Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese

Fan of your favorite restaurant recipes but want to make them at home? This Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Mac and Cheese is the perfect copycat recipe. Filled with mac and cheese, chicken and bacon it is completely addicting!

Ingredients:

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 8 ounces macaroni pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Honey Pepper Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper.
   • Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
   • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water, then stir it into the saucepan.
   • Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, then set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
   • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
   • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it and toss it in the honey pepper sauce.
3. Make the Mac and Cheese:
   • Cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
   • In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
   • Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook until the sauce thickens.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
   • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat.
4. Assemble and Serve:
   • Place the mac and cheese on a plate or in a bowl.
   • Top with the honey pepper chicken.
   • Garnish with chopped parsley.
   • Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese!

This recipe captures the sweet and savory flavors of the original dish, making for a comforting and satisfying meal.