Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Four Cheese Mac & Cheese

Picture this: golden, crispy chicken tenders glazed with a sticky, spicy-sweet hot honey, paired with an ultra-creamy, velvety mac and cheese that blends four cheeses into pure magic. The aroma of crispy fried chicken dances through the kitchen while the mac bubbles away, sending waves of cheesy scent that practically wraps you in a hug. It’s the kind of comfort food that delivers bold flavor, crunchy satisfaction, and that soul-warming creaminess in every single bite.

Behind the Recipe

This combo came straight from those cozy, indulgent cravings that hit on slow Sundays or late nights when you’re not just hungry, you’re hungry for comfort. It’s inspired by the meals I used to dream about as a kid, sneaking hot honey packets and mixing every cheese in the fridge into a pot of noodles. The idea was always simple: crispy chicken meets cheesy mac, both leveled up with flavor that makes you want to lick the plate.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Hot honey has roots in Southern kitchens but really rose to fame thanks to pizza shops who drizzled it on pepperoni slices. It’s a magical mix of sweetness and heat that instantly transforms anything it touches. Mac and cheese, meanwhile, traces its American popularity back to Thomas Jefferson. He fell in love with the dish during a trip to France and brought the concept home. Combining the two? That’s our modern-day twist on two classics with timeless charm.

Why You’ll Love Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Four Cheese Mac & Cheese

This dish is the definition of comfort, with just enough heat and tons of creamy, crispy satisfaction.

Versatile: Serve it for dinner, lunch, game day, or weekend indulgence. It fits in anywhere.

Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples and a few fridge essentials, no fancy ingredients needed.

Quick and Easy: You can have this on the table in under an hour with minimal effort.

Customizable: Tweak the cheese mix, adjust the heat in the honey, or even air fry the chicken.

Crowd-Pleasing: Crispy, cheesy, sweet, and spicy. Everyone finds something to love here.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the mac or chicken in advance and assemble when ready to eat.

Great for Leftovers: Reheats like a dream and might even taste better the next day.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

There’s nothing tricky here, but a few tips make this dish go from good to unforgettable.

• Use a wire rack to rest your fried chicken so it stays crispy, not soggy.
• Mix your cheeses off the heat, so they melt gently and don’t get grainy.
• Let the chicken rest after frying before tossing in hot honey to keep it from getting too soft.
• Slightly undercook your pasta, then let it finish cooking in the sauce for best texture.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before we get started, gather your tools so everything runs smoothly.

Large skillet: For frying the chicken to golden perfection.

Medium saucepan: Perfect for melting your cheesy sauce.

Mixing bowls: For dredging the chicken and mixing sauces.

Baking sheet with wire rack: To keep chicken crispy after frying.

Whisk: Helps get that cheese sauce ultra smooth.

Tongs: For flipping and handling those hot tenders safely.

Ingredients in Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Four Cheese Mac & Cheese

This dish is all about rich contrast — crunchy, sweet-spicy chicken and smooth, creamy mac. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Chicken tenders: 1.5 pounds. The star of the show, perfect for soaking up flavor and staying juicy.
2. Buttermilk: 1 cup. Tenderizes the chicken and adds tang to the dredge.
3. Eggs: 2 large. Helps the breading stick beautifully.
4. All-purpose flour: 1.5 cups. Gives that classic crispy coating.
5. Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon. Adds a savory depth to both the dredge and the mac.
6. Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon. Brings a subtle warmth and smokiness.
7. Cayenne pepper: 1/2 teaspoon. For that little kick in the coating.
8. Honey: 1/3 cup. The base of our sweet heat glaze.
9. Hot sauce: 2 tablespoons. Mixes with honey for that signature flavor.
10. Elbow macaroni: 2 cups. Classic shape for soaking up all that cheesy goodness.
11. Cheddar cheese: 1 cup, shredded. Sharp and bold, the backbone of the sauce.
12. Mozzarella cheese: 1/2 cup, shredded. For gooey, stretchy creaminess.
13. Parmesan cheese: 1/3 cup, grated. Salty, nutty flavor punch.
14. Cream cheese: 4 ounces. Adds richness and helps the sauce cling.
15. Milk: 1.5 cups. Thins the sauce to just the right creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Make this your own with some easy swaps.

Buttermilk: Plain yogurt thinned with milk.

Hot sauce: Use sriracha or chili garlic paste.

Mozzarella cheese: Swap with Monterey Jack or Fontina.

Cream cheese: Mascarpone or even a little heavy cream can work.

Milk: Use half and half or even evaporated milk for extra richness.

Ingredient Spotlight

Hot Honey: This magical mix of spicy and sweet takes the crispy tenders to a whole new level. It balances the richness of the cheese while giving that signature zing.

Cheddar Cheese: The sharp flavor stands out in the blend, giving depth and classic mac vibes. Always grate your own for best meltability.

