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Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese

Experience creamy, cheesy perfection with Applebee's Copycat Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese, a delightful mix of tangy and sweet flavors accompanied by tender chicken and al dente macaroni.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 680
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni Cook according to package instructions.
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced Use boneless, skinless chicken for best results.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese For a sharp flavor.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For a creamy texture.
  • 1 cup heavy cream To create a rich sauce.
  • 1/4 cup honey Adds sweetness to the dish.
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the chicken.
  • Salt to taste Salt, to taste Season as desired.
Optional Toppings
  • 1 cup green onions, chopped For garnish.
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions For added crunch.

Method
 

Cooking the Macaroni
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Chicken
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning it with salt and black pepper.
  2. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Making the Sauce
  1. Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream, honey, and remaining black pepper to the skillet with the chicken.
  2. Stir the mixture to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
  1. Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet, along with the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
  2. Stir well until the cheese melts and coats the pasta and chicken evenly.
Serving the Dish
  1. Serve the dish hot, garnished with green onions or crispy fried onions if desired.
  2. Enjoy your homemade deliciousness!

Notes

For variations, swap chicken for shrimp or vegetables like broccoli. Add cayenne pepper for more heat or use different cheeses for a unique flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.