Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Sharing is caring!

Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

There are some dinners that just hit the spot, no matter the day you’ve had—and this Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is one of those magical meals in our house. I first made it on a whim after seeing it pop up online more times than I could count, and once I saw my kids go back for seconds (and okay, thirds!), I knew it had earned a spot in our regular rotation.

What I love most is that it brings together the gooey, cheesy comfort of mac and cheese with the crispy, sweet-and-spicy kick of honey pepper chicken. It’s everything I want in a meal: indulgent, satisfying, and easy enough to pull off even on a chaotic weeknight. There’s something so satisfying about that golden chicken piled high on creamy pasta—it feels like restaurant food, but made with love right in your own kitchen.

I’ve tried a few versions floating around the internet, but this one is our ride-or-die. The sauce is silky and rich, the seasoning just right, and the chicken stays perfectly crispy even after getting tossed in that sticky honey glaze. I even caught my husband sneaking bites straight from the pan—now that’s how you know it’s good! It’s quickly become our “Friday night treat,” and the best part? It’s way more budget-friendly than a night out.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use store-bought chicken tenders instead?
Yes! If you’re short on time, using pre-cooked tenders or even popcorn chicken works well. Just toss them in the honey pepper glaze before serving.

What kind of cheese is best for the mac and cheese?
A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella creates that stretchy, creamy texture. You can also toss in a bit of Parmesan for extra depth.

How spicy is the honey pepper sauce?
It’s mild with a touch of heat. Perfect for kids and spice-sensitive eaters. If you love heat, feel free to add a dash of hot sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the mac and cheese and chicken separately, then reheat and glaze the chicken just before serving for the best texture.

Is it freezer-friendly?
The mac and cheese freezes well on its own. For the chicken, it’s best to freeze it without the glaze, then bake and glaze fresh.

What You Need to Make Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

For the Honey Pepper Chicken:

1 lb boneless chicken breast or tenders, cut into chunks

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup flour

½ cup cornstarch

1 tsp garlic powder

½ tsp smoked paprika

Salt & pepper to taste

Oil for frying

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:

½ cup honey

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

½ tsp black pepper

¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

For the Mac and Cheese:

12 oz elbow macaroni

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp flour

2 cups whole milk

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella

½ tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped

Special Tools:

Deep skillet or fryer

Medium saucepan

Whisk

How to Make Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Marinate the Chicken: Soak chicken chunks in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).

Cook the Pasta: Boil macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, then whisk in flour. Cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer until thickened. Stir in cheeses, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until melted and creamy. Add cooked pasta and mix well.

Fry the Chicken: In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mix and fry in hot oil until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: In a small pan, heat honey, soy sauce, vinegar, pepper, and cayenne (if using) over low heat until it begins to bubble and thicken slightly.

Toss Chicken in Sauce: Coat fried chicken with the honey pepper sauce.

Assemble: Plate a generous scoop of mac and cheese, top with glazed chicken, and garnish with parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Double coat the chicken for extra crispiness—dip in flour, then buttermilk again, then flour once more.

Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for a smoother sauce.

Balance the sweet and heat in the glaze to your family’s taste. More honey for sweet lovers, more cayenne for heat seekers.

Bake instead of fry for a lighter version—400°F for 20-25 minutes until crispy.

Make it a meal by serving with a side salad or roasted veggies.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was better than the restaurant version! My picky kids cleaned their plates, which never happens.” – Jessica T.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Delicious but next time I’ll double the sauce—it was so good we wanted more!” – Amanda M.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for a Friday night. Crispy chicken, creamy pasta, total comfort food.” – Laura D.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great flavor, but I’ll bake the chicken next time to cut down on the oil.” – Michelle R.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Honestly addictive. My husband already asked when I’m making it again.” – Danielle W.

Printable Recipe

Before you print the recipe, could I ask you a favor? Please consider sharing this recipe on Facebook or pin to a group on Pinterest? This would really help us out. Thank you so much <3

If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook

Crockpot White Russians

Crockpot Meatballs In Onion Gravy

Crockpot Apple Cider

Sharing is caring!