As a food enthusiast, I love recreating restaurant-style meals at home. One of my favorites is Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe. This dish perfectly blends crispy chicken tenders with a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze.
The flavors are rich, bold, and satisfying. It’s a great choice for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting meal after a long day.
Preparing it at home allows me to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier version without compromising taste.
I enjoy pairing it with sides like mac and cheese or a fresh salad. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a recipe worth trying in your kitchen!
Can You Eat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe Every Day?
Eating Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe every day is not recommended for maintaining a balanced diet.
While it offers protein and delicious flavors, the dish’s fried chicken and sugary glaze can contribute to excess calorie, fat, and sugar intake over time. Consuming it regularly might increase the risk of weight gain, high cholesterol, or elevated blood sugar levels.
To enjoy it more often, you could bake the chicken to reduce fat and tweak the sauce by using less sugar or adding natural sweeteners.
Pairing it with healthy sides like steamed vegetables or a fresh salad can make it part of a balanced meal. Moderation and variety are essential for a healthy diet.
How To Prepare Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe
Recipe Overview
Pre Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Difficulty: Medium
Cuisine: American
Yield: Serves 4
Kitchen Utensils
- Deep fryer or skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Tongs
- Baking sheet (optional for oven warming)
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- ¾ cup honey
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
How To Make
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each tender in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken tenders in batches until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature: 165°F/75°C).
- Place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
3. Make the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices.
- Heat on medium, stirring occasionally until the mixture begins to boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring until thickened.
4. Combine and Serve:
- Toss the fried chicken tenders in the warm honey pepper sauce until coated.
- Serve immediately with a side dish like mac and cheese or mashed potatoes.
Special Note
1. Perfect Sauce Consistency:
Achieving the right sauce thickness is key to replicating Applebee’s dish. The honey and brown sugar naturally thicken the sauce, but if you find it too runny, you can use a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tsp water) to thicken it further. This will give your sauce the perfect syrupy consistency that clings to the chicken
2. Adjust the Spice Level:
The recipe offers a nice balance of sweetness from the honey and a kick from black and cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the cayenne, or if you like it spicier, feel free to add more. You can also incorporate a splash of hot sauce to amp up the heat without overwhelming the flavor
3. Healthier Option:
To make this dish a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor, you can bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), arrange the breaded chicken on a baking sheet, and bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives you a crispy exterior without the extra oil
Nutrition Facts Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe
Calories: ~420
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 20g
Sodium: 850mg
Sugar: 22g
Amazing Serving Ideas
Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, offering versatility for every meal. For a comforting choice, serve it over creamy mashed potatoes or alongside crispy fries to balance the sweet and spicy flavors.
If you’re craving something lighter, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the sticky glaze.
For a hearty meal, consider pairing it with mac and cheese or roasted vegetables like carrots and bell peppers, which complement the savory notes of the chicken.
Each of these sides enhances the dish, turning it into a satisfying and flavorful feast perfect for any occasion
Best Variations
1. Honey Pepper Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option.
2. Grilled Honey Pepper Chicken: Instead of frying, grill the chicken for a smoky flavor with the same sweet and spicy glaze.
3. Honey Pepper Chicken with Pineapple: Add fresh or grilled pineapple slices to the dish for a tropical twist that pairs well with the honey and pepper sauce.
4. Honey Pepper Chicken Salad: Slice the chicken and serve it on a fresh green salad, drizzling the sauce over the top for a lighter, refreshing meal.
5. Honey Pepper Chicken with Veggies: Serve the chicken alongside roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots to add a healthy touch.
Healthy Nutrition Benefits
Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe offers a balance of flavors and nutrition, making it a delightful and wholesome meal.
The chicken provides lean protein that supports muscle health and repair, while the honey in the sauce delivers antioxidants that combat inflammation and boost immunity.
Spices like black pepper and cayenne aid digestion and may enhance metabolism. Using natural ingredients, like pineapple juice in the glaze, adds vitamins like C and reduces the need for processed sugars.
Baking the chicken instead of frying lowers unhealthy fats, making it a lighter option. This customizable recipe ensures that you enjoy a nutritious, flavorful dish tailored to your
Conclusion
Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe is a delightful dish that combines crispy chicken tenders with a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy glaze.
By making it at home, you can enjoy the signature flavors while customizing the recipe to suit your preferences. It’s versatile, satisfying, and ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions.
This recipe not only brings restaurant-quality taste to your table but also offers healthier options when baked or paired with nutrient-rich sides.
Recreating it for yourself or serving it to guests, it’s a dish that will always impress and satisfy. Try it, and savor every bite!
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Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Deep fryer or skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Tongs
- Baking sheet (optional for oven warming)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- ¾ cup honey
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each tender in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken tenders in batches until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature: 165°F/75°C).
- Place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Make the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices.
- Heat on medium, stirring occasionally until the mixture begins to boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring until thickened.
Combine and Serve:
- Toss the fried chicken tenders in the warm honey pepper sauce until coated.
- Serve immediately with a side dish like mac and cheese or mashed potatoes.
Notes
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