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–+ servings

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.
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Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 710
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
 
 

For the Hot Honey Chicken Tenders:
  • 600 g chicken tenders or boneless chicken breast strips
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Cooking spray or oil for air frying/pan frying
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce
  • 1 tbsp butter melted
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the Mac n Cheese:
  • 250 g elbow macaroni
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup half and half
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
  • 1 tbsp chopped chives or parsley

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. 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.
  3. Optional Bake: Transfer mac n cheese to a baking dish and broil for 3–4 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  4. Bread the Chicken: Dredge chicken tenders in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs seasoned with salt and pepper.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Assemble the Bowls: Add mac n cheese to bowls and top with hot honey chicken tenders. Sprinkle with chopped chives.
  8. Serve: Enjoy warm for a perfect mix of spicy, sweet, and cheesy comfort food.

Nutrition

Calories: 710kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 46gFat: 30g

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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