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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 dish packed with flavor and perfect for gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Marination Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Ingredients
  • 1 lb Chicken Tenders The heart of the dish
  • 1 cup Buttermilk Can substitute with milk and lemon juice
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour For crispy coating
  • 1 tsp Paprika Adds smoky depth
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Enhances flavor
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Freshly ground is best
  • 1 cup Oil Neutral oil for frying
  • 1/2 cup Honey Adjust based on sweetness preference
  • 1 tbsp Hot Sauce Cayenne-based for the ideal kick
  • 2 tbsp Butter Adds richness to the glaze
Baked Mac and Cheese Ingredients
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni Can swap with shells or cavatappi
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Choose sharp or mild
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese For creaminess
  • 1 cup Milk Whole milk yields creaminess
  • 1/2 cup Extra Cheese For topping

Equipment

  • Frying pan
  • Saucepan
  • mixing bowl
  • baking dish

Method
 

Instructions for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
  1. Marinate the Chicken by soaking in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Coating by mixing flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
  3. Dredge the Tenders by coating them thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.
  4. Fry the Chicken in hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Make the Hot Honey Glaze by mixing honey, hot sauce, and melted butter until combined.
Instructions for Baked Mac and Cheese
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a roux with melted butter and flour.
  2. Create the Cheese Sauce by stirring in milk, cheddar, mozzarella, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
  3. Combine elbow macaroni with the cheese sauce, transfer to a baking dish, and top with extra cheese.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat chicken in the oven and add milk to mac and cheese as needed.

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