Are you a fan of Applebee’s famous Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, but don’t always feel like leaving the comfort of your own home? Fear not, because with this Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe, you can now recreate this mouthwatering dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
This dish combines the classic American comfort food, mac and cheese, with juicy chicken and a sweet and tangy honey pepper sauce. It’s no wonder why it’s such a popular dish at Applebee’s restaurants across the country.
The first step to creating this dish is to prepare the chicken. Seasoned with salt and pepper, the chicken is cooked until golden brown and cooked through. This provides the perfect protein to add to the cheesy pasta.
The next step is to prepare the sauce. A combination of flour, milk, and heavy cream is cooked until thickened, and then infused with a sweet and savory combination of honey, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. This mixture is then combined with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese to create a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
The final step is to combine the cooked pasta and chicken with the cheese sauce, and then top it off with a sprinkle of chopped parsley. The result is a dish that is both hearty and flavorful, with just the right balance of sweetness and spice.
This Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. It’s easy to prepare, and will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
If you’re looking for a way to switch up your usual mac and cheese routine, or simply want to bring a taste of Applebee’s into your own home, this recipe is the perfect choice. It’s sure to become a new favorite among your family and friends, and will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
1 pound chicken breast, cut into small pieces
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup honey
2 teaspoons black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions:
Cook the macaroni according to package directions, drain and set aside.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in honey, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Add the cheddar and mozzarella cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni and chicken to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is coated in the sauce.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy!