There’s something really satisfying about the sweet and savory mix in Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken.
You get that delightful blend of crispy chicken tenders coated in honey pepper sauce paired with creamy, cheesy macaroni – an absolute flavor bomb!
It’s always helpful to fry the chicken until just golden for that perfect crunch.
Don’t forget to sprinkle Applewood-smoked bacon over the cheese; it adds an irresistible smoky note.
How to Make Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Strips
- 1 cup Honey
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 16 oz Pasta (your choice)
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 2 cups Milk
- 3 cups Mixed Cheeses (shredded)
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 4 slices Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat over low heat until well combined, then set aside.
Step 2:
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3:
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until golden.
Step 4:
Gradually add milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and add cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir until cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 5:
Dip each chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce until fully coated. Set aside.
Step 6:
In a large bowl, combine pasta and cheese sauce. Stir in crumbled bacon.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Sauce Consistency:
Make sure to simmer the cheese sauce at a low heat to keep it smooth and creamy. Avoid high heat so it doesn’t scorch or become grainy.
Chicken Coating:
For extra crispy chicken, you can double-coat your chicken strips. Dip them in flour before and after cooking for an added crunch!
Pasta Types:
Choose a pasta that holds the sauce well, like elbow macaroni or rigatoni. They both complement the thickness of the cheese sauce.
Bacon Preparation:
To save time, cook the bacon in batches in the microwave. Lay slices on paper towels and microwave until crispy.
What to Serve with Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes provide a comforting and creamy base that pairs perfectly with the crispy and flavorful chicken.
You can add a bit of garlic or chive to give them an extra burst of taste.
These potatoes help soak up some of the delicious honey pepper sauce.
Steamed Green Beans
Green beans can bring a fresh and crisp contrast that complements the richness of the chicken dish.
Lightly steaming them helps retain their vibrant color and subtle sweetness.
Adding a sprinkle of sea salt and lemon juice will enhance their natural flavors.
Cornbread Muffins
Cornbread muffins add a touch of Southern flair to your meal and make it more hearty.
They offer a nice texture contrast to the tender chicken and pair well with the honey glaze.
This slightly sweet side can be a delightful addition to your table.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Roasting Brussels sprouts adds a nutty flavor which balances the sweet and savory notes of the chicken.
A balsamic glaze gives these sprouts a tangy twist that is uniquely satisfying.
A sprinkle of Parmesan can enhance the dish further if you like.
Couscous Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Feta
A couscous salad is light and refreshing, which complements the hearty flavors of the chicken.
Tossing cherry tomatoes and feta into your couscous makes each bite zesty and tangy.
The salad provides a good balance of textures and flavors for your meal.
Variations and Substitutions
Cheese Choices
You can experiment with different cheese varieties to give the mac and cheese a personal twist.
Try using sharp cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice!
Mixing in a bit of cream cheese can make the sauce creamier and extra decadent.
Sauce Modifications
For those who like it spicier, adding chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey pepper glaze works wonders.
You might prefer a less sweet sauce; simply reduce the honey for a milder flavor.
Protein Alternatives
Not a fan of chicken, or just looking to switch it up?
Shrimp or tofu make excellent substitutes and can soak up the tasty glaze beautifully.
Pasta Variations
If you’re gluten-free, go for a corn or rice pasta, which works just as well in this dish.
Macaroni is classic, but feel free to use penne, fusilli, or any pasta you have on hand!
How to Store Leftover Honey Pepper Chicken
Storing leftovers is crucial to keep your dish tasting fresh and delicious!
Here’s how you can store your Honey Pepper Chicken safely.
Refrigerate Promptly
First, transfer the leftover Honey Pepper Chicken to an airtight container.
Refrigerate the leftovers within two hours of cooking to preserve freshness and prevent bacteria growth.
Make sure to place the container on a refrigerator shelf rather than the door for a stable temperature.
Separate Components
To maintain the best flavors, consider storing the chicken and pasta in separate containers.
This method helps preserve the texture of each component.
Keeping the cheese sauce separate, if possible, can also be beneficial.
Consume Within a Few Days
Enjoy your stored leftovers within 2-3 days for the best quality.
After this period, the texture might change, and the flavors could dull.
Remember to check for any signs of spoilage, such as off smells or discoloration, before eating.
Storing your Honey Pepper Chicken properly will ensure you can savor the tasty flavors without any compromise!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Balance of Flavors
It’s important to focus on striking a balance between sweet and savory flavors in the honey pepper sauce.
You might overpower the dish if you use too much honey, so keep that in mind.
Try adding the honey in small increments, tasting as you go, to find that perfect harmony.
Sauce Consistency
Watch the consistency of your sauce closely, as you don’t want it too thick or too runny.
Thick sauces might clump, while runny ones won’t stick to the chicken.
Gradually add water or stock if needed, but do so carefully to maintain the ideal thickness.
Cooking the Chicken
Make sure your oil is at the right temperature for frying the chicken.
An oil temperature of around 350 degrees Fahrenheit works best.
Too low a temperature can make chicken greasy, whereas oil that’s too hot can cook the outside too fast and leave the inside underdone.
Applebee's Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe
- 1 lb Chicken Strips
- 1 cup Honey
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 16 oz Pasta your choice
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 2 cups Milk
- 3 cups Mixed Cheeses shredded
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 4 slices Bacon cooked and crumbled
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat over low heat until well combined, then set aside.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually add milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and add cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir until cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Dip each chicken strip into the honey pepper sauce until fully coated. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta and cheese sauce. Stir in crumbled bacon.
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