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Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 6 reviews

Crispy, golden chicken tenders are marinated in buttermilk and coated with a flavorful flour mixture, then fried to perfection and brushed with a spicy, sweet hot honey glaze. Served alongside creamy, cheesy baked macaroni, this comforting dish perfectly balances heat and sweetness with rich, cheesy goodness for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Oil, for frying
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted

For the Cheesy Baked Macaroni

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and pour in the buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add moisture to the chicken.
  2. Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour will give a flavorful crust to the tenders.
  3. Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then thoroughly coat each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Fry the Tenders: Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the tenders in batches until golden brown and fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  5. Make the Hot Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, and melted butter until well combined.
  6. Glaze the Chicken: While the tenders are still warm, generously brush the hot honey glaze over each piece to coat evenly, adding a spicy-sweet kick.
  7. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the macaroni and cheese.
  8. Make Roux for Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux without browning.
  9. Add Milk and Thicken: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  10. Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, mixing until the cheeses fully melt into a creamy sauce.
  11. Combine Macaroni and Sauce: Toss the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
  12. Bake: Optionally top with extra shredded cheese for added crust, then bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. Serve hot alongside the glazed chicken tenders.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, double dredge the chicken by dipping again into buttermilk and flour before frying.
  • Adjust the hot sauce quantity in the glaze based on your preferred spice level.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, more melty sauce.
  • The macaroni and cheese can be prepared ahead and reheated before serving.
  • Leftover hot honey chicken tenders are delicious served cold or reheated in an air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hot honey chicken tenders, crispy chicken, baked macaroni and cheese, spicy sweet chicken, comfort food, fried chicken, cheesy pasta bake

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/hot-honey-chicken-tenders-recipe/