Mac n Cheese with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
This mac n cheese with hot honey chicken tenders is the ultimate comfort meal with a bold twist. Crispy chicken coated in a sweet and spicy glaze sits on top of creamy, cheesy pasta for a high-protein dish that feels indulgent but is still balanced enough for meal prep.
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute. Slowly pour in milk and half and half, whisking until smooth and thickened. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, paprika, salt, and pepper until creamy. Add cooked pasta and mix to coat.
- Optional Bake: Transfer mac n cheese to a baking dish and broil for 3–4 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge chicken tenders in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 12–14 minutes or pan-fry in oil for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a bowl, mix honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and garlic powder. Toss cooked chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
- Assemble the Bowls: Add mac n cheese to bowls and top with hot honey chicken tenders. Sprinkle with chopped chives.
- Serve: Enjoy warm for a perfect mix of spicy, sweet, and cheesy comfort food.
Nutrition
Notes
- Keep chicken and mac separate to maintain crispiness
- Reheat mac n cheese with a splash of milk to keep it creamy
- Store sauce separately if you want chicken to stay crispy longer
- Use grilled chicken for a lighter version
- Add broccoli or spinach for extra nutrients
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