If you’re someone who loves a hearty, indulgent meal that blends the comfort of creamy mac and cheese with the savory goodness of grilled chicken, then the Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect recipe for you. Combining flavors that pack a punch, this dish takes inspiration from Applebee’s famous creations, including their Apple Bees Chicken Pasta e Applebees 4 Cheese Mac And Cheese With Honey Pepper Chicken. Not only is this a satisfying dinner option, but it also makes for an easy weeknight meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
In this article, we’ll guide you through making this mouthwatering dish, plus provide insights on fácil suppers for picky eaters, easy home dinner recipes, and tips for easy meal prep on a budget. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or the whole family, this recipe is versatile, budget-friendly, and full of flavor.
What Is Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Before diving into the recipe, let’s break down what makes Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese so special. Imagine a rich, creamy Applebees 4 Cheese Mac and Cheese base paired with perfectly grilled honey pepper chicken. The honey pepper glaze adds a sweet and spicy kick that balances the creamy richness of the cheese sauce. The chicken is tender and flavorful, while the pasta brings everything together for a satisfying, all-in-one dish.
This recipe is a twist on the classic mac and cheese and works as a great alternative to traditional dinner recipes, especially for those looking for new weeknight dinner recipes that combine both protein and comfort food in a simple and effective way.
Ingredientes
To create this delicious Applebee’s Copycat Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, você vai precisar dos seguintes ingredientes:
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
- 2 peitos de frango sem pele
- 2 colheres de azeite
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for an extra kick)
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape of your choice)
- 2 colheres de sopa de manteiga
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 xícara de queijo cheddar ralado
- 1/2 xícara de queijo Parmesão ralado
- 1/2 colher de chá de alho em pó
- Sal e pimenta a gosto
Instruções
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Pepper Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
While the chicken is cooking, in a small bowl, mix together the honey, black pepper, and Dijon mustard (if using). Once the chicken is fully cooked, drizzle the honey pepper glaze over the chicken breasts, letting it caramelize for a minute or two on each side. This will create a sweet and spicy coating on the chicken. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Passo 2: Cozinhar o Macarrão
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta) and cook according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and add the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Chicken
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly. Fold in the sliced honey pepper chicken, making sure it’s distributed throughout the mac and cheese. If you prefer, you can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top and bake it in the oven for 5-10 minutes for a cheesy, bubbly crust.
Passo 5: Servir e Saborear
Once everything is combined, serve your Mel Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese immediately. You can garnish with extra black pepper or chopped parsley for an added touch.
Tips for Making the Best Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Make It a One-Pot Meal: To simplify the process and reduce cleanup, consider using a crockpot BBQ mac and cheese variation. After cooking the pasta and chicken separately, mix everything into the crockpot, add your cheese sauce, and let it cook on low for 30-40 minutes for a creamy, slow-cooked dinner.
- Meal Prep On a Budget: If you’re looking to prep meals on a budget, you can make a large batch of the mac and cheese sauce, divide it into portions, and freeze it. This makes it easier to assemble meals on busy days. The honey pepper chicken can also be grilled in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, consider mixing in some veggies like broccoli, spinach, or peas to your mac and cheese. This will make it a more complete meal, and it’s an easy way to sneak in some extra veggies for picky eaters.
- Customize the Cheese Blend: The combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan creates the perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors, but feel free to customize the cheeses to your liking. A mix of gouda, Monterey Jack, or provolone can add unique flavors to your mac and cheese.
Why This Recipe Works for Picky Eaters
If you have picky eaters at home, this easy supper for picky eaters will likely become a family favorite. The combination of honey pepper chicken and creamy mac and cheese is comforting and familiar, while the sweetness of the honey pepper glaze is just enough to entice those who might be hesitant to try something new.
The dish has a balance of flavors that won’t overwhelm sensitive taste buds. Plus, mac and cheese is always a safe bet, and the addition of the honey pepper chicken makes it a meal that even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist.
Por que Você vai Adorar Esta Receita
Este Applebees Copycat Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe brings together several beloved comfort foods: mac and cheese, grilled chicken, and a sweet and spicy glaze. It’s a perfect balance of flavors that makes it suitable for almost any occasion, from easy home dinner recipes to a special treat on a weekend night.
The dish is easy to prepare and perfect for new weeknight dinner recipes when you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s also highly customizable, so you can tweak it to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just looking for a simple dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household.
Conclusão
In conclusion, Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful dish that takes the best elements of Applebee’s 4 Cheese Mac N Cheese e o Apple Bees Chicken Pasta and combines them into one flavorful creation. It’s not only an indulgent comfort food, but also a versatile and satisfying meal that can be made ahead for easy meal prep on a budget.
By following the simple steps in this recipe, you’ll have a delicious, family-friendly dinner that’s sure to please even the most discerning taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at a dinner party, this copycat Applebees Honey Pepper Chicken mac and cheese is sure to be a hit.
So why wait? Get cooking and enjoy this delicious, creamy, and slightly spicy twist on a classic favorite.
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