Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook elbow macaroni until al dente; drain and set aside.
- 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.
- Whisk together honey, soy sauce, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in a bowl.
- In the pot with macaroni, add heavy cream and half of the cheddar cheese; stir until melted.
- Layer cheesy macaroni in an oven-safe dish, top with sliced chicken, drizzle with honey pepper sauce, and sprinkle remaining cheddar on top.
- 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.