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For a great hot honey chicken tenders recipe, you need fresh chicken tenders. Use one pound of chicken for a hearty meal. Buttermilk helps make the chicken tender. It’s key to soak the chicken for at least thirty minutes.

Hot honey chicken tenders with Mac n cheese

Spice up your dinner with my mouthwatering Hot Honey Chicken Tenders served with creamy Mac n Cheese! This winning combo is easy to make and bursting with flavor that will impress your family. Follow my step-by-step guide to marinate the chicken, create the perfect cheese sauce, and drizzle on a delectable hot honey glaze. Ready to elevate your meal? Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delicious feast to your table!
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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Tenders:

1 lb chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Oil for frying

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

1/2 cup honey

1 tablespoon red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon chili powder

For the Mac n Cheese:

8 oz elbow macaroni

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, soak the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize.

    Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, red pepper flakes, and chili powder. Stir until warmed through and slightly thickened. Set aside.

      Coat the Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In another dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.

        a. Remove tenders from buttermilk and dredge each tender in flour mix, then dip it back into buttermilk, and finally coat in panko breadcrumbs.

          Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the coated chicken tenders and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

            Cook the Mac n Cheese:

              a. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.

                b. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for about 2 minutes.

                  c. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Stir constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes.

                    d. Remove from heat and stir in cheese, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until melty and creamy.

                      e. Add cooked macaroni to cheese sauce and mix well.

                        Combine: Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the crispy chicken tenders. Serve hot alongside the cheesy mac n cheese.

                          Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

                            - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders arranged in a basket lined with parchment paper, drizzled with hot honey, accompanied by a generous helping of mac n cheese on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for an added pop of color!