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Copycat Applebees Honey Pepper Mac & Cheese Recipe!

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  • Author: chef.skylerrecipes.com
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This recipe is a copycat of Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, featuring creamy macaroni and cheese topped with crispy chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. While macaroni is cooking, season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  5. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened.
  6. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg.
  7. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
  8. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes.
  9. Add the cooked macaroni and chicken to the cheese sauce. Toss to coat.
  10. Pour the honey pepper sauce over the chicken and macaroni mixture. Gently toss to combine.
  11. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can bread and fry the chicken pieces before tossing them in the sauce.
  • Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli or peas for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://chef.skylerrecipes.com/copycat-applebees-honey-pepper-chicken/