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Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese with glossy chicken and basil in a bowl

Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

  • Author: Savoreza
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, smoky, and sweet with a peppery finish. Crispy chicken strips get tossed in honey pepper sauce, then served over bacon mac and cheese.

Ingredients

  • 16 oz box spiral noodles
  • 1 25 oz bag breaded chicken strips
  • 5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Basil, for garnish

Honey Pepper Sauce:

  • 3/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce, low sodium
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Cheese Sauce:

  • 1 stick butter
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
  • 3/4 cup Colby jack cheese, freshly shredded
  • 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Chopped fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Bake the chicken: Cook the breaded chicken strips according to the package directions until hot, crisp, and golden.
  2. Cook the noodles: Boil the spiral noodles in salted water until tender. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Simmer the sauce: Add the honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to a small saucepan. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until glossy and slightly thickened.
  4. Make the cheese sauce: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the garlic for 30 seconds, then add the heavy cream and warm until steaming.
  5. Melt the cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby jack a handful at a time until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Assemble the bowls: Stir the drained noodles and crumbled bacon into the cheese sauce. Toss the crisp chicken strips in the honey pepper sauce, place them over the mac and cheese, and finish with basil.

Notes

Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than bagged shredded cheese. Store the pasta, chicken, and sauce separately for the best leftovers, then reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer before glazing.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: honey pepper chicken mac

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Find it online: https://savoreza.com/copycat-applebees-honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese/