Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Indulge in this irresistible Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese—a dish that perfectly combines crispy, tender chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta. The sweet and spicy notes create a delightful flavor experience that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up this comforting classic that promises a memorable meal filled with laughter and satisfaction.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients. Chop garlic and green onions while heating water for the pasta.
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook macaroni until al dente (7-9 minutes), drain, and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat; sear chicken until golden brown (6-7 minutes per side).
- In another pot over medium heat, combine heavy cream, cheddar cheese, honey, and black pepper; stir until smooth.
- Gently fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.
- Slice cooked chicken into strips and mix into the mac and cheese; top with panko breadcrumbs before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for enhanced flavor. Allow the sauce to simmer for improved richness. Experiment with different cheeses or add sautéed vegetables for added nutrition.