APPLEBEE’S HONEY PEPPER CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE

Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

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If you’re a fan of Applebee’s mouthwatering Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese and have been dreaming about making it at home, you’re in for a treat! This guide will walk you through recreating this iconic dish, ensuring you can enjoy its tantalizing flavors anytime you crave it.

Why Choose This Dish?

Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines sweet and spicy flavors with creamy, cheesy goodness, making it a hit among all age groups. Its unique taste profile and comforting texture make it a sought-after recipe for family dinners, special occasions, or when you simply need a culinary hug.
Want to find out how you can easily make it at home? Keep reading.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Gather Your Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Honey Pepper Sauce

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder

For the Mac and Cheese

  • 8 oz macaroni pasta
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide for Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

 

APPLEBEE’S HONEY

Ingredients Preparation

Before diving into cooking, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients prepared and measured out to streamline the cooking process.

Preparing the Chicken

  • Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step lays the foundation for flavor.
  • Cook the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and no longer pink in the center. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
  • Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it juicier.

Crafting the Honey Pepper Sauce

  • Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, mix together the honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine.
  • Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
  • Finish the Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Making the Mac and Cheese

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Then, drain the pasta and set aside.
  • Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the milk and then gradually whisk in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the drained macaroni back into the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir well until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

Assembling the Dish

  1. Slice the Chicken: Cut the rested chicken breasts into thin slices or bite-sized pieces.
  2. Top Mac and Cheese with Chicken: Serve the creamy mac and cheese onto plates or a large serving dish. Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the mac and cheese.
  3. Drizzle with Honey Pepper Sauce: Generously drizzle the honey pepper sauce over the chicken and mac and cheese.
  4. Garnish (Optional): For a finishing touch, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions to add a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for perfecting the dish

With these tips, your Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese will not only taste great but will also bring a touch of restaurant-quality flair to your home cooking :
  1. Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of the honey pepper sauce before cooking.
  2. Cheese Choice: Use a mix of sharp cheddar for flavor and a melty cheese like mozzarella for creaminess in the mac and cheese.
  3. Pasta Doneness: Cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to soften when mixed with the cheese sauce.
  4. Sauce Thickness: Adjust the thickness of your honey pepper sauce to preference. It should be thick enough to cling to the chicken but not overly sticky.
  5. Season Well: Don’t forget to season each component well, including the chicken, sauce, and mac and cheese, for a well-rounded flavor profile.
  6. Broil for Finish: Consider giving the assembled dish a quick broil to get a slightly crispy top on the mac and cheese.
  7. Rest the Chicken: Let the cooked chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
  8. Fresh Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions can add a bright contrast to the dish’s rich flavors.
  9. Experiment with Heat: If you like things spicy, add a bit more pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the honey pepper sauce.
  10. Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the dish hot right after combining all the elements.

FAQs

  • Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Just make sure to warm it up before serving and coat it with the honey pepper sauce for that authentic flavor.
  • What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar in the sauce? You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar or lemon juice to achieve a similar acidity and tanginess in the sauce.
  • Can I make the mac and cheese ahead of time? Yes, the mac and cheese can be made ahead of time. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little milk to loosen the sauce if necessary.
  • Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe? Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta for the mac and cheese and ensure your soy sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • How can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk to the mac and cheese if it has thickened too much.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese at home is an achievable feat that promises to delight your taste buds and impress your dinner guests. By marinating the chicken for added flavor, choosing the right mix of cheeses for the mac and cheese, and carefully crafting the honey pepper sauce with the perfect balance of sweetness and heat, you can recreate this beloved dish with confidence. Remember to cook your pasta al dente, season each component well, and serve the dish hot for the best dining experience. With these tips and your culinary creativity, you can bring a piece of Applebee’s into your kitchen, making for a special meal that’s both comforting and exciting. So, don your chef’s hat, gather your ingredients, and prepare to enjoy a homemade version of this classic favorite that might just become your new go-to comfort food.
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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

  • Author: Eliza Nooman
  • Prep Time: 15minutes
  • Cook Time: 25minutes
  • Total Time: 40minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

Dive into the savory delight of Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy pasta topped with juicy chicken and drizzled with a sweet and spicy sauce. A comfort food classic that brings the taste of Applebee’s right to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Honey Pepper Sauce

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder

For the Mac and Cheese

  • 8 oz macaroni pasta
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Bake or deep fry chicken strips according to package directions (you can also make your own), set aside.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions.
  • Meanwhile mix all your Honey Pepper sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and let cool slightly to thicken.
  • To make your cheese sauce melt your butter and cream together in a large pan.
  • Once melted add in your cheese one at a time, stirring after each addition then and garlic and stir until incorporated and everything in melted.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add pasta to pan with sauce and stir to combine, add in your bacon and stir until incorporated.
  • Dip each of your chicken strips into the honey pepper sauce until coated and set aside.
  • When ready to serve, dish up your pasta and top with chicken strips and sprinkle with basil and additional bacon if desired.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 people
  • Calories: 1037
  • Sugar: 67g
  • Sodium: 1529mg
  • Fat: 72g
  • Saturated Fat: 41g
  • Carbohydrates: 74g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 243mg

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