Four-Cheese Mac & Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders

Are you craving comfort food? Look no further! This dish combines two favorites: creamy mac and cheese and crispy chicken tenders. The four-cheese sauce is rich and indulgent. The honey pepper chicken adds a sweet and spicy kick.

It’s a perfect meal for any day of the week. Kids love it, and adults can’t resist it. The flavors blend perfectly, creating a taste explosion in your mouth. It’s like a hug for your taste buds!

This recipe is easier to make than you might think. With a few simple steps, you can create restaurant-quality food at home. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering dish.

How to make Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Start by breading and frying the chicken tenders. While they’re cooking, prepare the mac and cheese. Cook the pasta until al dente. Make the cheese sauce and mix it with the pasta. Combine honey, black pepper, and other spices for the honey pepper sauce.

Drizzle the sauce over the crispy chicken tenders. Place them on top of the mac and cheese. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture. It’s a simple process that yields amazing results!

 HOW TO MAKE A CHEESY SAUCE

A good cheese sauce is key to great mac and cheese. Start with a roux of butter and flour. Slowly add milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once thickened, add your cheeses. Use a mix of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese.

Stir until the cheese melts completely—season with salt, pepper, and a dash of nutmeg. Keep the heat low to prevent the sauce from breaking. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk. Too thin? Let it simmer a bit longer.

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Tips on Making Honey Pepa Sauce

The honey pepper sauce brings this dish to life. Use good-quality honey for the best flavor. Freshly ground black pepper makes a big difference. Add a touch of garlic powder and paprika for depth. A splash of vinegar balances the sweetness.

Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl. Taste and adjust as needed. Make extra sauce to serve on the side. It’s great for dipping! The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.

Four-Cheese Mac & Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders

This dish is the ultimate comfort food mashup. The creamy mac and cheese base uses four types of cheese for maximum flavor. The crispy chicken tenders on top add a satisfying crunch. The honey pepper sauce ties it all together with a sweet and spicy kick.

It’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal. Leftovers reheat well, making it great for meal prep. Try it once, and it might become your new favorite!

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it

| 1 | Cook macaroni until al dente; drain and set aside.

| 2 | Melt butter in a pan, add flour, and whisk to form a roux.

| 3 Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened.

| 4 | Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, and gouda cheese until melted.

| 5 Combine the cheese sauce with cooked macaroni.

For the chicken tenders

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Here’s the process for making the chicken tenders, presented in a table format:

•  1 | Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
• | 2 | Dredge tenders in flour, shaking off excess.
• | 3 | Dip the tenders in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
• | 4 | Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• | 5 | Fry the tenders until golden brown and cooked through.
• | 6 | Remove and drain on paper towels.

      Honey Pepper Sauce

• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Pinch of salt

 Cheese Sauce

(Ingredients included in the Mac and Cheese section above)

 Instructions

• Prepare the chicken
  1. Soak chicken tenders in buttermilk for 30 minutes.
  2. Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  3. Dredge chicken in the flour mixture.
  4. Fry in hot oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
• Make the mac and cheese.
  1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Add flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes.
3. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Cook until the sauce thickens.
5. Add all cheeses and stir until melted and smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Add cooked macaroni and stir to combine.

• Prepare the honey pepper sauce:
• Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
• assemble the dish
• Place mac and cheese in serving bowls.
• Top with fried chicken tenders.
• Drizzle honey-pepper sauce over the chicken.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

      Approximate nutritional information per serving (serves 6):

• Calories: 750
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 80g
• Fat: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 15g

Note: This is a rich, indulgent dish. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

FAQ’s

How many calories in four cheese mac and cheese with honey pepper chicken tenders?

A serving of four cheese mac and cheese with honey pepper chicken tenders contains approximately 750 calories. However, this can vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used. It’s a rich, indulgent dish best enjoyed in moderation.

What does honey-pepper chicken taste like?

Honey pepper chicken offers a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors. The honey provides a rich sweetness, while the black pepper adds a sharp, warming kick. This combination creates a tangy, slightly sticky glaze that perfectly complements the crispy chicken.

How many carbs are in Applebee’s four-cheese mac and cheese?

Applebee’s four-cheese mac and cheese contains about 80 grams of carbohydrates per serving. This high carb content comes primarily from the pasta and cheese sauce. It’s a hearty dish that can significantly contribute to daily carb intake.

Does Applebee’s serve mac and cheese?

Yes, Applebee’s does serve mac and cheese. They offer various mac and cheese dishes, including their popular Four Cheese Mac & Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders. It’s a staple item on their menu, loved by many customers.

How many calories are in a chicken and cheese?

The calorie content of chicken and cheese varies widely depending on preparation and portion size. On average, a chicken and cheese sandwich might contain 300-500 calories. A chicken and cheese quesadilla could have 400-600 calories. Always check specific nutritional information.

How many calories are in a big bowl of mac and cheese?

A big bowl of mac and cheese typically contains between 600 and 900 calories, depending on the recipe and portion size. Homemade versions might be lower in calories, while restaurant servings often have more due to larger portions and richer ingredients.

Conclusion

Four-Cheese Mac & Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders is a delightful comfort food fusion. It combines creamy, cheesy pasta with crispy, sweet-and-spicy chicken for a truly satisfying meal. This dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will please both kids and adults alike.

While it’s a calorie-rich indulgence, it’s an excellent choice for special occasions or when you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal. Whether you’re making it at home or enjoying it at a restaurant like Applebee’s, this dish is sure to leave you feeling satisfied and happy. Just remember to savor it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.