This restaurant-quality Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese brings together tender grilled chicken, creamy four-cheese pasta, and a sweet-spicy honey pepper sauce for an irresistible comfort food experience right in your own kitchen.
Easy Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
There’s something magical about recreating your favorite restaurant dishes at home, and this Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese might just be better than the original. This beloved Applebee’s creation has been captivating diners for years with its perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors. The contrast between the rich, velvety mac and cheese and the zesty honey pepper chicken creates a comfort food masterpiece that’s impressive enough for weekend entertaining but simple enough for weeknight dinners.
Fall and winter are the perfect seasons to enjoy this hearty dish, when we all crave something warm and satisfying. The subtle heat from the black pepper warms you from the inside, while the comforting mac and cheese base delivers pure nostalgic pleasure with every bite.
THIS RECIPE:
- Recreates Applebee’s famous dish with easy-to-find ingredients
- Combines four-cheese macaroni with sweet-spicy honey pepper chicken
- Features a perfectly balanced sauce that’s both creamy and zesty
- Requires just one skillet and one pot for minimal cleanup
| Recipe Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 4 generous portions |
| Yield | About 8 cups |
Don’t be intimidated by recreating a restaurant favorite—this Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is surprisingly straightforward. The magic happens when you combine the silky cheese sauce with perfectly cooked pasta and top it with that signature honey pepper chicken. What makes this version special is the careful balance of flavors and textures that mimic Applebee’s famous dish while allowing you to customize it to your preferences.
Ingredients for Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
The secret to a perfect Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese lies in using high-quality ingredients. While this recipe doesn’t require anything exotic, selecting fresh ingredients and proper cheese varieties will elevate your dish from good to restaurant-quality. Let’s break down everything you’ll need:
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) cavatappi pasta (or elbow macaroni)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded colby jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and white pepper to taste
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Extra fresh cracked black pepper
| Ingredient Category | Recommended Quantity | Quality Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta | 8 oz cavatappi | Look for bronze-die pasta for better sauce adhesion |
| Cheese Blend | 2 1/4 cups total | Buy blocks and shred fresh for better melting |
| Chicken | 1 lb | Choose organic, free-range for best flavor |
| Honey | 1/4 cup | Use locally-sourced or raw honey for deeper flavor |
| Black Pepper | 2 teaspoons total | Freshly cracked is essential for proper flavor |
How to Make Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Creating this Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a straightforward process that involves three main components: the creamy mac and cheese base, the seasoned chicken, and the signature honey pepper sauce. By preparing these elements with care and combining them at the right moment, you’ll achieve that perfect harmony of flavors that makes the original dish so popular.
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the cavatappi pasta and cook according to package directions until just al dente (usually about 7-8 minutes).
- Drain the pasta, but do not rinse. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- While the pasta cooks, season the diced chicken with salt and 1 teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add the chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd (work in batches if necessary).
- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In the same pot used for pasta, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a light blonde roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Reduce heat to low and add the cheeses one handful at a time, stirring until completely melted before adding more.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder.
- Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
Step 4: Create the Honey Pepper Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, melted butter, soy sauce, 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Microwave for 15-20 seconds if needed to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and drizzle with 2/3 of the honey pepper sauce, tossing to coat.
- Heat for 1-2 minutes to rewarm the chicken and allow the flavors to meld.
- Portion the mac and cheese into serving bowls.
- Top with the honey pepper chicken.
- Drizzle the remaining honey pepper sauce over the completed dish.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and additional fresh cracked black pepper.
Allow the dish to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and the sauce thicken slightly to the perfect consistency.
Tips for Making Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
Pro tip: The secret to achieving Applebee’s signature flavor is balancing the sweet honey with freshly cracked black pepper—pre-ground pepper won’t deliver the same aromatic punch.
• Cook your pasta just until al dente or even slightly underdone, as it will continue cooking when mixed with the hot cheese sauce.
• Shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
• Slightly undercook the chicken when searing, as it will finish cooking when reheated with the honey pepper sauce.
• For a spicier version, double the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the honey pepper mixture.
| Technique | Recommendation | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese Melting | Low heat, gradual addition | Prevents sauce from breaking or becoming grainy |
| Chicken Cooking | High heat, quick sear | Creates caramelization while keeping chicken tender |
| Pasta Selection | Cavatappi or other ridged pasta | Ridges and curves hold more sauce |
| Sauce Consistency | Slightly thinner than you think | Thickens significantly as it cools |
The most critical step in this recipe is properly creating your roux for the cheese sauce. Be patient and allow the flour to cook with the butter for the full 1-2 minutes before adding liquids to avoid a raw flour taste in your finished dish.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese can be partially or fully prepared in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining:
You can prepare the mac and cheese base up to 2 days ahead. Simply make the cheese sauce and combine it with the cooked pasta, then refrigerate in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency.
