Crafting the Ultimate Beverage

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Flavor Infusion:

Slowly add spices or herbs of your choice, ensuring even distribution. This step enhances the depth of flavor.

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Flavor Infusion:

Slowly add spices or herbs of your choice, ensuring even distribution. This step enhances the depth of flavor.

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Baking Tips

Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce

Don't skip the buttermilk marinade for tender chicken

Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for crispy coating

Make glaze first as it can be reheated if needed

Pound chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking

Use meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F

Serve immediately while chicken is crispy

Double the glaze recipe if you love extra sauce

Cavatappi pasta holds sauce better than regular elbow macaroni

Copycat Applebee's Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Name: Copycat Applebee's Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Honey Pepper Glaze:; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons butter; For the Crispy Chicken:; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each); 2 cups buttermilk; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 2 teaspoons paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Vegetable oil for frying; For the Three-Cheese Mac and Cheese:; 1 pound cavatappi pasta (or elbow macaroni); 4 tablespoons butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

This incredible copycat recipe recreates Applebee's beloved Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, bringing restaurant-quality comfort food to your home kitchen. Tender, juicy chicken breast is coated in a perfectly seasoned crispy breading, then drizzled with a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze that creates the perfect balance of flavors. The chicken sits atop a bed of ultra-creamy, three-cheese mac and cheese made with cavatappi pasta that holds onto every bit of that rich, velvety cheese sauce. Each bite delivers the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried chicken, the creamy indulgence of restaurant-style mac and cheese, and the addictive sweet heat of the signature glaze. This dish transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something special and is guaranteed to become a family favorite that rivals the original.

Prep Time

30 Minutes

Cook Time

45 Minutes

Total Time

1H15 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Honey Pepper Glaze:

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 tablespoons butter

For the Crispy Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)

2 cups buttermilk

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornstarch

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetable oil for frying

For the Three-Cheese Mac and Cheese:

1 pound cavatappi pasta (or elbow macaroni)

4 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

1 cup Gruyere cheese, freshly grated

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

Salt to taste

For Garnish:

Fresh chives, chopped

Extra black pepper

Honey for drizzling

Instructions

Prepare the honey pepper glaze: In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.

Reduce heat to low and simmer 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and whisk in butter. Set aside.

Marinate the chicken: Pound chicken breasts to even 3/4-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper, then submerge in buttermilk. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in refrigerator.

Cook the pasta: Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Cook cavatappi according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the cheese sauce: In large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Gradually whisk in warm milk and cream, cooking until mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in cheeses until melted and smooth.

Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and white pepper. Season with salt to taste.

Prepare chicken coating: In large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

Heat oil: Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in heavy pot or deep fryer to 350°F.

Bread and fry chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge in seasoned flour mixture, pressing to adhere.

Fry chicken pieces for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to wire rack.

Combine pasta and cheese: Fold cooked pasta into cheese sauce until well coated. Keep warm over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Slice chicken: Let chicken rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Assemble and serve: Divide mac and cheese among serving bowls. Top with sliced chicken and drizzle generously with honey pepper glaze.

Garnish with fresh chives and extra black pepper. Serve immediately while hot.

Copycat Applebee's Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Crafting the Ultimate Beverage

Copycat Applebee's Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

Instructions