Copycat Apleebee's 4 Cheese Macaroni and Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders

• Meat

  • 1 Bacon bits
  • 6 Chicken, frozen precooked

• Produce

  • 1 1/2 tsp Garlic
  • 1 tsp Parsley flakes

• Canned Goods

  • 2 cups Evaporated milk

• Condiments

  • 2/3 cup Honey
  • 1/3 cup Soy sauce, lite

• Pasta & Grains

  • 1 lb Cavatappi pasta

• Baking & Spices

  • 1 tsp Black pepper
  • 1/4 cup Brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne
  • 1 tsp Corn starch

• Oils & Vinegars

  • 1 tbsp White vinegar

• Drinks

  • 1/3 cup Pineapple juice

• Dairy

  • 1/2 stick Butter
  • 2 cups Italian blend shredded cheese

Found on clarkscondensed.com

Description

Ingredients

• 6 frozen, precooked chicken tenders (I used Tyson brand)
• 1 lb uncooked cavatappi pasta
• ⅔ cup honey
• ⅓ cup lite soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup pineapple juice
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne
• 2 cups Italian blend shredded cheese
• ½ stick butter
• 2 cups evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
• 1½ teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon corn starch
• Bacon bits

Directions

• Cook and drain pasta. Set aside.
• Cook chicken tenders in the oven according to instructions.
• While chicken tenders are cooking, combine honey, soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes, stirring the whole time. Bring down to a simmer and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• In another pan, combine cheese, butter, evaporated milk, parsley flakes, and garlic. Melt over medium-high heat until it starts to lightly boil. Add corn starch and whisk until it starts to thicken then bring to low heat until ready to serve, stirring occasionally.
• When chicken is done, remove from oven and cut into smaller pieces. Cover chicken with the honey sauce.
• Add pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until coated. Add bacon and chicken and serve.