Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful combination of tender, honey-glazed chicken and creamy, cheesy pasta. It’s a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), room temperature
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced finely
• 8 oz medium pasta shells
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly shredded recommended)
• 1/2 cup pure honey
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (coarse grind preferred)
• Salt to taste
• Nonstick cooking spray as needed

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes, then add a small amount of oil to the pan.
4. Step 4: Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Step 5: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
6. Step 6: Drain the pasta shells but do not rinse them; keep the pasta slightly warm.
7. Step 7: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper.
8. Step 8: When the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the heat to low and pour the honey mixture over the chicken.
9. Step 9: Simmer the chicken with the glaze for 2-3 minutes, spooning the sticky sauce over the chicken occasionally until thickened.
10. Step 10: Return the drained pasta to the empty pot over low heat. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir continuously until melted and creamy.
11. Step 11: Transfer the cheesy pasta to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
12. Step 12: Let the glazed chicken rest for 2 minutes, then slice it into strips.
13. Step 13: Arrange the sliced chicken over the mac and cheese, then drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the top.
14. Step 14: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until the edges bubble and the top has a slight golden hue.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce.
• Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful meat option.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey glaze for a subtle spicy kick.
• For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk into the mac and cheese before baking.

Storage

Store leftover Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute medium pasta shells with elbow macaroni, penne, or any small pasta shape that holds sauce well.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the mac and cheese and chicken separately in advance and assemble before baking. Store components separately to keep textures fresh, then bake just before serving.

Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 104 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender, honey-glazed chicken breasts with creamy cheddar mac and cheese, baked to golden perfection. The dish balances savory, sweet, and peppery flavors, making it a comforting and indulgent meal that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), room temperature
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (coarse grind preferred)
• Nonstick cooking spray as needed
• Small amount of oil for cooking

Honey Pepper Glaze

• 1/2 cup pure honey
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced finely
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (coarse grind preferred)

Mac and Cheese

• 8 oz medium pasta shells
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly shredded recommended)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
2. Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes, then add a small amount of oil. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring they are cooked through.
4. Cook Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it.
5. Make Honey Pepper Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper until fully combined.
6. Glaze Chicken: When the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the heat to low and pour the honey glaze mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, occasionally spooning the glaze over the chicken until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky.
7. Melt Cheese in Pasta: Return the drained pasta to the empty pot over low heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir continuously until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy.
8. Assemble Dish: Transfer the creamy mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
9. Slice Chicken: Let the glazed chicken rest for 2 minutes to retain juices, then slice into strips.
10. Top and Drizzle: Arrange the sliced chicken strips on top of the mac and cheese. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the assembled dish for extra flavor.
11. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the top has developed a slight golden hue.

Notes

• Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for a creamier texture and better melt compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Do not rinse pasta after draining; keeping the starch helps the cheese sauce cling better.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey glaze.
• Letting the chicken rest before slicing helps retain its juices for a moist texture.
• Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Applebee’s honey pepper chicken, mac and cheese, copycat recipe, baked chicken, cheesy pasta, honey glaze chicken