Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy goodness. This dish combines tender, crispy chicken tossed in a honey pepper glaze with rich, velvety mac and cheese. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers bold flavors that are sure to satisfy. Its unique combination of textures and flavors makes it a standout comfort food that everyone will rave about!

Ingredients for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Honey Pepper Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Mac and Cheese:

  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions for Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese

Prepare the Chicken

  1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Set up a breading station with three bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with salt, pepper, and garlic powder in the third.
  3. Dredge chicken pieces in flour, dip in eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and black pepper.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly.
  3. Toss the fried chicken pieces in the glaze until evenly coated.

Cook the Macaroni

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce

  1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  3. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens.
  4. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until they melt and become smooth.
  5. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your liking.

Assemble the Dish

  1. Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until fully coated.
  2. Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish and top with the glazed chicken pieces.

Servings and Timing for Applebee’s Mac N Cheese Recipe

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations for Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Baked or Slow Cooker

  • Protein Options: Swap the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or turkey for a different twist.
  • Cheese Blend: Try adding Gouda, Gruyère, or pepper jack cheese for extra flavor.
  • Spiciness Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes in the glaze to make it milder or spicier.
  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with roasted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
  • Baked Version: Assemble the dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes for a crispy topping.
  • Slow Cooker Version: Prepare the chicken and sauce as directed, then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Honey Pepper Sauce and Mac and Cheese

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore its creaminess if necessary.
  • Freezing: Although mac and cheese can be frozen, the fried chicken may lose its crisp texture. Freeze the components separately for best results.

FAQs About Applebee’s Honey Pepper Sauce for Chicken and Mac N Cheese

Q: Can I use store-bought fried chicken? A: Absolutely! Using store-bought fried chicken can save time and still taste delicious with the honey pepper glaze.

What pasta shapes work best? A: Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells, cavatappi, or penne can also work well.

How can I make this dish healthier? A: Use baked chicken instead of fried and opt for whole-grain pasta and reduced-fat cheese.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, prepare the mac and cheese and chicken separately, then assemble and reheat just before serving.

Explore More Comfort Food Delights

If you loved this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, you’ll also enjoy exploring more comforting and flavorful recipes. Discover how to incorporate bold protein options with dishes like Protein Pasta Banza: The High-Protein Gluten-Free Pasta Revolution. For a healthy twist on creamy dips, try our Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip Recipe. Craving more indulgent pasta ideas? Check out Spicy Chicken Pasta Recipes for bold flavors. Or, if you’re seeking variety, dive into Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake: A Creamy, Spicy Comfort Food. Finally, for a high-protein option, explore High-Protein Pasta Recipes. These curated selections are sure to inspire your next culinary adventure!

Conclusion

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that marries sweet, spicy, and cheesy flavors in one irresistible dish. Whether you’re indulging on a cozy evening or wowing friends and family at a gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it today, and let the deliciousness speak for itself!

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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

  • Author: Ella Hartwell
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Frying, Baking
  • Cuisine: American Comfort Food
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful fusion of crispy chicken, creamy macaroni, and a sweet-spicy honey pepper sauce

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  • Start with a quick introduction: “Loved this dish? Check out these recipes for more inspiration!”
  • Select 3–5 relevant internal links that connect to related recipes or topics.
  • Keep the paragraph short and engaging (1-2 sentences max).
  • Use friendly language and emojis if desired to make it approachable.
  • Ensure the internal links are rich anchor texts and directly tied to the article’s theme.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (based on 6 servings)
  • Calories: 600-700 calories per serving

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

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