Side Dishes
Applebee's Honey Chicken Mac and Cheese delivers that perfect balance of crispy, cheesy comfort with a sweet and savory drizzle you can't resist. The secret lies in perfectly golden breadcrumbs that contrast beautifully with the creamy macaroni and tender honey-glazed chicken.
This restaurant-style dish is easier to recreate at home than you'd think, with just a few key techniques to nail the texture and flavor.
The crispy breadcrumb topping is the star here, requiring a light hand with the butter and a watchful eye during baking to avoid burning.
Meanwhile, the mac and cheese sauce gets its signature richness from a blend of cheeses and a touch of cream, while the honey-glazed chicken adds a perfect sweet-savory contrast. The result? A dish that's hearty enough for a main course but still feels like a comforting side dish.
What makes this recipe truly special is how the flavors come together—creamy, cheesy pasta meets tender chicken, all topped with that irresistible crunch. The honey glaze on the chicken adds a subtle sweetness that cuts through the richness of the mac and cheese, creating a harmonious bite every time.
It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet satisfying, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special weekend meal.
Once you try this version, you’ll never want to go back to the restaurant copy. The key is in the details—the timing of the breadcrumbs, the balance of sweet and savory in the glaze, and the way the chicken stays tender while absorbing all that flavor.
Let’s get started on recreating this Applebee’s classic at home.
Ingredients for applebee's honey chicken mac and cheese
Crispy breadcrumbs, creamy cheese, and sweet honey-glazed chicken—this is comfort food at its finest.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow Macaroni 🍝 | 12 oz | Uncooked, medium or jumbo size |
| Boneless Chicken Breast 🍗 | 1 ½ lb | Cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | ½ cup | Cold, cubed for breadcrumbs |
| Panko Breadcrumbs 🍞 | 1 ½ cups | Plain, not seasoned |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese 🧀 | 1 ½ cups | Shredded, block preferred |
| Heavy Whipping Cream 🥛 | ½ cup | Full-fat for richness |
| Honey 🍯 | ¼ cup | Wildflower or clover variety |
| Yellow Onion 🧅 | 1 whole | Medium size, diced fine |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 4 cloves | Fresh, minced |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 ½ tsp | Kosher or sea salt |
| Ground Black Pepper 🌶️ | ½ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
| All-Purpose Flour 🌾 | 1 tbsp | For breadcrumb mixture |
| Dried Thyme 🌿 | ½ tsp | Or 1 tsp fresh thyme |
| Mustard Powder 🍯 | ¼ tsp | For subtle tang |
The breadcrumbs are where the magic happens. Panko gives that perfect crunch, but the secret's in the butter—use cold, cubed butter mixed right into the crumbs before baking. Trader Joe's has the best pre-shredded cheddar, but if you're grating your own, use a box grater and keep it sharp. The chicken should be bite-sized—about 1-inch pieces so they cook through without drying out. I always marinate mine in a splash of honey and soy sauce for 10 minutes before cooking, but that's optional. The key is even-sized pieces for consistent doneness.
No panko? Toasted breadcrumbs from a loaf of Italian bread work in a pinch—just pulse in a food processor. Short on honey? Maple syrup at half the amount gets you close, though it's not quite the same. The thyme can be fresh or dried, but if using fresh, double the amount and remove stems. Mustard powder adds depth, but if you've got Dijon mustard, a teaspoon of that works too. The onion and garlic are non-negotiable—they're the flavor base for both the chicken glaze and the mac and cheese sauce. Don't skip them.
This dish reheats beautifully—honestly tastes better the next day once everything melds. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. For the crispy topping, make it fresh the day you serve it—it loses its crunch overnight. The honey glaze keeps for 1 week in the fridge, so you can prep that ahead. Freeze the mac and cheese portion (without the breadcrumb topping) for up to 3 months
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: I swear by this—just toss the chicken, mac, and cheese into one skillet, then top it with buttery panko and sharp cheddar. Minimal dishes, maximum flavor, and honestly? That crispy breadcrumb crust changes everything.
- Sweet-Savory Magic: The honey glaze on the chicken is where this dish steals the show—sticky, caramelized perfection that cuts through the rich mac and cheese. Between us, that first bite of tender chicken with the cheddar pull? Pure satisfaction.
- Weeknight Hero: Between us, this is my go-to when I’ve got zero energy but still need to feed the family. The chicken cooks while the pasta boils, and the panko topping adds zero effort but all the texture. (Yes, even on a Tuesday night.)
- Budget-Friendly Feast: Sharp cheddar and elbow mac are already affordable, but adding chicken stretches it into a hearty meal for half the takeout cost. Leftovers? Even better—reheat with a splash of milk for that same creamy magic. My wallet thanks me.
Step-by-step instructions for Applebee's honey chicken mac and cheese
Here's how to recreate that perfect blend of creamy mac and cheese with crispy chicken and sweet honey drizzle.
Cook the Elbow Macaroni to Al Dente Perfection
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 12 oz elbow macaroni. Cook until 1 minute before the package directions specify for al dente texture—this ensures it finishes cooking in the oven without becoming mushy. Meanwhile, prepare a large baking dish by greasing it lightly with 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled.
Drain the pasta and immediately transfer it to the prepared baking dish. This step is crucial—don't rinse the pasta as the starch helps create a creamy sauce later. While the pasta cools slightly, you'll prepare the chicken and sauce components.
