Copycat Applebee’s Honey

Fan of your favorite restaurant recipes but want to make them at home? This Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Mac and Cheese is the perfect copycat recipe. Filled with mac and cheese, chicken and bacon it is completely addicting!
Honey Pepper Mac and Cheese is one of my favorite copycat restaurant meals around. With so many different flavors combined into one makes it seriously flavorful.

Now you can make it at home with this delicious recipe, bringing your favorite copycat meal right to your table. Some of my other favorite copycat recipes include Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, Wahlburgers Sloppy Joe and Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites.

There are so many different recipes from your favorite sit down or take-out places that you can easily recreate at home and this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is one of my favorites and most popular on my site. Want to find out how you can easily make it at home? Keep reading.
Traditionally making a cheese sauce you would create a rue, I decided against it for this recipe as the creamier sauce without the flour added to it helps the noodles soak up the sauce without becoming dried out and pretty much diminishing. We first start with melting butter and cream together.

Add your cheeses one at a time making sure that each are melted in before adding the next one, this ensures that the cheese are melted evenly. Then you add in salt and pepper to taste, this is always a personal preference, I’m a salt person so I love extra salt on my food, but use your judgement. You then stir in the pasta to this sauce along with your bacon.

Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese will 100% become one of your favorite recipes out there. It is simple as all the ingredients are pretty much just dump and go and it is PACKED full of all the flavors.

Hands down this recipe is one of the ones most requested at our house more than any. It makes a large enough batch to feed the whole family and it costs less to make this than it does to actually go to the restaurant and purchase a single plate.

If you want the perfect copycat recipe that you can make at home then you need to add this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese to your menu fast!

Ingredients:

For Honey Pepper Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For Mac and Cheese:

8 oz elbow macaroni or your preferred pasta
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Honey Pepper Chicken:

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Dredge each piece in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, mix honey, soy sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat over low heat until well combined. Pour the sauce over the fried chicken and toss to coat.

Mac and Cheese:

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
Serve the honey pepper chicken over the mac and cheese and drizzle with extra honey pepper sauce if desired.

some popular questions and their answers related to Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for the Honey Pepper Chicken?

A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook.

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

A: Yes, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it for a healthier option. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.

Q: Can I make the Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the Mac and Cheese ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Store the cooked pasta and cheese sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the cheese sauce gently on the stovetop and mix it with the cooked pasta before serving.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese for the Mac and Cheese?

A: Yes, you can customize the Mac and Cheese with your preferred type of cheese. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, Gouda, or Monterey Jack to create your own unique flavor.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth or water instead of chicken broth in the cheese sauce. You can also add your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, peas, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.