Name: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese | Copycat Applebees
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 24 ounces Frozen Chicken Chunks; 16 ounces Fusilli; 8 tbsp Salted Butter; 2 cups Milk; 3 tbsp All Purpose Flour; 1 cup Colby Jack Cheese (shredded); 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded); 1 tbsp Garlic (minced); 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt; 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper; 1/4 cup Soy Sauce; 1/2 cup Brown Sugar; 1 Lemon (juiced); 1/2 cup Honey; 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice; 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

If you love the sweet and savory combination of Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, you’re in for a treat! This copycat recipe is packed with tender, crispy chicken tossed in a sweet honey pepper sauce, all on a bed of creamy, cheesy mac and cheese. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home with simple ingredients!

Overhead image of honey pepper chicken mac and cheese in a white bowl

Why You’ll Love This Comforting Copycat Recipe

Restaurant flavor at home. Recreate the iconic Applebee’s dish without leaving your kitchen.
Creamy, crispy, and flavorful. The perfect balance of creamy mac, crispy chicken, and a perfectly sweet sauce.
Perfect for comfort food cravings. This entree is pure indulgence and will satisfy any mac and cheese lover.
Customizable. Adjust the heat level, use different cheeses, or swap in your favorite pasta.

No matter the occasion, this homemade Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a must-try for any comfort food lover!

What Does Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese Taste Like?

This dish is the ultimate combination of flavors and textures! The mac and cheese is rich and creamy, made with a blend of melty cheeses, while the crispy chicken provides a satisfying crunch.

The honey pepper sauce brings a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy kick, making every bite irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients To Grab

For The Chicken

Precooked Breaded Chicken– Grab your favorite frozen chicken tenders or chunks. For a truly homemade dish, you can follow the steps in my KFC Bowls recipe.

Homemade Honey Pepper Sauce

Honey– Provides sweetness and a sticky texture.
Pineapple Juice– Packed with natural sweetness while the tart elements balance the sauce.
Brown Sugar– Adds a deep caramelized sweetness.
Black Pepper– Gives the sauce a subtle spicy kick.
Soy Sauce– Enhances the umami depth of the sauce.
Lemon– The juice of one lemon to add acidity to the sauce.

For The Mac and Cheese

Your Favorite Pasta– I used fusilli, but you can pick your perfect shape for holding onto the creamy cheese sauce.
Butter– Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
Milk– Creates the smooth, velvety cheese sauce.
Colby Jack Cheese– A sharp and melty base for the sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese– Adds a creamy, stretchy texture.
Salt & Pepper– Essential seasonings for balance.
Garlic– Minced garlic adds another element of earthy flavor to the cheese sauce.

How To Make Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese

4 part image on how to prepare chicken for KFC Bowls

Prepare the chicken. Cook your preferred chicken according to the package instructions. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165F. Set aside.

Boil the pasta. While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta water.

A wooden spoon in a pan of homemade cheese sauce

Create the cheese sauce. While the pasta is cooking, melt a stick of butter in a large pan. Add in 3 tablespoons of flour, salt and pepper. Stir until you create a thin paste. Slowly pour in the milk while stirring over low heat. Allow the roux to simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add the cheese a little bit at a time while stirring. Do this slowly to prevent clumping. Once the cheese sauce is smooth, add in the minced garlic and allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Homemade mac and cheese in a pan with a wooden spoon stirring it

Fold together the mac and cheese. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked and drained pasta. Gently fold them together until all of the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.

Honey Pepper Sauce being made in a saucepan

Make the sauce. Pour all of the ingredients for the sauce into a saucepan. Allow it to simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.

Breaded chicken chunks being coated in honey pepper sauce

Coat the chicken. Add the chicken to the pan of homemade honey pepper sauce. Use tongs to gently coat the crispy bites.

Close up image of honey pepper chicken mac and cheese in a white bowl

Assemble and serve. Add the macaroni and cheese to a bowl. Add a generous portion of the honey pepper chicken to the top of the pasta. Use any excess sauce in the bottom of the saucepan to drizzle over the top of the bowl of chicken and pasta before serving.

Tips And Tricks

Making Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese at home is all about achieving the perfect balance of crispy chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and sweet honey pepper glaze. Here are some tips and tricks to make sure it turns out delicious every time:

Use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
Don’t overcook the pasta. Slightly undercooking it ensures it stays firm when mixed with the sauce.
Double the sauce. If you love extra saucy chicken, make a little more honey pepper sauce!

Variations

There are many ways to customize Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese to fit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Swap the pasta. Try cavatappi, penne, or shells for a fun twist.
Add bacon. Crispy bacon bits make a delicious topping for extra crunch and smokiness.
Make it spicy. Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey pepper glaze.

What To Eat With Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is rich, creamy, and slightly sweet with a touch of heat, so pairing it with the right sides can balance and enhance the flavors. Here are some great options to serve with it:

Garlic Bread– Perfect for soaking up any leftover cheese sauce.
Side Salad– A light, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
Steamed Veggies– Broccoli or green beans add a nice balance.

How Long Does It Last?

Store leftovers with the chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat the pasta gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy. Pop the leftover chicken in the air fryer at 350F for 4-6 minutes or until warmed through. You can also warm it in the microwave for 90 seconds, but the chicken’s texture will be less crispy.

Can You Freeze It?

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days straight out of the refrigerator.

The dairy content in the macaroni and cheese and the sauced chicken change texture and flavor significantly when frozen and reheated. For best results, enjoy within the first 3-4 days.

More Of My Best Pasta Recipes

If you love this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe as much as our family does, make sure you share it on social media so your friends can try it too! Don’t forget to save it so you can make it again next time you want to make a restaurant favorite at home.