Applebee’s Mac and Cheese Honey Chicken Recipe

Applebee’s Mac & Cheese Honey Chicken Recipe is a wholesome and creamy mac and cheese layered with crunchy honey-coated chicken and smoky bacon. This highly praised applebees recipe can now be made at home without compromising the taste.

Do you remember those days when you crave for a fulfilling meal? Neither salad, nor light pasta. I am referring a crispy, saucy, cheesy, comfort food. The same happened to me when I tried Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese for the very first time.

I clearly remember that day when for the whole day I had nothing in the fridge to eat and I badly craved for something comforting and wholesome. I went to Applebee’s and to my surprise I found something life changing when I took a first bite.

The fine amalgamation of creamy, garlicky mac and cheese, crispy chicken saturated in sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce hit my taste buds differently. From that moment I had decided to recreate this creamy and cheesy dish at home.

After many failed trials, I finally made it. And Today, I am here to reveal a recipe far better than the original one. So, if you want to make this dish to treat yourself and your loved ones with something delicious and comforting, let’s begin making it in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Applebee’s Mac and Cheese Honey Chicken Recipe?

• It lets you enjoy various flavors like creamy, sweet, and savory in a single bite.
• Enjoy the same taste as Applebee’s (but butter), as home cooked meal always brings you delight.
• It’s stunningly easy to prepare.
• It is perfect to serve in gatherings or to guests, because no one is gonna resist eating it.
• Make it the way you like it to be. Add extra spices, and sprinkle more cheese over it.

Ingredient Notes

This savory dish is made with the amalgamation of 3 vital ingredients: creamy mac and cheese, the crispy honey-glazed chicken, and the smoky bacon topping. Let’s explain it in detail:

The Base

• Ingredient Notes: Perfectly coated in a cheesy sauce.
• 25 oz breaded chicken strips: Use frozen chicken strips or make yourself you are determined to do so.
• 5 slices bacon, cooked, & crumbled: These goes well with bacon.
• Salt & Pepper to taste: This little flavoring can enhance the taste to a great extent.
• Fresh Basil: It’s optional, but adding it can give a fresh feel.

The Honey Pepper Sauce (The Secret Star of the Show)

• ¾ cup honey: Add it as base to make your sauce sticky and sweet.
• ¼ cup light brown sugar: For additional sweetness to equalize all things.
• 3 tsp low sodium soy sauce: to add a salty flavor to balance extra sweetness.
• ¼ cup pineapple juice: to add tropical twist that goes well with other ingredients.
• 1 lemon Juice: lightens the sauce.
• 1 tsp vinegar: a little zest to harmonize the falvors.
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper: For adding extra spices.

The Cheese Sauce (aka Liquid Gold)

• 1 stick butter: for a better start
• 2 cups heavy cream: because this recipe is not for diet-conscious people.
• ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese: to give nutty texture
• 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: For the wonderful cheese pull.
• ¾ cup freshly sliced Colby Jack cheese: Runny and creamy
• 2-3 cloves chopped garlic: as everything tastes better with garlic

How to Make Applebee’s Mac and Cheese Honey Chicken?

You may feel making this dish challenging due to too many steps, but trust me it’s super easy to make. Just follow me to till end.

Step 1: Cook the Chicken & Pasta

Begin with cooking chicken strips and pasta as per instructions labeled on the package. Leave to cook properly and proceed on making sauce.

Step 2: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

Take a small saucepan; add honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, vinegar, black pepper, lemon juice, and cayenne. Let all the ingredients boil and then lower the flame. Now, cook it for 15 minutes while continuously stirring it, until it turns into a thick, sticky texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

Take a frying pan and heat it on a medium flame. Now, add butter to melt. Mix heavy cream in the melted butter and stir it well. After this, add mozzarella, parmesan, and Colby Jack cheese. Persistently stir the ingredients until everything becomes creamy and smooth. Include grinded garlic, sprinkle some salt and pepper, and keep stirring.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Add the cooked pasta in the cheese sauce. Mix it with crumbled bacon. Coat crispy chicken strips magnanimously in the honey pepper sauce.

Step 5: Serve & Devour

Shift the mac & cheese into bowls, coat with the honey-glazed chicken, and garnish with extra bacon and fresh basil if you want to decorate it. Now, start enjoying the hot Applebee’s Mac and Cheese Honey Chicken Recipe (Copycat) on the go!

Storage Options

Fridge: Store the remaining food in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Cheese sauce may not freeze properly. However, you can freeze the chicken strips and honey pepper sauce separately for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Heat the mac & cheese over low flame. Add a small amount of milk if required. Fry the chicken in an air fryer or oven to make it crispy.

Variations and Substitutions

• Make it spicy: add extra cayenne or sprinkle hot sauce over it.
• Lighten it up: Instead of a heavy cream use half amount and grilled chicken in place of fried chicken.
• Extra crispy chicken: Mix the glazed chicken in a griddle foe 2-3 minutes.
• Different cheese blend: Try different cheese flavors like smoked Gouda, pepper jack, and sharp cheddar.

What to Serve with Applebee’s Mac and Cheese Honey Chicken?

Applebee’s Mac and Cheese with Honey Chicken is a wholesome meal to try at home. However, if you want to add something extra, here are some options to add:

• Steamed Broccoli – A healthy green veggie to balance the cheesy dish.
• Side Salad: Fresh and spicy to complement with cheese.
• Garlic Bread: Scrumptious and adds extra calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish in advance?

Why not! Store the chicken, sauces, and pasta separately, and mix them together when serving.

How do I maintain the creamy texture of mac & cheese during reheating?

Heat them on a low heat with a splash of milk to retain their texture.

Can I use homemade chicken strips in place of frozen?

Absolutely! Just make strips and fry them all before you coat it with the honey glaze.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Applebee’s Mac & Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken is super scrumptious, crispy, cheesy, sweet, as well as addictive. Once you try this recipe, it will make you crave it again and again. It is a perfect dish for anyone who loves comfort food. Try this wholesome recipe today and it will become your all-time favorite meal. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments section; I am eager to hearing from you!