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
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut chicken breasts into strips; season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- 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.
- Place breaded chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain but reserve some pasta water.
- 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.
- Combine macaroni with cheese sauce until well coated; transfer to a greased baking dish if desired.
- 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