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Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Cheesy Baked Mac Bliss

Delight in these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders served with Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese, a perfect Southern comfort dish.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Ingredients
  • 1 pound Chicken Tenders You can swap for chicken breasts cut into strips if preferred.
  • 1 cup Buttermilk Or milk mixed with a splash of lemon juice.
  • 1 cup All-purpose Flour Forms the crispy breading.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Adds color and flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Enhances the overall taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Introduces mild heat.
  • Oil for frying Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
  • 1/2 cup Honey The sweetening agent.
  • 1 tablespoon Hot Sauce Adjust based on your heat preference.
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Adds richness to the glaze.
Baked Mac and Cheese Ingredients
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni Classic base for creamy mac and cheese.
  • 2 cups Milk Key for creamy cheese sauce.
  • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese Delivers rich flavor.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Contributes creaminess to the sauce.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Optional for a crispy topping.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Marinate Chicken: Soak the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare Breading: Combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
  3. Coat Tenders: Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture until fully coated.
  4. Fry Tenders: Heat oil to 350°F. Fry chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Make Honey Glaze: Combine honey, hot sauce, and melted butter in a bowl.
  6. Prepare Mac and Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour to form a roux, then gradually add milk.
  7. Incorporate Cheese: Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
  8. Bake Mac and Cheese: Combine cheese sauce with macaroni, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Ensure the oil is properly heated for crispy chicken tenders. Marinating time is crucial for flavor.

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