Chef's Essential Tips

Preparation: Ensure your chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking. This will help avoid any undercooked or overcooked pieces.
Cheese Selection: Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded to achieve a creamier texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
Pasta Cooking: Cook the macaroni just until al dente. It will continue cooking in the oven, preventing it from becoming mushy.
Add Herbs: Consider adding fresh parsley or chives on top as a garnish. This will add color and freshness to your dish.
Crunch Factor: For an extra crunch, mix some grated Parmesan cheese into the panko breadcrumbs before topping.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Essential Ingredients Selection

Chicken Breasts: These provide the foundation of protein in the dish, ensuring it's hearty and satisfying. You can substitute with turkey if desired.
Honey: This ingredient adds a unique sweetness and plays a crucial role in the sauce, balancing the heat from the black pepper. It can be replaced with agave syrup for a vegan option.
Black Pepper: Essential for giving the dish its signature kick and enhancing the overall flavor profile. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount used.
Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for mac and cheese; its shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully. Penne or shells can be used as alternatives.
Cheddar Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and is the star of the mac and cheese, providing a rich, sharp flavor. You can experiment with different cheese blends for variety.
Cream Cheese: Adds an extra layer of creaminess and helps to create a smooth texture in the cheese sauce. Mascarpone can be a substitute for a richer flavor.
Butter: Used to create the roux for the cheese sauce, it adds richness. For a dairy-free version, use margarine or a dairy-free alternative.
All-Purpose Flour: This thickens the cheese sauce, ensuring a creamy consistency. A gluten-free flour blend can replace it for a gluten-free version.
Milk: Important for thinning the cheese sauce to the right consistency. If you're lactose intolerant, opt for almond or oat milk.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds a crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy mac and cheese. Regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute if needed.

Creating Your Masterpiece

Adjusting Spiciness:

If you prefer a milder dish, adjust the amount of black pepper and honey to your taste. This technique ensures the dish remains enjoyable for everyone at the table. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for more heat.

Meal Prepping Tips:

When preparing this dish ahead of time, assemble but don't bake until you're ready to serve. Cover with foil and refrigerate. This technique allows the flavors to develop overnight for an even tastier meal.

Storing Leftovers:

To ensure your leftovers stay fresh, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Storing in the refrigerator keeps it safe for 3 days, maintaining quality for your next meal.

Serving with Style:

Serve the finished dish warm, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color. This enhances presentation and adds freshness to your dish. A sprinkle of additional cheese on top just before serving can elevate flavor even further.

Creating the Crunchy Topping:

Mixing panko breadcrumbs with melted butter creates a crispy topping that contrasts with the creamy mac and cheese. Spread evenly over the top before baking for a delightful crunch with each bite.

Baking for Perfection:

Baking the dish at 375°F allows the flavors to meld and the top to develop a golden crust. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning. Letting it cool slightly before serving helps the layers set, enhancing the overall presentation.

Layering Mac and Cheese:

When layering your dish, start with half of the mac and cheese, followed by a generous layer of honey pepper chicken. This technique ensures every bite is flavorful and satisfying. Top with remaining mac and cheese for a better visual appeal.

Cooking the Chicken:

Sauté chicken pieces in the same skillet until browned and cooked through. This technique ensures all flavors meld while keeping the chicken moist. The honey pepper glaze will enhance the chicken with a sweet and spicy kick.

Creating Cheese Sauce:

Once your roux is prepared, slowly whisk in milk and simmer until thickened. This base forms the creamy foundation of your mac and cheese. Incorporating cream cheese at this stage adds depth and richness to the sauce.

Making the Roux:

Start by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat and add flour to create a roux. This mixture acts as the thickening agent for your cheese sauce. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t burn to achieve a perfect golden color.

The Complete Guide to Mastering Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Adjusting Spiciness:

Meal Prepping Tips:

Storing Leftovers:

Serving with Style:

Creating the Crunchy Topping:

Mixing panko breadcrumbs with melted butter creates a crispy topping that contrasts with the creamy mac and cheese. Spread evenly over the top before baking for a delightful crunch with each bite.

Baking for Perfection:

Layering Mac and Cheese:

Cooking the Chicken:

Creating Cheese Sauce:

Making the Roux:

Master Your Recipe with These Pro Chef Secrets

Use a deep baking dish to support the layers of pasta and sauce. A 9x13 inch dish works well.

For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

This dish is great for meal prep! You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat.

Delicious Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

Name: Delicious Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Chicken:; 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/4 cup honey; 1 tablespoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; For the Mac and Cheese:; 2 cups elbow macaroni; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup cream cheese; 1/4 cup butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; For Topping:; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, a dish that brings the restaurant experience right to your kitchen. This delightful recipe features tender, juicy chicken, perfectly coated in a sweet and tangy honey pepper sauce, paired with creamy and cheesy macaroni. The harmonious blend of savory chicken and rich cheese sauce creates a satisfying contrast, while the crunchy topping adds a delightful texture. Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or a cozy date night, this dish is sure to evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth. Whether served alongside a fresh salad or on its own, this creamy mac and cheese will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a restaurant-quality meal at home that will impress and delight everyone at the table, creating cherished memories with each bite.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

30 Minutes

Total Time

45 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), cut into bite-sized pieces

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon black pepper

1 tablespoon soy sauce

For the Mac and Cheese:

2 cups elbow macaroni

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup milk

1/2 cup cream cheese

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon paprika

For Topping:

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the flour to create a roux. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until it turns a light golden brown.

Step 3: Gradually whisk in the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue whisking until it thickens, approximately 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Lower the heat and mix in the cream cheese until it's fully melted and incorporated. This adds extra creaminess.

Step 5: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and paprika. Mix until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well combined. Set aside.

Step 7: In the same skillet, add the chicken pieces and cook over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 8: In a bowl, combine the honey, black pepper, and soy sauce. Pour this mixture over the cooked chicken, allowing it to bubble for 2-3 minutes until sticky.

Step 9: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, layer half of the mac and cheese, followed by the honey pepper chicken, then top with the remaining mac and cheese.

Step 10: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the top for a crunchy finish, then bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Step 11: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set.

Step 12: Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of your homemade Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese!