• prep: 30 min
• cook: 50 min
• total: 1 hr 20 min

servings:

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!

• 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)

Click Here For Step-By-Step Instructions