3 Cheese Mac And Cheese With Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders
Mac and cheese is a beloved classic comfort food that can be enjoyed all year round. This recipe takes the traditional dish to the next level by adding three different types of cheese and pairing it with crispy honey pepper chicken tenders.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
For the Mac and Cheese:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until sauce has thickened.
- Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyere cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir to combine.
- Transfer mac and cheese to a 9x13 inch baking dish and sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs and chopped parsley.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until top is golden brown and crispy.
For the Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge chicken tenders in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken tenders to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken tenders from skillet and toss in honey mixture.
Conclusion
This 3 Cheese Mac and Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders recipe is the ultimate comfort food. The combination of creamy mac and cheese with crispy chicken tenders coated in a sweet and spicy glaze is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at a potluck, this recipe is sure to please.