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How to Make Copycat Applebee's Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
  

For the Honey Pepper Sauce
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pineapple juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Mac and Cheese
  • 1 lb cavatappi or penne pasta
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits
For the Chicken
  • 1 lb chicken tenders or breast strips
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • Oil for frying

Method
 

Make the Sauce
  1. In a small saucepan, combine all sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside.
Prepare the Chicken
  1. Whisk together flour, salt, pepper, and paprika in a shallow bowl. Dip chicken strips into beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
  3. Toss the fried chicken in the honey pepper sauce until well coated.
Make the Mac and Cheese
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in cheeses, salt, and pepper until melted and smooth. Fold in the cooked pasta and bacon bits.
Assembly
  1. Divide the mac and cheese among four bowls. Top each with the honey pepper chicken strips. Drizzle with extra sauce if desired and serve immediately.