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Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

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Experience a flavor-packed delight with Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese. This creamy, cheesy dish combines tender chicken glazed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, mixed with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni and rich cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners or game nights, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at your table.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  2. Boil salted water in a pot; add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain, reserving one cup of pasta water.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter; sauté minced garlic for about a minute. Add cream cheese and stir until melted.
  4. Gradually mix in milk, then slowly add shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if necessary.
  5. Combine cooked macaroni and diced chicken coated in honey pepper sauce into the cheese mixture; stir well.
  6. For an added crunch, transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top, and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

Nutrition

Keywords: - Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. - Grate your own cheese for a smoother sauce without added starch.

Find it online: https://masonrecipes.com/irresistible-copycat-applebees-honey-pepper-chicken-mac-and-cheese/