Prepare and Bake the Crispy Chicken Topping
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a bowl, combine 1.5 lb boneless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces with 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, 0.5 tsp dried thyme, 0.25 tsp mustard powder, 1.5 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp ground black pepper. Toss until each piece is fully coated.
Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the cooked macaroni in the baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the edges begin to brown. Here's the thing—don't overbake or the breadcrumbs won't stay crispy.
Make the Creamy Honey Cheddar Sauce
While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce by melting 0.5 cup unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 whole yellow onion diced fine and 4 cloves garlic cloves minced, cooking until softened but not browned—about 5 minutes. Stir in 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted.
Remove from heat and whisk in 0.5 cup heavy whipping cream and 0.25 cup honey until smooth. Pour this sauce evenly over the baked chicken and macaroni mixture in the baking dish. The heat from the oven will gently melt the cheese into a creamy sauce.
Bake Until Bubbly and Crispy
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown. You're aiming for that perfect contrast—creamy underneath with crispy breadcrumbs on top. If the breadcrumbs aren't crispy enough, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.
This is where the magic happens—the combination of the warm, gooey cheese sauce with the crispy chicken topping creates that signature Applebee's texture. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set slightly.
Garnish and Serve Immediately
Transfer the mac and cheese to serving plates and drizzle with any extra honey sauce from the pan. The contrast of the sweet honey with the savory chicken and cheesy pasta is what makes this dish so special. Serve immediately while the breadcrumbs are still crispy and the sauce is hot.
This dish delivers that perfect balance of textures—creamy, crispy, and saucy—just like your favorite restaurant version. The key is in the timing and layering, so don't rush the process. Each bite should be a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that keeps you coming back for more.
Pro Tips For Making Applebee'S Honey Chicken Mac And Cheese
- BRINE THE CHICKEN: Toss the boneless breasts in saltwater for 20 minutes before cooking—this keeps them juicy. I learned this the hard way when my first batch turned out dry, no matter how slow I cooked it.
- MELT CHEESE LOW: Heat the cheese sauce on medium-low, stirring constantly. High heat makes it grainy, and nobody wants that in their mac. Trust me, it’s not worth the rush.
- TOAST PANKO DRY: Spread the breadcrumbs on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 3-4 minutes before adding them to the chicken. Cold panko soaks up butter instead of crisping, and that’s a bummer.
- SAVE THE PASTA WATER: Drain the macaroni but keep a cup of starchy water—it’s the glue that makes the sauce cling. I used to skip this, and the dish always felt dry after mixing. Now I never do.
Make-ahead tips for leftovers
Prep Ahead Components
Make the honey glaze for the chicken up to 3 days ahead—simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge. I like to combine ¼ cup honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp minced garlic in a small jar.
This saves time on the day you cook, and the flavors deepen over time. 🍯
Mac and Cheese Base
Cook the elbow macaroni and assemble the cheesy sauce mixture (without baking) up to 2 days ahead. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
When ready to bake, simply add the prepped chicken topping and finish in the oven. This shortcut keeps the pasta from getting soggy if stored properly.
Chicken Prep Shortcut
Cut the 1.5 lb chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and marinate them in 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and ½ tsp black pepper for up to 12 hours in the fridge.
This step ensures the chicken stays tender and absorbs flavor, making assembly day much easier. Just pat dry before coating with breadcrumbs.
Breadcrumb Mix Prep
Mix the panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp flour, ½ tsp thyme, ¼ tsp mustard powder, 1.5 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper in a bowl and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
When ready to use, simply toss the prepped chicken pieces in the mixture. This saves time and keeps all your seasonings consistent. 🍞
Final Assembly Timing
Assemble the dish in the baking dish no more than 1 hour before serving—this ensures the breadcrumbs stay crispy. If you're serving a crowd, bake the mac and cheese in two 9x13-inch dishes simultaneously for even cooking.
Keep the assembled dish covered at room temperature while the oven preheats to maintain texture.
Reheating Leftovers
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil, until warmed through. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end. If using the microwave, cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 1-minute intervals to avoid soggy breadcrumbs.
The honey glaze can be reheated separately for drizzling. ⏰
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Why does Applebee's honey chicken mac and cheese have crispy breadcrumbs?
The breadcrumb topping is the secret weapon! The recipe uses cold butter mixed into panko before baking, which creates steam during cooking and locks in crispiness. Baking at 375°F for just 20 minutes ensures they stay golden without burning—overbaking turns them soggy.
Can I make this dish without panko breadcrumbs?
Yes, but texture will differ. Use toasted Italian breadcrumbs (pulse dry bread in a food processor) or crushed cornflakes for a lighter crunch. For extra flavor, add ½ teaspoon garlic powder to the mix. Just note: panko gives that signature Applebee's crunch.
How do I keep the mac and cheese from getting watery?
Don't rinse the pasta after cooking—starch helps thicken the sauce! Use sharp cheddar cheese (it melts better than pre-shredded) and stir in 1 tablespoon flour with the butter at the start. For extra insurance, bake covered with foil for the first 10 minutes.
Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Try bite-sized pork tenderloin or firm white fish like cod for similar texture. For shrimp, use 16/20 count and reduce baking time to 12 minutes. Keep pieces 1-inch or smaller for even cooking. The honey glaze works best with mild proteins.
Why does my honey chicken mac and cheese taste different?
Common mistakes: Overcooking chicken makes it dry, underbaking the sauce leaves it grainy, and skipping the onion/garlic base weakens flavor. Use wildflower honey (not clover) for authentic sweetness, and let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving—this lets flavors meld.