Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese - Super Easy Meals For 2

You know those days when you’re craving something cozy, cheesy, and a little over-the-top? That’s exactly what this Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese delivers. Creamy pasta, crispy chicken, smoky bacon, and a sweet ‘n’ spicy honey pepper sauce… it’s basically comfort food showing off. And the best part? You don’t need to leave your house or wait for a table—you can whip this up in your own kitchen. Talk about one of the ultimate Super Easy Meals For 2.

This dish is hands down one of the Best Family Recipes Dinners, but it also doubles as one of those Fun Date Night Meals where you both secretly know you’re making an excuse to eat extra cheese. It’s the definition of Fun Recipes For Picky Eaters because, seriously, who’s turning down mac and cheese loaded with bacon and chicken? Exactly—no one.

Now, quick pro tips because I don’t want you yelling at your sauce later. Don’t panic if it looks thin—this honey pepper sauce thickens as it cools. If you wait for it to get thick while simmering, you’ll be waiting until next Tuesday. Also, keep that simmer low, whisk often, and boom—you’ve got a sauce worth bragging about.

This recipe hits the sweet spot between indulgence and “hey, I made this at home!” It works whether you’re looking for Meals For Picky Eaters Adults Dinners, easy Recipes For Fall Dinner, or even a go-to for Weeknight Dinner Picky Eaters who roll their eyes at anything green. Honestly, IMO, this is one of those Amazing Mac And Cheese dishes you’ll want to put on repeat.

So, next time you’re stuck deciding what to cook, skip the drive-thru and channel your inner chef. Because sometimes, the most delicious Recipes For Dinner Southern-style comfort are the ones you make in sweatpants.

Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Love restaurant-style comfort food but want to make it in your own kitchen? This take on Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese hits all the right notes—creamy mac, crispy chicken, smoky bacon, and a sweet-and-spicy honey pepper glaze that’s seriously addictive.

Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 1037 kcal
Recipe by: Aleda

Ingredients

For the Pasta & Chicken:

• 1 box (16 oz) spiral pasta
• 1 bag (25 oz) breaded chicken strips (or make your own)
• 5 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped

Honey Pepper Glaze:

• 3/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Cheese Sauce:

• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• Chopped fresh basil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cook the breaded chicken strips according to package instructions, either in the oven or deep fryer. Set aside once crispy.
2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta following package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Honey Pepper Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly—it will thicken as it rests.
4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter with heavy cream over medium heat. Gradually stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack, one at a time, until smooth. Add garlic and stir until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Pasta & Cheese: Toss the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Fold in crumbled bacon until evenly distributed.
6. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken strip into the honey pepper glaze until fully coated. Set aside.
7. Serve: Plate the cheesy pasta, top with glazed chicken strips, and sprinkle with extra bacon and chopped basil if desired.

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