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Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders for Ultimate Comfort Food

Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are crispy, sweet, and spicy bite-sized delights that promise to elevate any meal.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 tenders
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Tenders
  • 1 pound Chicken Tenders can substitute with chicken breasts cut into strips
  • 1 cup Buttermilk substitute with milk mixed with lemon juice if unavailable
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour consider gluten-free flour if needed
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder use fresh garlic for more robust taste
  • 1 teaspoon Salt adjust based on dietary needs
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper freshly cracked preferred
  • 1 cup Oil use a neutral oil with a high smoke point
  • 1/2 cup Honey use raw honey for more intense flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Hot Sauce adjust according to heat preference
  • 2 tablespoons Butter unsalted variety allows control over salt content
For the Cheesy Baked Macaroni
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni can substitute with other pasta shapes
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese use sharp or mild based on preference
  • 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese consider low-moisture mozzarella for best results
  • 1 cup Milk any variety can be used, including non-dairy options
  • 1/4 cup Flour all-purpose or a gluten-free blend can work
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt and Pepper adjust as needed
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder fresh garlic can also be incorporated

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • whisk
  • Skillet or Fryer
  • Saucepan
  • baking dish

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
  1. In a large bowl, combine your chicken tenders with buttermilk, ensuring they are fully submerged. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl.
  3. Remove the chicken from buttermilk and dredge in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
  4. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry chicken tenders in small batches for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
  5. Mix honey, hot sauce, and melted butter in a small bowl to create the glaze.
  6. Brush each cooked tender with the hot honey glaze after frying.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and gradually add milk to create cheese sauce.
  8. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted, then season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  9. Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, transfer to a greased dish, top with more cheese, and bake for 20 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 3tendersCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Ensure proper oil temperature for frying and consider making cheese sauce ahead of time for efficiency.

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