This Applebee’s Chicken Mac And Cheese is pure comfort food, combining the creamiest, cheesiest mac and cheese you've ever had with crispy, saucy chicken tenders.
You can recreate this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your kitchen. Don't be intimidated by the steps - I'll walk you through it all with easy-to-follow instructions. By the end, you'll have an impressive spread worthy of a celebratory night out, but without ever leaving home.
Why You Will Love This Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Mac And Cheese
Here are some reasons why you will love this unique and delicious dish:
It combines two beloved comfort foods creamy mac and cheese and crispy chicken tenders - into one indulgent dish. The contrast of textures and flavors makes it incredibly satisfying.
The cheese sauce is made with a decadent blend of multiple cheeses like parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack, resulting in an ultra-creamy and flavorful base.
The honey pepper sauce that coats the chicken tenders is the perfect balance of sweetness from the honey and kick from the pepper. It adds a unique flavor dimension that elevates the dish.
The addition of crispy bacon bits provides a savory, salty crunch that complements the creamy mac and cheese beautifully.
It's a copycat recipe that aims to replicate the popular Applebee's version that many people love. You can enjoy this indulgent meal from the comfort of your own home.
It makes a hearty and filling main course that will satisfy even the biggest appetites. Perfect for feeding a crowd or family.
INGREDIENTS
Here’s what you need for this irresistible dish:
- Spiral Pasta: The fun, twisty shape of spiral pasta works perfectly to capture all the creamy cheese sauce.
- Breaded Chicken Strips: These provide the protein and signature crunch in the dish. You can use store-bought or make your breaded chicken tenders.
- Bacon: Crispy, salty bacon bits add an irresistible smoky flavor and texture contrast.
- Honey: A key ingredient in the sweet and tangy honey pepper sauce that coats the chicken. It balances the heat.
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and helps thicken the honey pepper sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Provides a savory, umami note to the sauce.
- Pineapple Juice: Lends a subtle tropical sweetness to the sauce.
- Butter and Heavy Cream: The base for the lusciously creamy cheese sauce. The richness can't be beaten.
- Cheeses: A blend of parmesan, mozzarella, and colby jack creates the perfect gooey cheese pull.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic backbone to the cheese sauce.
- Basil: Fresh basil brings brightness and herbal notes when garnished over the top.
How To Make This Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders
Making this dish couldn’t be easier:
Step1.Get your chicken ready by baking or frying the breaded strips until crispy and golden. This can be done ahead of time to save time later.
Step2.Cook your spiral pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step3.Make the irresistible honey pepper sauce by combining honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened and the flavors meld.
Step4.For the creamy cheese sauce, melt butter and heavy cream together in a pan. Then, add in the shredded cheeses one by one, stirring constantly until melted and beautifully combined. Don't forget to stir in the fresh minced garlic!
Step5.Toss the cooked pasta with the luxurious cheese sauce until fully coated. Fold in those crispy bacon bits for a smoky, salty crunch.
Step6.Time to sauce the chicken! Dip each breaded chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce, making sure to coat it completely.
Step7.Portion the cheesy mac onto plates and top with the saucy chicken strips. Garnish with extra bacon crumbles and fresh chopped basil for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips For The Best Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a copycat of Applebee’s chicken mac and cheese that's sure to impress your family and friends.
- For an extra crispy breading on the chicken, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before frying or baking.
- Shred the cheeses yourself from a block for the smoothest, stretchiest cheese sauce.
- Add a splash of milk or cream to the mac and cheese if it gets too thick while cooking.
- Let the honey pepper sauce cool slightly before dipping the chicken so it clings better.
- For a fun twist, try adding diced jalapeños or crumbled blue cheese to the mac and cheese.
How To Store
If you have leftover chicken Mac And Cheese, follow these steps to enjoy it a second time around:
Storing: Refrigerate any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Store the chicken strips and honey pepper sauce separately.
Freezing: Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Transfer to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Mac And Cheese
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Ingredients
- 400 g 14 oz spiral pasta
- 700 g 24.5 oz breaded chicken strips
- 200 g 7 oz cooked bacon, crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Dried basil to taste
Honey Pepper Sauce:
- 300 ml 1 ¼ cups honey
- 100 g ½ cup light brown sugar
- 120 ml ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 100 ml ½ cup pineapple juice
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 40 ml 2 ½ tablespoon vinegar
Cheese Sauce:
- 200 g 2 cups shredded parmesan cheese
- 400 g 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 300 g 2 ⅔ cups shredded Colby jack cheese
- 12-18 cloves garlic minced
- Fresh chopped basil
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken strips according to package instructions by baking or deep frying. Set aside.
- Cook the spiral pasta as directed on the package. Drain and set aside.
- For the honey pepper sauce, combine all the sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and allow to slightly thicken.
- For the cheese sauce, melt the butter and heavy cream together in a large pan over medium heat. Once melted, add the shredded cheeses one at a time, stirring constantly until fully melted and incorporated. Stir in the minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Fold in the crumbled bacon.
- Dip each chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce to thoroughly coat.
- To serve, portion the mac and cheese onto plates and top with the sauced chicken strips. Garnish with additional crumbled bacon and fresh chopped basil if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and bacon. The mac and cheese is delicious on its own!
- Substitute milk for some of the heavy cream to reduce calories and fat.
- Add sautéed veggies like spinach, broccoli, or tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- Use pre-cooked chicken strips or rotisserie chicken for a timesaver.
- The honey pepper sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for quick assembly.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check ingredients on chicken strips/breading to ensure they are gluten-free.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, reduce cheese amounts, and opt for grilled chicken instead of bread.
What sides pair well with this mac and cheese?
Fresh salads, roasted veggies, garlic bread, and coleslaw are all great accompaniments.
Margaret
The Copycat Applebee's Chicken Mac and Cheese is amazing! Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor—just like the restaurant version. A must-try for mac and cheese lovers!
Isabella
The Copycat Applebee's Chicken Mac and Cheese is incredible! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. A perfect comfort meal!
Sarah
Perfect recipe for beginners. So simple