Instructions for Making Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Four Cheese Mac & Cheese

Alright, apron on and skillet ready. Let’s get into the step-by-step fun.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat to 350°F. Also, preheat your oven to 200°F to keep tenders warm.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a bowl, whisk buttermilk and eggs. In another, mix flour with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne. In a saucepan, boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Line a baking sheet with paper towels and place a wire rack over it. This will catch excess oil and keep your tenders crispy.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Dip each chicken tender in the buttermilk mixture, dredge in seasoned flour, and repeat for extra crunch.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Fry tenders in batches, 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt cream cheese and milk over low heat, then stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan until smooth. Add cooked macaroni and mix until coated.
6. Finishing Touches:
   In a small saucepan, warm honey and hot sauce just until blended. Drizzle hot honey over the fried chicken tenders right before serving.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Plate tenders beside a big scoop of mac and cheese, maybe add some parsley for a pop of color, and dig in.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This dish nails that contrast we all crave. The chicken has a crackling crunch on the outside, juicy tenderness inside, and then gets coated in glossy hot honey that clings like a dream. The mac is silky, rich, and velvety smooth, with layers of cheese that coat every noodle. The balance of spice, sweet, salt, and cream creates the kind of flavor story that makes your eyes close on the first bite.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Little things go a long way in this dish.

• Let the breaded tenders rest 5 minutes before frying to help the coating set.
• Always shred your cheese fresh for smoother melting.
• Add a splash of pasta water to your mac sauce for extra silkiness.
• Keep fried chicken warm in the oven to maintain crispness while you prep everything else.

What to Avoid

Here are a few things that can throw off your dish and how to dodge them.

• Skipping the resting time after dredging. Your coating might fall off.
• Overheating your cheese sauce. It’ll separate and turn grainy.
• Using pre-shredded cheese. It doesn’t melt well because of added anti-caking agents.
• Not seasoning the pasta water. The mac will taste bland no matter how cheesy it is.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 720

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Want to get ahead? You can prep the chicken tenders by breading them and storing them in the fridge for a few hours before frying. The mac and cheese can be made ahead and reheated with a splash of milk. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat tenders in the oven to bring back that crispy crunch, and the mac on the stove or microwave until creamy again.

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Tenders with Four Cheese Mac & Cheese

Serve this as a hearty dinner with a simple green salad or roasted veggies to balance things out. For something more playful, try mini versions for party platters or stack the tenders on top of the mac in bowls for a decadent comfort bowl. Drizzle a little extra hot honey just before serving for that glossy, crave-worthy finish.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Here’s how to remix them.

• Chop up the chicken tenders and add them to a grilled cheese sandwich.
• Turn the mac and cheese into baked mac balls with breadcrumbs.
• Create a loaded mac bowl with tenders, corn, and avocado.
• Reheat tenders in a tortilla with the mac for a comfort-food wrap.

Additional Tips

A few more things to help you out:

• Don’t skip the hot honey, it’s the game-changer here.
• Add a little mustard powder to the cheese sauce for extra depth.
• Let the mac sit 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly.
• Use a blend of yellow and white cheddar for a prettier plate.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation makes a difference. Pile tenders in a stack next to a creamy scoop of mac on a matte ceramic plate. Drizzle hot honey last for that glistening, golden effect. Add fresh chopped parsley or a few red pepper flakes on top for color pop and flavor hint.

Variations to Try

Get creative with it. Here’s a few fun twists:

• Buffalo Twist: Swap hot honey for buffalo sauce for that classic heat.
• Truffle Mac: Add a drizzle of truffle oil to the cheese sauce for upscale flair.
• Southern Vibe: Add pickles and coleslaw on the side for a Southern twist.
• Spicy Mac: Stir in diced jalapeños or hot sauce into the cheese sauce.
• Kid-Friendly Version: Skip the hot sauce and serve with ketchup or ranch.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?

Yes, just bake at 425°F on a wire rack for 20 minutes, flipping halfway for crispiness.

Q2: How spicy is the hot honey?

It’s mild to medium. You can reduce or increase the hot sauce to suit your heat level.

Q3: What’s the best pasta shape for the mac?

Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells or cavatappi work great too.

Q4: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

It’s not recommended since it doesn’t melt as smoothly. Always shred your own for best results.

Q5: Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes, use gluten-free flour for dredging and gluten-free pasta for the mac.

Q6: How do I make the hot honey from scratch?

Just warm honey and stir in hot sauce to taste. That’s it.

Q7: Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, the tenders freeze well. Reheat in oven. The mac may separate, but can be revived with a splash of milk.

Q8: Can I make the mac on its own?

Absolutely. It’s a delicious side dish even without the chicken.

Q9: What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil or canola oil work well because of their high smoke points.

Q10: How can I reheat the chicken and keep it crispy?

Reheat in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes on a wire rack.

Conclusion

There’s something downright irresistible about crispy chicken drenched in sweet heat next to creamy, cheesy pasta. This dish brings bold flavors, comforting textures, and just enough kick to keep it interesting. Trust me, you’re going to love this. So grab your skillet, stir that sauce, and let this one become your new go-to favorite.

Print