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Hot honey chicken tenders are a tasty mix of spicy and sweet. You start with tender chicken, soak it in buttermilk, and coat it in a blend of spices. This gives the chicken a rich flavor. The magic happens when you drizzle hot honey over the cooked tenders. This sweet and spicy combo makes each bite exciting.

Hot honey chicken tenders with Mac n cheese

Spice up your dinner with an unbeatable duo: hot honey chicken tenders and creamy mac n cheese! This delicious pairing marries sweet and spicy flavors with comforting goodness, perfect for impressing family and friends. Discover the secret to perfectly crispy chicken and a rich, creamy mac n cheese that complements it beautifully. Ready to dive into deliciousness? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your meals!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup hot honey (or mix ½ cup honey with 1-2 tbsp hot sauce)

2 cups elbow macaroni

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1 cup milk

3 tbsp butter

2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for mac n cheese)

½ tsp mustard powder

½ tsp ground black pepper

Optional toppings: chopped parsley, additional cheese for garnish

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, soak the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This will help tenderize the chicken and add flavor.

    Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

      Prepare Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

        Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure an even coating.

          Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

            Make Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken is baking, combine the hot honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Once warmed, remove from heat and set aside.

              Cook the Mac n Cheese: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

                Create Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the 2 tbsp of flour and cook, stirring constantly, until golden (about 1-2 minutes). Gradually whisk in the milk, and then add the mustard powder and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until thickened.

                  Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until well combined.

                    Serve: To serve, place a generous portion of mac n cheese on each plate and top with a few chicken tenders. Drizzle the warmed hot honey over the chicken, and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 1 hour | 4 servings

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve on a rustic wooden board for a country-style feel or in individual cast-iron skillets for a fun presentation. Add a side of coleslaw for extra color and crunch!