BACON:
Cook bacon in your preferred method, and set aside to cool.
SEASONED FLOUR:
Add all ingredients to a large resealable plastic bag and shake to combine.
HONEY PEPPER SAUCE:
Add all ingredients to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to LOW and simmer for 20 minutes, or until thickened slightly. Set aside to cool a bit.
FRIED CHICKEN:
Place chicken tenders in a large bowl and pour buttermilk into bowl. Turn chicken to coat each piece in buttermilk.
Let marinate while you prepare other things.
Add oil to large heavy bottomed pot and heat to 350 degrees F.
Shake excess buttermilk from chicken tender, then drop into the bag with the seasoned flour.
Shake gently to coat in flour. Repeat with remaining chicken tenders.
Add tenders, 2-3 at a time, to the hot oil and fry for several minutes per side, until dark golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from the oil and place on a wire cooling rack (with paper towels laying underneath to catch the excess grease). Repeat with remaining chicken.
4 CHEESE SAUCE AND PASTA:
While chicken is frying, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add pasta and cook until al dente (according to package directions).
Drain pasta and drizzle with a bit of olive oil.
While pasta water is coming up to a boil, add butter to a saucepan and melt over MED-LOW heat.
Add garlic and diced pepper to the pan and saute for 2 minutes, until softened.
Add in flour and whisk to combine. Mixture will resemble very wet sand.
Pour in heavy cream while whisking, and whisk often for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
Sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
Add in cheeses, one at a time, and stir to melt.
Season with pepper and basil and stir to combine.
Toss cooked pasta with cheese sauce and add to serving bowl.
Toss fried chicken tenders with some of the honey pepper sauce, and place several chicken tenders on top of the mac and cheese.
Sprinkle with crumbled bacon, minced fresh parsley, and an optional drizzle of the honey pepper sauce.
Enjoy!