Irresistible Hot Honey Chicken Tenders & Mac and Cheese

The moment you bite into my Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese, your taste buds will dance like they just won the lottery. Picture this: crispy chicken tenders drizzled with sweet, spicy hot honey, paired with creamy, cheesy mac and cheese that hugs your soul like a warm blanket on a chilly night. It’s comfort food at its finest, and it’s here to make your day a whole lot better.

I first whipped up this culinary masterpiece during a family gathering. My cousin’s face lit up with pure joy as she took her first bite, declaring it the “best thing ever.” Trust me; you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for cozy nights in or a lively dinner party where everyone leaves happy—and maybe just a little too full.

Our family still talks about that night when I made this dish from scratch, and the laughter was as thick as the cheese sauce.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts; adjust based on how hungry your guests are.
• Hot Honey: Look for high-quality hot honey that balances sweetness and spice perfectly.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These add an extra crunch; feel free to use regular breadcrumbs if needed.
• Macaroni Pasta: Opt for elbow macaroni for classic mac and cheese vibes.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Shred it fresh for maximum cheesiness and flavor.
• Milk: Whole milk works best for creamy mac and cheese; no skimping here!
• Butter: Unsalted butter enhances the flavor without overpowering it.
• Garlic Powder: It adds depth; don’t leave it out unless you absolutely have to!
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all flavors in the dish.
• Paprika: A sprinkle of paprika gives everything a beautiful color and a subtle smoky flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

Prepare Your Oven and Chicken Tenders: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Cut chicken breasts into strips and season them generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Bread the Chicken Tenders: Set up a dredging station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and another with panko breadcrumbs mixed with paprika. Coat each chicken strip in flour first, dip in egg, then roll in panko until fully covered. This creates that irresistible crunch!

Bake the Chicken Tenders: Place the breaded chicken tenders on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when they smell heavenly!

Cook the Macaroni Pasta: While the chicken is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add macaroni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well but save some pasta water—trust me on this!

Create the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter then whisk in flour until bubbly. Gradually pour in milk while continuing to whisk until smooth. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. If it’s too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually.

Toss Everything Together!: Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce in a large bowl until every noodle is coated in cheesy goodness. Transfer to a greased baking dish if you want baked mac and cheese perfection.

Add Hot Honey Glaze: Once chicken tenders are out of the oven, drizzle them generously with hot honey while they are still warm so it sticks well. Serve alongside that glorious mac and cheese!

Now you’ve got yourself an unforgettable meal! Enjoy every bite of your Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese while sharing stories around the table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken tenders first, then bake the mac and cheese while frying the tenders for efficiency.

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping regular cheese for sharp cheddar or adding crushed red pepper flakes to your honey for an extra kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm to maintain crispiness.

Cooking these hot honey chicken tenders took me back to summer barbecues with friends, where laughter filled the air alongside the delicious aroma of fried goodness.

FAQ

How can I make the chicken tenders extra crispy?

Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare mac and cheese ahead of time.

What sides pair well with hot honey chicken tenders?

Coleslaw or a fresh garden salad complement the rich flavors perfectly.

Print

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Clara Rosewood
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that will elevate your dinner experience. Imagine crispy, juicy chicken tenders drizzled in sweet and spicy hot honey, paired with creamy, cheesy mac and cheese that warms your soul. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, ensuring every bite is a delightful blend of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup hot honey
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp paprika

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut chicken breasts into strips; season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Set up a dredging station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko mixed with paprika in a third. Coat each chicken strip in flour, dip in egg, then roll in panko.
4. Place breaded chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
5. Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain but reserve some pasta water.
6. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter; whisk in flour until bubbly. Gradually add milk while whisking. Stir in cheese until melted; adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
7. Combine macaroni with cheese sauce until well coated; transfer to a greased baking dish if desired.
8. Drizzle baked chicken tenders with hot honey before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 615
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 120mg