This Applebee’s Mac & Cheese Honey Chicken Recipe (Copycat) is a rich and creamy mac and cheese topped with crispy honey-glazed chicken and smoky bacon. A restaurant favorite, now made better at home!
You know those nights when you just need comfort food? Not a salad. Not a “light” pasta. I’m talking cheesy, crispy, saucy, over-the-top comfort food. Well, that’s exactly what happened the first time I tried Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac & Cheese.
I remember it vividly—long day, empty fridge, and the desperate need for something satisfying. So, off to Applebee’s I went. I wasn’t expecting anything life-changing… but then that first bite happened.
The combination of creamy, garlicky mac and cheese, crispy chicken drenched in sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, and the final touch—crumbled bacon? It was game over. I knew right then and there I had to recreate it.
After some trial and error (and, let’s be honest, some very happy taste-testers), I finally nailed it. And now? I get to share this better-than-the-original version with you. So, if you’re ready for a dish that makes you want to high-five yourself after every bite, let’s do this.
Why You’ll Love This Applebee’s Mac And Cheese Honey Chicken Recipe?
- It’s rich, creamy, crispy, sweet, and savory—all in one bite.
- Tastes just like Applebee’s (but better). Because homemade always wins.
- Surprisingly easy. The hardest part? Not eating the cheese sauce straight from the pan.
- Great for feeding a crowd. Because trust me, no one is saying no to this.
- Make it your way. Want extra spice? More bacon? A different cheese blend? Go for it!
Ingredient Notes:
This dish has three key parts: the creamy mac and cheese, the crispy honey-glazed chicken, and the smoky bacon topping. Let’s talk details:
The Base
- 16 oz spiral noodles – Holds onto the cheese sauce like a dream.
- 25 oz breaded chicken strips – Frozen works, or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious.
- 5 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled – Because everything is better with bacon.
- Salt & pepper, to taste – A little seasoning goes a long way.
- Fresh basil – Optional, but adds a fresh touch.
The Honey Pepper Sauce (The Secret Star of the Show)
- ¾ cup honey – The base of the sauce, making it sticky and sweet.
- ¼ cup light brown sugar – A deeper sweetness to balance things out.
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce – Adds a little umami to cut the sweetness.
- ¼ cup pineapple juice – A tropical twist that works so well.
- Juice of 1 lemon – Brightens up the sauce.
- 1 tbsp vinegar – A little tang to balance the flavors.
- 1 tsp black pepper – Just enough heat.
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper – For a little kick (or a lot, if you love spice).
The Cheese Sauce (aka Liquid Gold)
- 1 stick butter – The start of all things good.
- 2 cups heavy cream – No, this is not a diet recipe.
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese – Adds that deep, nutty flavor.
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese – For that glorious cheese pull.
- ¾ cup freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese – Melty and smooth.
- 2-3 cloves minced garlic – Because everything is better with garlic.
How To Make Applebee’s Mac And Cheese Honey Chicken?
This might look like a lot of steps, but I promise, it’s easy. And totally worth it.
Step 1. Cook the Chicken & Pasta
Start by cooking the chicken strips and pasta according to the package instructions. While that’s happening, move on to the sauce.
Step 2. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a gorgeous, sticky glaze.
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Step 3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and slowly add the parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheese, stirring constantly until everything is smooth and creamy. Toss in the minced garlic, season with salt and pepper, and stir.
Step 4. Assemble the Dish
Toss the cooked pasta in the cheese sauce. Stir in the crumbled bacon (yes, all of it).
Take the crispy chicken strips and coat them generously in the honey pepper sauce. Trust me—don’t skimp on this part.
Step 5. Serve & Devour
Spoon the mac & cheese into bowls, top with the honey-glazed chicken, and sprinkle with extra bacon and fresh basil if you want to get fancy. Then? Dig in.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Cheese sauce doesn’t freeze well, but you can freeze the chicken strips and honey pepper sauce separately for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm mac & cheese on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed. Crisp the chicken in an air fryer or oven.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Make it spicy: Add extra cayenne or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Lighten it up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and grilled chicken instead of fried.
- Extra crispy chicken: Toss the glazed chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.
- Different cheese blend: Try smoked gouda, sharp cheddar, or even pepper jack.
What to Serve with Applebee’s Mac And Cheese Honey Chicken?
This dish is a meal on its own, but if you want to go all out:
- Garlic Bread – Because carbs on carbs just makes sense.
- Steamed Broccoli – A little green to balance the richness.
- Side Salad – Something crisp and tangy to contrast the cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just keep the chicken, pasta, and sauces separate, then assemble before serving.
How do I keep the mac & cheese creamy when reheating?
Heat on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk.
Can I use homemade chicken strips instead of frozen?
Of course! Just bread and fry your own before tossing them in the honey glaze.
This Copycat Applebee’s Mac & Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken is cheesy, crispy, sweet, savory, and totally addictive. If you love comfort food, this is your new favorite recipe.
Try it out and let me know—is it even better than the original? Can’t wait to hear what you think!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Applebee's Mac And Cheese Honey Chicken Recipe (Copycat)
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese Base:
- 16 ounces spiral pasta
- 25 ounces breaded chicken strips
- 5 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- ¾ cup honey
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 stick ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken and Pasta
- Follow the package instructions to bake or air-fry the breaded chicken strips until golden and crispy. Simultaneously, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Honey Pepper Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Stir in the minced garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Dish
- Toss the cooked pasta in the cheese sauce, ensuring it is well coated. Stir in the crumbled bacon for added texture and flavor.
- Take the crispy chicken strips and coat them generously in the honey pepper sauce until evenly glazed.
Serve and Garnish
- Spoon the mac and cheese onto serving plates, then top each portion with honey-glazed chicken strips. Garnish with fresh basil and additional bacon crumbles, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta.
- Opt for gluten-free breaded chicken strips, or prepare homemade gluten-free chicken tenders.
- Substitute gluten-free soy sauce in the honey pepper sauce.
- Verify that all seasonings and cheeses are labeled gluten-free.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
