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
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Bake or deep fry chicken strips according to package directions (you can also make your own), set aside.
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Cook pasta according to package directions.
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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.
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To make your cheese sauce melt your butter and cream together in a large pan.
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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.
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Add salt and pepper to taste.
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Add pasta to pan with sauce and stir to combine, add in your bacon and stir until incorporated.
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Dip each of your chicken strips into the honey pepper sauce until coated and set aside.
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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