Description
Savor the delightful taste of Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, an easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken glazed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce with creamy, cheesy pasta shells. Perfect for family dinners or special gatherings, this comforting recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors right into your home kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup pure honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil until golden brown and cooked through (6-7 minutes per side).
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper. Pour this glaze over the cooked chicken and simmer for an additional minute.
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In another pot over medium heat, combine cooked pasta shells with shredded cheddar cheese and a splash of milk until melted and creamy.
- Transfer the cheesy pasta into the prepared baking dish. Slice the glazed chicken into strips and arrange on top of the mac and cheese. Bake for about 15 minutes until bubbly. Drizzle with extra honey pepper glaze before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg