Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Oh my goodness, friends! Get ready for the most incredible copycat recipe that’s about to become your new favorite dinner obsession. This Applebee’s-inspired Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is pure comfort food magic – creamy, savory, and with the most amazing sweet-spicy kick that keeps you coming back for more.

You know those restaurant dishes that you just can’t stop thinking about? This is definitely one of them! I’ve spent countless evenings perfecting this recipe, and let me tell you – it’s even better than the original. The combination of tender chicken coated in that incredible honey pepper sauce, sitting atop a bed of the creamiest mac and cheese you’ll ever taste, is absolutely dreamy.

Why This Recipe is Pure Gold

Let me count the ways you’ll fall head over heels for this dish! First, it’s the perfect balance of flavors – sweet honey, a hint of pepper heat, rich cheese sauce, and crispy bacon (because everything’s better with bacon, right?). The mac and cheese base is ultra-creamy without being heavy, and those chicken strips get the most gorgeous glaze from our honey pepper sauce.

What makes this recipe extra special is how all these elements work together while still letting each component shine. The sauce seeps into the pasta, the chicken stays perfectly tender, and that bacon adds the most wonderful crunch. My family literally cheers when they see this on the dinner menu – it’s that good!

And the best part? While it looks totally restaurant-worthy, you can absolutely make this in your own kitchen. I’ve broken down all the steps to make it approachable and fun to prepare. Trust me, once you master this recipe, you’ll never need to order it at Applebee’s again!

Ingredients Overview

Let me walk you through everything you’ll need for this amazing copycat recipe! Just like my crispy butter chicken recipe, the magic is in using quality ingredients and understanding their roles.

For the Mac and Cheese Base:

• Cavatappi pasta – The spiral shape is perfect for holding all that creamy sauce! You can substitute penne or elbow macaroni if needed
• Heavy cream – This creates that luxuriously smooth base. Half-and-half works in a pinch but won’t be quite as rich
• Three cheese blend – We’re using sharp cheddar, mozzarella and Monterey Jack. The sharp cheddar brings bold flavor while the others provide that stretchy, melty texture we all love
• Butter – I recommend unsalted so you can control the seasoning
• Crispy bacon – Adds amazing smoky flavor and crunch

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:

• Honey – Use pure honey for the best flavor, just like in my Brazilian coconut chicken
• Black pepper – Freshly ground makes a huge difference here!
• Soy sauce – Adds depth and that perfect umami note
• Apple cider vinegar – Brings brightness and balances the sweetness

Success Tips & Tricks

Let me share some game-changing tips I’ve learned after testing this recipe countless times:

• Temperature matters! Let your cream cheese come to room temperature before making the sauce – it’ll blend much more smoothly
• For the perfect cheese sauce consistency, add your cheese gradually and stir constantly over low heat
• Don’t skip the simmer time on the honey pepper sauce – those 15 minutes let the flavors meld beautifully
• Cook your pasta just until al dente since it’ll continue softening in the hot cheese sauce
• If your sauce seems too thick, thin it with a splash of warm cream rather than milk to maintain richness
• For make-ahead prep, you can prepare the honey pepper sauce up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge

The key to nailing this recipe is patience with the sauces – rushing them can lead to graininess or separation. Trust me, that extra few minutes of careful attention makes all the difference!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let me walk you through making this incredible Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese! Just like my creamy pasta dishes, this recipe comes together beautifully with a few key steps.

Preparing the Components

1. For the Chicken:
– Bake or deep fry chicken strips until golden and cooked through
– Set aside while preparing other elements
– If making homemade strips, season well with salt and pepper

2. For the Pasta:
– Bring a large pot of salted water to boil
– Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente
– Drain but don’t rinse – the starch helps the sauce stick!

3. For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
– Combine sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan
– Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to simmer
– Cook for 15 minutes, stirring frequently
– Let cool slightly to thicken

4. For the Cheese Sauce:
– Melt butter and cream together over medium heat
– Add cheeses gradually, stirring between each addition
– Mix in minced garlic
– Season with salt and pepper to taste

Assembly

1. Place cooked pasta in a large serving bowl
2. Pour cheese sauce over pasta
3. Add crumbled bacon
4. Toss everything together until well combined
5. Dip each chicken strip in honey pepper sauce
6. Top pasta with sauced chicken strips
7. Sprinkle with fresh basil

Recipe Variations

Just like my chicken rice bowl, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Here are some delicious ways to make it your own:

Pasta Options:
– Swap penne for bowties or rotini
– Use whole wheat pasta for extra nutrition
– Try gluten-free pasta if needed

Protein Variations:
– Substitute grilled shrimp for chicken
– Use leftover rotisserie chicken
– Make it vegetarian with crispy breaded cauliflower

Sauce Adjustments:
– Add a dash of cayenne for extra heat
– Mix in some ranch seasoning for tang
– Try it with different cheese combinations

Topping Ideas:
– Extra crispy bacon bits
– Toasted panko breadcrumbs
– Diced fresh tomatoes
– Sliced green onions

For meal prep, portion into containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You bet! Like my favorite meal prep recipes, this mac and cheese can be prepared in advance. I recommend making the components separately – cook the pasta, prepare the sauces, and store them in separate containers. When ready to serve, simply reheat and assemble. The cheese sauce might thicken in the fridge, so add a splash of warm milk while reheating.

How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Great question! The secret is keeping the honey pepper sauce separate until serving. I learned this the hard way (soggy chicken is no fun!). Cook your chicken strips until golden brown, and only dip them in the sauce right before placing them on top of the pasta.

Can I freeze this dish?
While you can freeze portions, I’ll be honest – fresh is best! If you do freeze it, store the chicken separate from the pasta. When reheating, add a bit of cream or milk to revive the cheese sauce, and crisp up the chicken in the oven before adding fresh honey pepper sauce.

What if my honey pepper sauce isn’t thickening?
Don’t worry – I get this question all the time! The key is patience. Let it cool slightly after simmering, and it will thicken beautifully. Trust me, I’ve made this countless times, and it always works with a little cooling time.

Final Recipe Notes

This copycat recipe has become such a family favorite in my house – my kids actually cheer when they see it on the weekly menu! Remember to taste and adjust seasonings as you go – everyone’s preference for salt and pepper is different.

A few final tips I’ve learned through many, many times making this dish:
– Use freshly grated cheese whenever possible – it melts much better than pre-shredded
– Don’t skip the bacon! It adds such amazing flavor
– Fresh basil really brightens up the whole dish
– Keep extra honey pepper sauce on hand – trust me, you’ll want it!

Give this recipe a try, and I’d love to hear how it turns out! Share your photos, tag me on social media, or drop a comment below. Happy cooking, friends! 🧀🍗