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Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese Bliss

Delight in Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese, a comforting Southern dish perfect for family gatherings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
  • 1 pound Chicken Tenders Fresh or thawed
  • 1 cup Buttermilk Or milk with a splash of lemon juice
  • 1 cup All-purpose Flour Gluten-free flour can be used
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Smoked paprika can be used
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Adjust quantity if using fresh garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste
  • Oil for frying Medium-high smoke point oil Like canola or vegetable oil
Hot Honey Glaze
  • 1/2 cup Honey For sweetness and thickness
  • 1 tablespoon Hot Sauce Cayenne-based sauces like Frank’s RedHot
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Adds richness
Baked Mac and Cheese
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni Alternate shapes can be used
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Or margarine
  • 1/4 cup All-purpose Flour Essential for creamy texture
  • 2 cups Milk Dairy alternatives can be used
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese Can substitute with gouda or Monterey Jack
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Swap with provolone if desired
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Essential seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Essential seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Essential seasoning

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • deep skillet
  • Baking Dish
  • Saucepan
  • tongs

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Soak chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, then remove and let excess drip off.
  2. Combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Dredge each chicken tender in the mixture.
  3. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a skillet. Fry coated chicken tenders in batches for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Mix honey, hot sauce, and melted butter in a bowl to create the hot honey glaze. Brush hot glaze over fried tenders.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour and gradually add milk until thickened. Stir in cheeses, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  6. Mix cheese sauce with cooked elbow macaroni. Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with additional cheese, and bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Serve Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese for a comforting meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 680kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 450mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For crispiness, reheat leftover tenders in the oven. Ensure chicken is cooled before storing. Ideal for freezing up to 3 months.

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