Applebee’s Mac And Cheese Honey Chicken Recipe Copycat
This creamy mac and cheese dish takes comfort to the next level with crispy honey-glazed chicken, smoky bacon, tangy pineapple and lemon juice—all brought together in one dreamy, cheesy bowl.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing bowl Large
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 16 oz spiral pasta pre-cooked
- 25 oz breaded chicken strips baked or air fried
- 5 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves for garnish
- ¾ cup honey
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- 1 lemon (juice) plus 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 stick unsalted butter (½ cup)
- 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
Instructions
- Cook the spiral pasta al dente, drain well, and set aside.
- Air fry or bake the chicken strips until golden and crispy, then slice.
- Prepare honey sauce: mix honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, pineapple juice, lemon juice, black pepper, cayenne, and vinegar in a saucepan, simmer until thickened.
- Melt butter in large skillet, stir in cream, add cheeses gradually until smooth. Stir in garlic, season with salt and pepper.
- Toss pasta with cheese sauce and crumbled bacon until coated.
- Toss sliced chicken in remaining honey pepper sauce until coated.
- Serve mac and cheese topped with glazed chicken, garnish with basil.
Notes
Cool completely before storing in airtight containers. Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze in portions. Reheat gently to maintain creaminess.