The honey pepper chicken components can be prepped in several ways:
- Dice and season the raw chicken up to 24 hours in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator.
- Fully cook the chicken and store separately from the sauce for up to 2 days.
- Prepare the honey pepper sauce up to 5 days ahead and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
For the complete made-ahead dish, assemble everything except the garnish and store in an oven-safe dish. Reheat covered at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbling around the edges, then add fresh garnishes before serving.
Storing Leftovers
Proper storage is essential to maintain both the flavor and food safety of your Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. The combined dish will keep well for 3-4 days. For best results, use glass containers which won’t absorb flavors or stain from the cheese sauce.
The mac and cheese portion may thicken significantly when refrigerated, which is completely normal. When reheating, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk per cup of leftover mac and cheese to restore its creamy consistency.
For optimal reheating results:
- Microwave: Heat on 70% power, stirring every 30 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk and stirring frequently.
- Oven: Place in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Freezing Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
While fresh is always best for creamy pasta dishes, this Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese can be frozen with some special considerations:
For best results, freeze the components separately:
Mac and cheese base: Prepare without adding the pasta, cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat slowly on the stovetop, and then add freshly cooked pasta.
Honey pepper chicken: Cook the chicken fully, cool completely, then freeze without the sauce in a ziplock freezer bag with as much air removed as possible for up to 3 months.
Honey pepper sauce: Freeze in ice cube trays, then transfer frozen cubes to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
To freeze the complete assembled dish (though texture may change slightly):
- Prepare the dish but slightly undercook both the pasta and chicken.
- Cool completely to room temperature.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container with an airtight lid.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 1 month.
When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat covered in a 350°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 25-30 minutes). For best results, add a fresh drizzle of honey pepper sauce and new garnishes after reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese experience with these perfect pairings:
A simple side salad with crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy main dish. Applebee’s often serves their dish with garlic bread, so consider adding some homemade garlic butter toast for an authentic restaurant experience.
For presentation, serve in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the golden chicken and vibrant sauce. Create height by placing the mac and cheese first, then arranging the chicken on top in a small mound before drizzling with sauce. Finish with a deliberate sprinkle of green onions and a final crack of black pepper.
Beverage pairings that complement this dish beautifully include:
- A crisp, dry Riesling that balances the creamy cheese and sweet honey
- A wheat beer with citrus notes
- Unsweetened iced tea with lemon
- For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a hint of lemon or lime
The ideal serving temperature is hot but not scalding—around 145-155°F—which maintains the creamy texture while allowing the flavors to be fully appreciated.
FAQ
Can I use pre-cooked chicken to save time?
Yes, you can use 2-3 cups of rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken. Simply dice it and warm it through with the honey pepper sauce before topping the mac and cheese. This shortcut can save about 10 minutes of preparation time.
What’s the best cheese substitute if I don’t have all four varieties?
The most important cheese is the colby jack, which provides the signature flavor. If you need to substitute, use a medium cheddar in place of white cheddar, or all colby jack in place of the mozzarella. Parmesan is essential for depth of flavor and shouldn’t be omitted.
My cheese sauce is grainy. How can I fix it?
Grainy sauce typically results from heat that’s too high or adding cheese too quickly. To fix it, remove from heat immediately, add a splash of cold cream, and whisk vigorously. For prevention, always use freshly shredded cheese (pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents) and add cheese off the heat in small batches.
Can I make this dish less spicy for children?
Absolutely! The spice comes primarily from black pepper and optional cayenne. For a kid-friendly version, reduce the black pepper to 1/2 teaspoon in both the chicken seasoning and sauce, and omit the cayenne entirely. You can serve additional honey pepper sauce on the side for adults who prefer more heat.
How can I tell when the mac and cheese has reached the right consistency?
The perfect consistency is reached when the sauce coats the back of a wooden spoon and when you run your finger through it, the line remains clear. Remember that the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so it’s better to err on the slightly thinner side while cooking.
Enjoy bringing this beloved restaurant classic into your home kitchen with this Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe!