Mac N Cheese with Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Ingredients

• 1600 g chicken tenders or boneless chicken breast strips(600g)
• 260 g all-purpose flour(60g)
• 31 egg(50g)
• 460 g panko breadcrumbs(60g)
• 52 g salt(2g)
• 61 g black pepper(1g)
• 71 cooking spray or oil(10g)
• 845 g honey(45g)
• 930 ml hot sauce(30g)
• 1015 g butter(15g)
• 112 g garlic powder(2g)
• 12250 g elbow macaroni(250g)
• 1328 g unsalted butter(28g)
• 1415 g all-purpose flour(15g)
• 15480 ml milk(480g)
• 16120 ml half and half(120g)
• 17170 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded(170g)
• 1860 g mozzarella cheese, shredded(60g)
• 192 g paprika(2g)
• 202 g salt and pepper(2g)
• 214 g chopped chives or parsley(4g)

Instructions

1. 1Cook the pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. 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. 3Optional bake: Transfer mac n cheese to a baking dish and broil for 3–4 minutes until golden and bubbly.
4. 4Bread the chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs seasoned with salt and pepper.
5. 5Cook 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. 6Make the hot honey sauce: In a small bowl, combine honey, hot sauce, melted butter, and garlic powder. Toss cooked chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
7. 7Assemble the bowls: Add a serving of mac n cheese and top with hot honey chicken tenders. Sprinkle with chopped chives.
8. 8Serve: Enjoy warm for the perfect mix of spicy, sweet, and cheesy comfort food.