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Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

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Indulge in the comforting flavors of Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. This delightful dish features tender chicken glazed with honey and pepper, paired with creamy macaroni enveloped in rich cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this recipe brings restaurant-quality comfort food right to your kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or milk)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 green onions, sliced thinly
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown (6-8 minutes per side). Remove from skillet.
  3. In the same skillet, lower heat and add heavy cream, honey, and soy sauce. Stir well and simmer until slightly thickened.
  4. Gradually mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and chopped green onions until evenly coated.
  6. Slice the seared chicken and arrange it on top of the mac and cheese. Drizzle with additional honey before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: - For extra flavor, marinate chicken in honey and pepper for up to four hours before cooking. - Customize by substituting chicken with shrimp or using different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack. - Incorporate veggies like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition.