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To make the best hot honey chicken tenders, start with fresh chicken. You want about 1 pound of chicken tenders for this recipe.

Hot honey chicken tenders with Mac n cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with my Hot Honey Chicken Tenders paired with creamy Mac n Cheese Delight! This deliciously sweet and spicy dish combines crispy chicken tenders drenched in hot honey sauce with the richness of homemade mac and cheese. Discover easy steps to create this meal that will wow your family and friends. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to explore the full recipe and get cooking!
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Ingredients
  

For the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders:

1 lb chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk

1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spiciness)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Oil for frying

1/3 cup honey

2 tablespoons hot honey (or more to taste)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Mac n Cheese:

1 cup elbow macaroni

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

1 teaspoon mustard powder

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken:

    - In a bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce. Add chicken tenders, ensuring they are fully submerged. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).

      Prepare the Coating:

        - In another bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

          Fry the Chicken:

            - Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, dredge each marinated chicken tender first in the flour mixture, coating evenly.

              - Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken tenders in batches, about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

                Make the Hot Honey Sauce:

                  - In a small saucepan, combine honey and hot honey. Heat gently until warmed and mixed. (Can be adjusted for sweetness and spiciness according to your preference.)

                    Make the Mac n Cheese:

                      - Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

                        - In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk while whisking to avoid lumps.

                          - Stir in mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened (about 5 minutes). Reduce heat and add both cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy.

                            - Mix in the cooked macaroni until well combined.

                              Serve:

                                - Drizzle hot honey sauce over the fried chicken tenders or toss them in a bowl with the sauce to coat evenly.

                                  - Serve the chicken alongside a generous scoop of mac n cheese.

                                    - Prep Time: 35 min | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 4

                                      - Presentation Tips: Plate the chicken tenders stacked high on one side of the plate, drizzle with additional hot honey, and serve the mac n cheese in a small ramekin. Garnish with chopped parsley for a touch of color!