Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Mac and Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Mac and Cheese is a delightful comfort food mashup that balances sweet heat with creamy cheesiness. This quick and easy dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 8 ounces pasta (such as elbow macaroni)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite blend)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken tenders on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.
- Step 2: While the chicken cooks, prepare the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and return to the pot.
- Step 3: Stir the shredded cheese into the hot pasta until melted and creamy to make the mac and cheese.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix honey and hot sauce to create the hot honey drizzle.
- Step 5: Once the chicken tenders are done, drizzle them generously with the hot honey sauce.
- Step 6: Serve the hot honey chicken tenders alongside the creamy mac and cheese for a delicious meal.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, coat chicken tenders in seasoned breadcrumbs before baking.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the heat level in the honey drizzle.
- Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a milder, gooier mac and cheese.
Storage
Store leftover chicken tenders and mac and cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the tenders in the oven to keep them crispy, and warm the mac and cheese on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the honey and hot sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring it to room temperature before drizzling.
What pasta works best for mac and cheese?
Elbow macaroni is classic, but small shells or cavatappi also hold cheese sauce well and work great in this recipe.
PrintHot Honey Chicken Tenders with Mac and Cheese Recipe
Crispy baked chicken tenders tossed in a sweet and spicy hot honey glaze, served alongside creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese. This comforting meal offers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and rich cheesy decadence that’s quick and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders and Hot Honey Glaze
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (such as sriracha or your favorite brand)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray (for baking)
Mac and Cheese
- 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 tsp mustard powder or paprika for extra flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Tenders: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are crispy.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken is baking, combine the honey and hot sauce in a small bowl. Adjust the ratio according to your preferred spice level. Once the chicken is done, drizzle the hot honey sauce evenly over the tenders or toss them gently to coat.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook, stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices to taste.
- Combine Mac and Cheese: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat thoroughly. Keep warm until serving.
- Serve: Plate the hot honey chicken tenders alongside a generous serving of creamy mac and cheese. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the heat level in the hot honey sauce by changing the amount or type of hot sauce used.
- For extra crispiness, you can bread the chicken tenders before baking with panko breadcrumbs.
- Substitute cheddar with other cheese varieties such as Monterey Jack or a cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
- Leftover mac and cheese can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Keywords: Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, Mac and Cheese, Baked Chicken, Comfort Food, Sweet and Spicy Chicken
