Imagine sinking your fork into creamy, dreamy mac and cheese, each bite enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce that hugs the pasta just right. Now, add crispy, golden tenders drizzled with a sweet and spicy “Hot honey tenders Mac Cheese” glaze that dances on your taste buds! The aroma of baked cheese mingles with the tantalizing scent of honey and spices, making your kitchen feel like a cozy haven. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging all by yourself. Get ready for a flavor explosion!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Trust me, you’re going to love the sweet and spicy kick of hot honey!
- This one’s a game-changer for your comfort food cravings.
- It’s a creamy, cheesy delight that pairs perfectly with crispy tenders.
- Easy to make and perfect for sharing (or not!).
- It’s a fun twist on classic mac and cheese that everyone will rave about!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Side Dish |
| Cuisine | American-inspired comfort food |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot and cheesy right off the cob! |
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders – Perfectly tender and juicy, the star of the dish.
- Hot honey – Adds a sweet and spicy kick that elevates the flavor.
- Macaroni pasta – The classic base for creamy mac and cheese.
- Cheddar cheese – Provides a rich, melty texture and sharp flavor.
- Cream cheese – Ensures a creamy consistency in the cheese sauce.
- Milk – Helps to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps to bind the sauce together.
- Breadcrumbs – For a crunchy topping that contrasts with the creamy mac.
- Garlic powder – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Onion powder – Adds depth and sweetness to the dish.
- Salt – Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Pepper – A dash of spice to balance the richness.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Get ready to whip up some delicious Hot Honey Tenders Mac Cheese with these easy steps!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting chicken breasts into tender-sized pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Set aside.
Step 2: Breading Station
In one bowl, place flour. In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and a splash of milk. In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs with a pinch of paprika for extra flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece into flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Make sure they’re well-covered!
Step 4: Fry the Tenders
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken tenders until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Make the Mac and Cheese
Cook macaroni according to package instructions. In a saucepan, melt butter, then whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly add milk, stirring until thickened.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy. Mix in the cooked macaroni until well combined.
Step 7: Combine and Drizzle
Place the chicken tenders on top of the mac and cheese. Drizzle with hot honey for that sweet and spicy kick!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Dig in and enjoy your comforting bowl of Hot Honey Tenders Mac Cheese!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
• Use fresh chicken tenders for the best texture and flavor.
• Experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist—sharp cheddar adds a nice kick!
• Don’t skimp on the hot honey; it’s the star of the dish!
• For extra crunch, top with breadcrumbs before baking.
• Serve with a side of pickles to balance the sweetness and spice.
How to Serve
Get ready to elevate your Hot Honey Tenders Mac Cheese experience with these fun serving suggestions!
- Top with extra hot honey for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
- Serve with a side of crispy garlic bread for dipping.
- Pair with a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the richness.
- Offer a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
- For a crunch, sprinkle some crispy fried onions on top.
- Enjoy with a chilled sparkling lemonade for a zesty contrast.
- Make it a meal by adding grilled veggies on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Hot Honey Tenders Mac Cheese fresh:
- Allow the dish to cool completely.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
For long-term storage:
- Cool the dish completely before freezing.
- Portion into freezer-safe containers.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To enjoy your leftovers:
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
- Add a splash of milk for creaminess if needed.
FAQs
What is hot honey and how can I make it at home?
Hot honey is a delightful blend of honey infused with chili peppers for a sweet and spicy kick. You can easily make it at home by gently heating honey and adding red pepper flakes or sliced fresh peppers. Let it steep for a while, and you’ll have a delicious topping for your tenders!
Can I use a different type of cheese for the mac and cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even a creamy brie for a unique flavor. Just remember to balance the flavors so they complement the hot honey tenders.
How can I make the chicken tenders extra crispy?
For extra crispy chicken tenders, double-dip them in flour and egg before coating with breadcrumbs. You can also try using panko breadcrumbs for an even crunchier texture. Frying them in hot oil will give you that perfect golden finish!
Can I prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time! Just cook it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—Hot Honey Tenders Mac Cheese, a dish that wraps you in a cozy hug! It’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to bring smiles to the table. So grab your ingredients, whip it up, and enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Hot honey tenders Mac Cheese
Equipment
- 1 Skillet For frying the chicken tenders.
- 1 Saucepan For making the cheese sauce.
- 3 Bowls For breading station.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders
- 1 lb Chicken tenders Perfectly tender and juicy, the star of the dish.
- 1/4 cup Hot honey Adds a sweet and spicy kick that elevates the flavor.
Mac and Cheese Base
- 8 oz Macaroni pasta The classic base for creamy mac and cheese.
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese Provides a rich, melty texture and sharp flavor.
- 4 oz Cream cheese Ensures a creamy consistency in the cheese sauce.
- 2 cups Milk Helps to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
- 2 tbsp Butter Adds richness and helps to bind the sauce together.
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs For a crunchy topping that contrasts with the creamy mac.
- 1 tsp Garlic powder Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1 tsp Onion powder Adds depth and sweetness to the dish.
- to taste Salt Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- to taste Pepper A dash of spice to balance the richness.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Start by cutting chicken breasts into tender-sized pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Set aside.
Breading Station
- In one bowl, place flour. In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and a splash of milk. In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs with a pinch of paprika for extra flavor.
Coat the Chicken
- Dip each chicken piece into flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Make sure they’re well-covered!
Fry the Tenders
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken tenders until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Make the Mac and Cheese
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions. In a saucepan, melt butter, then whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly add milk, stirring until thickened.
Add Cheese
- Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy. Mix in the cooked macaroni until well combined.
Combine and Drizzle
- Place the chicken tenders on top of the mac and cheese. Drizzle with hot honey for that sweet and spicy kick!
Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Dig in and enjoy your comforting bowl of Hot Honey Tenders Mac Cheese!