, store them separately, and reheat before serving.
Can I use a different type of pasta for the mac n’ cheese? Yes, you can use other pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or fusilli instead of elbow macaroni.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the hot honey sauce? If you prefer a sweete

hot honey tenders and mac n cheese recipe

Hot Honey Tenders and Mac n' Cheese is an indulgent, flavorful combination of crispy chicken tenders, creamy mac n' cheese, and a sweet-spicy hot honey sauce. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it offers a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 8 strips frozen breaded chicken strips …[$5.53]
• 1 lb spiral or large elbow noodles …[$1.00]
• 4 strips bacon …[$1.84]

Honey Pepper Sauce:

• ¾ cup honey …[$2.88]
• 3 tbsp soy sauce …[$0.24]
• ¼ cup brown sugar …[$0.12]
• ¼ cup pineapple juice …[$0.12]
• 1 tbsp white vinegar …[$0.02]
• 1 tsp black pepper …[$0.92]
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper …[$0.04]
• ¼ tsp garlic powder …[$0.01]
• 1 dash paprika …[$0.05]

Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tbsp butter …[$0.50]
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour …[$0.04]
• 1 cup heavy cream …[$1.15]
• 1½ cup milk …[$0.35]
• ½ cup parmesan cheese …[$1.25]
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese …[$1.50]
• 1 cup Colby Jack cheese …[$1.50]

Instructions

 

• Cook 4 strips of bacon until crispy, then chop and set aside for later.
• Cook 1 lb of spiral or large elbow noodles according to package directions and set aside.
• Bake 8 strips of frozen breaded chicken strips as per the package instructions and keep warm.

Honey Pepper Sauce:

• In a medium or small saucepan, combine all the ingredients: ¾ cup honey, 3 tbsp soy sauce, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup pineapple juice, 1 tbsp white vinegar, 1 tsp black pepper, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, ¼ tsp garlic powder, and 1 dash of paprika. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer and let it cook until the rest of the dish is ready.

Cheese Sauce:

• Melt 4 tbsp butter in a large saucepan. Whisk in 4 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute over low to medium heat.
• Gradually whisk in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1½ cups of milk. Allow the mixture to warm up for about 5 minutes or until it thickens over medium heat.
• Add in the cheeses: ½ cup parmesan cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, and 1 cup Colby Jack cheese. Stir until all the cheese is melted and fully combined. Reduce the heat to low and toss in the cooked, drained pasta.

Put It Together:

• To serve, place a generous portion of mac and cheese on each plate and sprinkle with the chopped bacon.
• Dip the baked chicken strips into the warm honey pepper sauce, ensuring the breading is fully coated. Be careful not to leave them in the sauce too long, or the breading may start to fall off.
• Top the mac and cheese with the coated chicken and enjoy!