4 cheese mac and cheese with honey pepper chicken

The best recipe I’ve tried, and I’ve done a few. I’m obsessed with this meal and when my local Applebee’s closed unexpectedly, learning to make it was a must!! Typically I don’t like Mac and cheese as leftovers but something about adding the extra honey pepper into it makes it reheat beautifully and taste good the next day. Yes make this!!

If you love Applebee's 4 cheese mac and cheese with honey pepper chicken, you absolutely have to try this homemade version that tastes even better!


Prep Time : 30 minutes
Cook Time : 50 minutes
Total Time : 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings : 4 -6 servings


INGREDIENTS

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon

SEASONED FLOUR:

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 3 Tbsp paprika
• 1 1/2 Tbsp kosher salt
• 1 1/2 Tbsp dry mustard
• 1 1/2 Tbsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 Tbsp onion powder
• 1 Tbsp seasoned salt
• 3/4 Tbsp black pepper
• 1/2 Tbsp celery seed
• 1/2 tsp dried ginger
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

FRIED CHICKEN:

• 1 lb chicken tenders trimmed of any excess fat
• 2 cups buttermilk

HONEY PEPPER SAUCE:

• 3/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 3 Tbsp soy sauce
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 4 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or less, to taste

4 CHEESE SAUCE AND PASTA:

• 1/2 stick butter (4 Tbsp)
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 Anaheim pepper diced (can substitute with jalapeno or poblano)
• 3 Tbsp all purpose flour
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Romano cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Asiago cheese
• 1/4 tsp dried basil
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• 1 box dried cavatappi pasta (or other short cut pasta) (1 lb)

Get the instructions ===>> thechunkychef.com