Description
This Hot Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy, cheesy macaroni with crispy chicken tenders drizzled in sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner with a delightful twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Mac and Cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/3 cup hot honey sauce
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F if you prefer to bake the mac and cheese after assembling.
- Cook macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the milk and then gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble macaroni and cheese: Transfer the cooked macaroni into a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce evenly over it, stirring lightly to coat all the noodles.
- Cook chicken tenders: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken tenders until golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through inside, approximately 6-8 minutes depending on thickness.
- Combine chicken and mac & cheese: Either arrange the cooked chicken tenders on the side of the macaroni or place them on top of the mac and cheese.
- Add hot honey and garnish: Drizzle the hot honey sauce generously over the chicken tenders. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top of the mac and cheese to add freshness and color.
- Serve: Serve the dish warm for a comforting and satisfying meal that balances creamy cheese with the sweet heat of the honey sauce.
Notes
- You can bake the assembled mac and cheese in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes for a bubbly, golden top layer.
- Adjust hot honey sauce amount to control spiciness according to preference.
- For extra crispy chicken, coat tenders lightly with flour or breadcrumbs before cooking.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more intense cheesy flavor.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with chives or green onions for garnish.
