Irresistible Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Imagine diving into a bowl of creamy mac and cheese, only to discover tender chicken glazed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce. That’s right, my friends; we’re talking about the Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese! This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that tantalizes your taste buds and warms your heart. With every bite, you’ll find yourself reminiscing about cozy dinners and laughter-filled gatherings.

Now, picture this: You’re hosting a casual get-together, and as your friends take their first forkfuls, their eyes widen in delight. The rich flavors dance on their palates as they ask for seconds. This dish isn’t just for special occasions; it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress someone with minimal effort but maximum flavor. So grab your apron; let’s whip up this culinary masterpiece that will have everyone raving!

Ingredients for Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for 3-4 chicken breasts; they provide the star protein for our dish.

• Elbow Macaroni: Use about 8 ounces of elbow macaroni; they hold onto the sauce perfectly.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Go for sharp cheddar for a bold flavor that melts beautifully into the mac.

• Heavy Cream: This creates a rich, creamy base that makes the mac and cheese irresistibly smooth.

For the Sauce:

• Honey: A key ingredient that adds sweetness to balance out the spice from the pepper.

• Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the amount according to your heat tolerance; it adds just the right kick!

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to enhance umami flavors without overwhelming saltiness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Season your boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook each breast for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. This magical mixture will give our chicken that sweet-and-spicy kick!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Once the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the skillet and slice it into strips. In your pot with macaroni, add heavy cream along with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Bake It All Together

Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture into an oven-safe baking dish. Layer sliced chicken on top and drizzle generously with your honey pepper sauce. Sprinkle remaining cheddar on top.

Step 6: Finish Baking

Place in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Transfer to plates, drizzle with any remaining sauce for the perfect finishing touch!

Now you have an irresistible Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese that will leave everyone at your table asking for more! Enjoy every cheesy bite while basking in those compliments!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in flavor and juices. While that’s sizzling away, boil your pasta until al dente. Once the chicken is cooked through, prepare the cheesy sauce on the side. Timing is everything for a dish this delicious.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment! Swap out the chicken for shrimp or add sautéed veggies like bell peppers or spinach. For a spicy kick, toss in some jalapeños or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top. Personalize it to match your taste buds.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk when warming it up on the stovetop to restore creaminess and flavor.

Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of family game nights where everyone devoured this dish faster than I could serve it! Those smiles made every minute spent cooking worth it.

FAQs

What is Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious dish inspired by the popular restaurant’s menu. It features tender chicken coated in a honey pepper glaze, served over a bed of creamy mac and cheese. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a favorite among comfort food lovers. This recipe allows you to recreate that delightful restaurant experience right at home.

How can I make the honey pepper sauce for the dish?

To make the honey pepper sauce for your Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, combine honey, black pepper, garlic powder, and soy sauce in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the mixture simmers gently. Stir until combined and slightly thickened, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Coat your cooked chicken pieces in this flavorful sauce before mixing them into your mac and cheese for that signature taste.

Can I use a different type of cheese for this mac and cheese recipe?

Absolutely! While the classic recipe uses a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for its creamy texture, you can experiment with other cheeses. Gouda or Monterey Jack can add unique flavors, while cream cheese will enhance creaminess. Just keep in mind that each cheese will bring its own taste profile to your Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, so choose according to your preference.

How can I store leftovers of the Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese?

To store leftovers of your Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for longer storage. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess and heat on low in a saucepan or microwave until warmed through. Enjoy the comforting flavors even after the initial meal!

Conclusion for Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

This Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe offers an easy way to enjoy a beloved dish at home. With its rich flavors from the honey pepper sauce combined with cheesy pasta and tender chicken, it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. By following the straightforward steps outlined above, you can create this delightful comfort food that rivals restaurant quality. Enjoy every bite of this delicious meal!

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Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

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Indulge in the delightful flavors of Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. This comforting dish features tender chicken glazed with a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, nestled atop creamy elbow macaroni, all topped with melted sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook elbow macaroni until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown; then slice into strips.
3. Whisk together honey, soy sauce, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in a bowl.
4. In the pot with macaroni, add heavy cream and half of the cheddar cheese; stir until melted.
5. Layer cheesy macaroni in an oven-safe dish, top with sliced chicken, drizzle with honey pepper sauce, and sprinkle remaining cheddar on top.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Enhance your dish by adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. For a different protein option, you can substitute chicken with shrimp. For added spice, incorporate jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.