Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders & Creamy Mac
**Introduction**
The ultimate comfort food experience lies in the perfect pairing of savory, spicy, sweet, and creamy. This recipe for Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders & Creamy Mac delivers exactly that. Imagine succulent, juicy chicken tenders encased in an impossibly crispy, golden crust, glistening with a sticky, spicy-sweet hot honey glaze. Beside it sits a bowl of the creamiest, cheesiest macaroni, its rich sauce clinging to every tender elbow noodle. This is a hearty and deeply comforting meal designed to satisfy every craving in a single, glorious plate. It’s the kind of food that turns an ordinary weeknight into a celebration and is guaranteed to be a hit with the entire family, from kids to adults.
**Perfect for:**
* Family Game Night
* Weekend Comfort Food Cravings
* Impressively Easy Date Night In
* Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Contribution
* A Fun and Delicious Friday Night Dinner
**Why You’ll Love This Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders & Creamy Mac Recipe**
**Incredible Flavor and Texture Contrast:** The combination of spicy, sweet, crispy chicken with the rich, smooth, and savory mac and cheese creates a dynamic and unforgettable eating experience in every single bite.
**Surprisingly Straightforward Process:** While the result tastes gourmet, the methods are approachable. Frying the tenders and making the cheese sauce from scratch might seem daunting, but the step-by-step instructions ensure success.
**Customizable Heat Level:** You have complete control over the “hot” in the hot honey. Adjust the amount of chili sauce or hot sauce to make it a gentle warmth or a fiery kick, tailoring it perfectly to your palate.
**The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser:** This dish universally appeals. The classic comfort of mac and cheese paired with the exciting, modern twist of hot honey chicken is a guaranteed win for any gathering.
**Preparation and Cooking Time**
Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):**
**Calories:** 850-950 kcal
**Protein:** 45g
**Carbohydrates:** 85g
**Fat:** 35g
**Fiber:** 3g
**Sugar:** 25g
**Nutritional Disclaimer**
aileen recipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
**Ingredients**
**For the Crispy Chicken Tenders:**
* 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 tsp garlic powder
* 2 tsp paprika
* 1 tsp salt
* 1/2 tsp black pepper
* 2 large eggs
* 1 tbsp water
* 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
* Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
**For the Hot Honey Glaze:**
* 1/2 cup honey
* 2 tbsp hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
* 1 tbsp unsalted butter
* 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
* 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
**For the Creamy Mac:**
* 8 oz elbow macaroni
* 3 tbsp unsalted butter
* 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
* 2 cups whole milk, warmed
* 1 tsp Dijon mustard
* 1/2 tsp garlic powder
* 1/2 tsp onion powder
* Salt and white pepper to taste
* 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or more cheddar)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
**For the Creamy Mac:**
1. Cook the macaroni according to package directions in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a bubbly paste (this is a roux).
3. Gradually whisk in the warm milk until the mixture is completely smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and white pepper.
5. Gradually add the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the sauce is smooth and all cheese is melted.
6. Add the drained macaroni back to the pot and stir until evenly coated in the cheese sauce. Keep warm over very low heat, stirring occasionally.
**For the Crispy Chicken Tenders:**
1. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In the second, whisk the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water. Place the panko breadcrumbs in the third.
2. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Dredge each tender first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then, dip it into the egg wash, allowing the excess to drip off. Finally, press it firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly. Place on a wire rack.
3. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat about 1.5 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
4. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully place the breaded tenders into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
5. Transfer the cooked tenders to a clean wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain.
**For the Hot Honey Glaze & Assembly:**
1. While the chicken is frying, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring, until the butter is melted and the mixture is well combined and warm. For extra heat, add the red pepper flakes.
2. Once all the chicken tenders are fried, place them in a large bowl. Pour the warm hot honey glaze over them and toss gently until every tender is evenly coated.
**How to Serve Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders & Creamy Mac**
* Serve the glazed hot honey chicken tenders immediately alongside a generous portion of the creamy mac and cheese.
* For a fresh contrast, add a simple side salad with a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
* Garnish the mac and cheese with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
* Provide extra hot sauce or a small dish of the hot honey glaze on the side for those who desire an additional kick.
**Additional Tips for Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders & Creamy Mac**
* For the crispiest chicken, use panko breadcrumbs and ensure your oil is at the correct temperature before frying. A thermometer is highly recommended.
* Shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can lead to a grainy sauce.
* To keep the chicken warm and crispy while you finish frying batches, place them in a single layer on the wire rack in a 250°F (120°C) oven.
* If your cheese sauce becomes too thick upon standing, stir in a splash of warm milk to loosen it to the desired consistency.
**Recipe Variations of Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders & Creamy Mac**
**Baked Chicken Tender Version:** For a lighter option, skip frying. Place the breaded tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through. Toss with the hot honey glaze as directed.
**Smoky Bacon Mac:** Add 4-5 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon to the mac and cheese along with the pasta for a smoky, salty flavor boost.
**Extra Spicy Version:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for the chicken and use a spicier hot sauce like sriracha in the glaze.
**Freezing and Storage for Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders & Creamy Mac**
**Storage:** Store leftover chicken and mac and cheese separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
**Reheating:** Reheat the mac and cheese in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk, stirring frequently. Reheat chicken tenders in an air fryer or a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to re-crisp. The microwave will make the chicken soggy.
**Freezing:** The mac and cheese freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The cooked, unglazed chicken tenders can be frozen on a baking sheet then transferred to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer until hot, then glaze.
**FAQ Section about Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders & Creamy Mac**
**Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?**
Yes. Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch thick strips to mimic the size of tenders.
**What can I use if I don’t have panko?**
Regular breadcrumbs will work, but they will result in a finer, less shatteringly crisp crust.
**My cheese sauce is grainy. What happened?**
This can occur if the heat is too high when adding the cheese, causing the fats to separate. Always add cheese off the heat or over very low heat, and avoid using pre-shredded cheese.
**Can I make the hot honey glaze spicier?**
Absolutely. Increase the amount of hot sauce, add more red pepper flakes, or incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
**Conclusion of Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders & Creamy Mac Recipe**
This recipe for Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders & Creamy Mac is more than just a meal; it is a testament to the power of perfect pairings. The journey from simple ingredients to a spectacular, restaurant-quality dish is both rewarding and surprisingly simple to achieve. The harmonious balance of flavors and textures—the spicy, sweet, and crispy chicken against the rich, velvety mac and cheese—creates a dining experience that is deeply comforting and utterly irresistible. This is a dish destined to become a requested favorite, a reliable go-to for any occasion that calls for food that is not just eaten, but truly celebrated.