Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
A bold recreation of the Applebee’s favorite, featuring sweet and spicy glazed chicken atop creamy, sharp cheddar macaroni.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp cracked black pepper
- 12 oz cavatappi pasta
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Boil cavatappi in salted water until slightly under-done, then drain.
- Season chicken chunks with salt and pepper; sear in a skillet until browned.
- Add honey and extra black pepper to the chicken, stirring until glazed and sticky.
- Melt butter in a pot, whisk in flour for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in milk.
- Remove sauce from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted.
- Combine pasta with cheese sauce and top with glazed chicken.