When you’re craving the ultimate comfort meal, Mac and Cheese with Honey & Garlic Chicken Tenders hits every note. You get ultra-creamy, cheesy macaroni paired with crispy chicken tenders coated in a sticky honey-garlic glaze that’s sweet, savory, and totally addictive.
Unlike takeout, this homemade combo lets you control the richness, seasoning, and crunch—making it perfect for family dinners, weekend comfort meals, or anytime you want a satisfying plate that feels extra special.
Ingredients
Serves 4
For the Mac and Cheese
- 12 oz (340g) elbow macaroni (or shells/cavatappi)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) milk (whole milk recommended)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
- 2 1/2 cups (250g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) shredded mozzarella (optional, for stretch)
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
For the Chicken Tenders
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders (or chicken breast cut into strips)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Breading
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
For Frying or Baking
- Oil for frying or cooking spray + 1 tablespoon oil for baking/air fryer
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/3 cup (80ml) honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 teaspoons water (optional for thickening)
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: About 40 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in milk (and cream if using) until smooth. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Lower heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Add cooked pasta and stir until coated.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken Tenders
Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Dredge in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Fry: Heat oil in a skillet and fry tenders 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Bake: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 16–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Fry: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 5: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine honey, garlic, soy sauce, butter, and lemon juice. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
For thicker sauce, stir in cornstarch slurry and cook 30–60 seconds until glossy.
Step 6: Coat the Chicken
Toss cooked chicken tenders in the warm honey garlic sauce until fully coated.
Step 7: Serve
Plate creamy mac and cheese with honey garlic chicken tenders on top or on the side. Drizzle extra sauce if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Add a simple green salad or steamed broccoli to balance the richness.
- Top mac and cheese with crispy breadcrumbs for extra texture.
- Serve with pickles or coleslaw for a tangy contrast.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley on chicken for a fresh finish.
- Make it spicy: add chili flakes or hot sauce to the honey garlic glaze.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 820 |
| Protein | 42 grams |
| Total Fat | 34 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 15 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 92 grams |
| Sugars | 22 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sodium | 980 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Chicken provides lean protein for a filling meal.
- Dairy-based cheese sauce adds calcium and richness—use reduced-fat milk to lighten it.
- Honey garlic sauce adds big flavor; a little goes a long way.
Tips for the Best Mac + Tenders
- Cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the sauce.
- Shred cheese fresh for the smoothest sauce (pre-shredded can be grainy).
- Use panko for extra-crispy chicken.
- Toss chicken in sauce right before serving to keep it crunchy.
- If mac gets thick, stir in a splash of warm milk to loosen.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Honey Garlic: Add sriracha or cayenne to the sauce.
- Baked Mac Version: Pour mac into a dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake 10 minutes.
- Buffalo Twist: Swap honey garlic sauce for buffalo sauce + ranch drizzle.
- Different Cheeses: Try Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Colby for a new flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
This Mac and Cheese with Honey & Garlic Chicken Tenders is the ultimate comfort-food combo—creamy, cheesy pasta paired with crispy, sticky-glazed chicken that’s sweet, garlicky, and irresistible. It’s easy enough for weeknights, but impressive enough to serve when you want something extra satisfying.
Whether you keep it classic or add your favorite twists, this recipe guarantees a creamy, crunchy, flavor-packed bite every time.
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