Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe

If you are on the lookout for a dish that brings together crispy, savory chicken with a delightful sweet and spicy kick, these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender, juicy chicken coated in a crunchy seasoned crust, then drenched in a glossy glaze that perfectly balances heat and honey’s natural sweetness. Paired with creamy, cheesy macaroni baked to bubbly perfection, this dish satisfies every craving from comfort food to a little adventurous spice. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or an impressive treat for guests, Hot Honey Chicken Tenders deliver flavor and texture in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity: each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering the ultimate taste experience. From the buttermilk that keeps the chicken juicy and tender to the blend of spices that give the coating its irresistible crunch, every component is essential. The hot honey glaze blends sweetness and heat, while the cheesy macaroni adds luscious richness and makes this dish a full-fledged feast.

• Chicken tenders (1 pound): The star protein, naturally tender and perfect for quick frying.
• Buttermilk (1 cup): Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a subtle tang that brightens flavors.
• All-purpose flour (1 cup + 2 tablespoons for roux): Creates the crispy coating and thickens the cheese sauce beautifully.
• Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds smoky warmth and vibrant color to the chicken coating.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon for cheese sauce): Brings a gentle savory depth that enhances every element.
• Salt (1 teaspoon total): Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural flavors.
• Black pepper (1 teaspoon total): Offers mild heat and complexity to the seasoning.
• Oil (for frying): A neutral oil with a high smoke point keeps tenders crispy without overpowering flavors.
• Honey (1/4 cup): The sweet backbone of the glaze that tempers the hot sauce’s punch.
• Hot sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a fiery kick that makes the hot honey glaze unforgettable.
• Butter (1 tablespoon melted + 2 tablespoons for sauce): Adds richness both in the glaze and creamy mac and cheese.
• Elbow macaroni (2 cups, cooked and drained): The classic pasta choice that loves soaking up cheesy sauce.
• Milk (2 cups): Creates the base for the smooth, velvety cheese sauce.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Sharp and flavorful, it’s the main star in the cheesy sauce.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Melts beautifully, giving creaminess and stretchiness to the macaroni.

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by soaking your chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This step is non-negotiable if you want those tenders to be juicy and tender. The acidity in the buttermilk gently breaks down the proteins, resulting in chicken that stays moist and flavorful after frying.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While your chicken is marinating, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This combination gives the crispy coating a perfect balance of smoky, garlicky, and slightly spicy notes that complement the sweetness in the glaze.

Step 3: Dredge the Chicken

Remove each tender from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then thoroughly coat it in your seasoned flour mixture. Make sure each piece is fully covered—this is going to give you that irresistible crunch with every bite.

Step 4: Fry the Tenders

Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the tenders until they’re a beautiful golden brown and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain them on paper towels to keep them crispy but not greasy.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

In a small bowl, stir together honey, hot sauce, and melted butter. This glaze is what truly sets these tenders apart. It’s sticky, spicy, and sweet all at once.

Step 6: Glaze the Tenders

While your fried chicken tenders are still hot, generously brush them with the hot honey glaze. This allows the sauce to soak in a bit and stick perfectly, creating that mouthwatering balance of heat and sweetness.

Step 7: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to make a smooth roux. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens—this will turn into the luxurious base for your macaroni cheese.

Step 8: Add the Cheese and Seasonings

Remove the sauce from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella, plus salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and rich.

Step 9: Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce

Toss the cooked and drained macaroni in the cheese sauce until every piece is coated in cheesy goodness. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.

Step 10: Bake the Macaroni and Cheese

Top the macaroni with extra shredded cheese for that golden, bubbly crust on top. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the surface is perfectly browned and bubbling with cheesy goodness.

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

Adding simple garnishes can elevate your presentation and flavor. Think fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of green and fresh brightness. A light dusting of smoked paprika on top enhances the smoky notes and looks gorgeous against the golden tender crust.

Side Dishes

While the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders paired with mac and cheese already make a complete meal, you can round it out with fresh, crisp sides. A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans adds balance and cuts through the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these tenders family-style on a large platter for a casual and fun experience, or individually plated with a drizzle of extra hot honey glaze and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. For party settings, transform tender pieces into skewers and serve with small ramekins of extra glaze for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Hot Honey Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days. Keep the tenders separate from the macaroni cheese to maintain their crispness as much as possible.

Freezing

If you’re making these tenders in bulk, they freeze beautifully. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Freeze the macaroni cheese separately for best results.

Reheating

To keep the tenders crispy, reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes instead of microwaving. Gently warm the macaroni cheese in the oven too, covered with foil to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breasts into strips about the size of tenders. Keep in mind that cooking time may be slightly longer since breasts are thicker, so check for doneness carefully.

How spicy is the hot honey glaze?

The glaze balances sweetness with a moderate heat from the hot sauce. If you prefer it milder, reduce the amount of hot sauce or add more honey. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne powder.

Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?

You can bake them, but the texture will differ. Baking yields a less crispy exterior, so consider using a wire rack on a baking sheet and spraying the tenders lightly with oil to encourage crispness.

What type of hot sauce works best?

Classic Louisiana-style hot sauce or any vinegar-based hot sauce works wonderfully here. Avoid creamy or extremely thick sauces as they won’t blend well with the honey or brush on smoothly.

Is there a dairy-free version of the mac and cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the milk and cheeses with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and vegan cheddar shreds. Adjust seasonings for enhanced flavor since plant-based cheeses can differ in taste and meltability.

Final Thoughts

These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are such a joyful dish to make and enjoy — the crispy coating, sweet and spicy glaze, plus creamy baked mac and cheese create a harmony of flavors and textures that’s hard to beat. They’re perfect for family dinners, game days, or whenever you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special. Give these tenders a try, and I promise they’ll become a golden favorite in your recipe collection!

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