Bring the delicious taste of southwest flavor home with these spot-on copycat Applebee's recipes.
28 Copycat Applebee’s Recipes You’ll Want to Make ASAP
Updated on Jun. 03, 2024
1/28
Fajita Burger Wraps
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This combo gives you a tender burger, crisp veggies and a crunchy shell, plus fajita flavor. Kids love it. —Antonio Smith, Canal Winchester, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 533 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 1190mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein.
Editor’s Tip: With a few simple ingredients, you can also make the best-ever homemade Applebee’s spinach artichoke dip.
2/28
Spicy Shrimp & Penne Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this creamy pasta dish when I needed to use up some marinara. Red pepper flakes give it a little heat, which my family loves. It's super versatile, so try it with chicken, or simply stir in some fresh basil, too. —Lorri Stout, Gaithersburg, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 396 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 206mg cholesterol, 723mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
3/28
Grilled Veggies with Mustard Vinaigrette
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this healthy and inviting side dish whenever friends come over for a cookout. The honeyed vinaigrette lets the veggies shine. —Shelly Graver, Lansdale, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 155 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 166mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
4/28
Spicy Beef Stir Fry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Think of this stir-fry as your chance to play with heat and spice. I balance the savory beef with coconut milk and a spritz of lime. —Joy Zacharia, Clearwater, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 312 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
5/28
Bacon & Swiss Chicken Sandwiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this chicken sandwich recipe based on a meal my daughter ordered at a restaurant. She likes to dip her sandwich in the extra honey-mustard sauce. —Marilyn Moberg, Papillion, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 410 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 667mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
6/28
Asian Chicken Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love their crunchy, citrusy salad so much that once I made my husband drive an hour to the nearest Applebee's restaurant just so I could eat it! It was time to come up with my own version. I'm completely happy with the results—and my husband is, too! Find more of my recipes at my blog, mandysrecipeboxblog.com. —Mandy Bird, Holbrook, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 419 calories, 25g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 7g fiber), 12g protein.
7/28
Crispy Sage Chicken Tenders
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my mom's favorite chicken recipes used fresh sage. Her version was smothered with gravy, but we like these panko-crusted tenders as they are. —Deb Perry, Traverse City, Michigan
8/28
Soft Giant Pretzels
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 pretzels
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and our friends and family love these soft, chewy pretzels. Let the bread machine mix the dough, then all you have to do is shape and bake these fun snacks. —Sherry Peterson, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 pretzel: 193 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
9/28
Best Hamburger
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grill these easy hamburgers and add your favorite toppings. Not into grilling? Make the patties on the stovetop, in the oven or even in the air fryer. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 265 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 495mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
10/28
Glazed Chicken Wings
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this easy wing recipe from a cousin on Vancouver Island during a visit there a few years ago. They're an appealing appetizer, but also a favorite for Sunday lunch with rice and a salad. —Joan Airey, Rivers, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 86 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
11/28
Four-Cheese Chicken Fettuccine
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a cattle rancher, my husband's a big fan of beef. For him to comment on a poultry dish is rare. But he always tells me, "I love this casserole!" I first tasted it at a potluck; now, I fix it for my family (we have a 3-year-old daughter) once or twice a month, and I'm asked to take it to most every get-together. —Rochelle Brownlee, Big Timber, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 641 calories, 47g fat (27g saturated fat), 167mg cholesterol, 895mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
12/28
Chicken Caprese
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love a Caprese salad of tomatoes, basil and cheese, so why not try a chicken caprese? You can grill this dish, but my family agrees it’s juicier straight from the oven. —Dana Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 525 calories, 34 g fat (11g saturated fat), 139 mg cholesterol, 761 mg sodium, 5 g carbohydrate (4 g sugars, 1 g fiber), 45 g protein.
13/28
Sweet Mustard Salmon
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Lemon juice, mustard and brown sugar add something special to this salmon dish. —Cortney Claeson, Spokane, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 326 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 218mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
14/28
Artichoke Chicken Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a colorful, delicious chicken dish that's easy enough for weeknights, yet special enough for guests. Oregano, garlic and a light wine sauce add lovely flavor. —Cathy Dick, Roanoke, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 378 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 668mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
15/28
Eggs Benedict Burgers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
To feed my daughter’s hungry cowboy friends after a rodeo, I created these with leftover burgers, hollandaise and bacon. They were a huge hit! —Bonnie Geavaras-Bootz, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 723 calories, 45g fat (19g saturated fat), 364mg cholesterol, 1198mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 48g protein.
16/28
Spinach Dip
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1.5 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
In Stafford, Texas, Joyce Fogleman requests: “Everywhere I take this dip, I’m asked for the recipe. I don’t make it at home because I’m afraid that’s all I’d eat the entire day. I’d love a downsized version I could make at home.”
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 83 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 292mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
17/28
Grilled Honey-Lime Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Make-ahead marinade is your best friend when feeding a crowd. This one for grilled chicken is good to know and very easy to memorize. —Marybeth Wright, Maitland, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 1 chicken breast half: 286 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 476mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
18/28
Crispy Fish & Chips
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A British pub classic turns crown jewel when you add horseradish, panko and Worcestershire. You can also try it with a white fish like cod or haddock. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 3/4 cup fries: 416 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 698mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
19/28
Chicken Quesadillas
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Leftover chicken gets Mexican flair from cumin in this fun main dish. The chicken quesadilla recipe has an impressive look and taste yet requires little preparation. —Linda Wetzel, Woodland Park, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 477 calories, 26g fat (13g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 901mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
20/28
Grilled Shrimp Scampi
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was in second grade, my class put together a cookbook. I saw this recipe from one of my friends, and I thought my mom would like it. —Charlotte Roos, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 skewer (calculated without rice): 118 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 184mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 meat, 1/2 fat.
21/28
Grilled Southwestern Steak Salad
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pasta salad loaded with steak, peppers and onions makes both my boyfriend and me happy. Plus, it’s versatile! We serve it hot, room temperature or cold. —Yvonne Starlin, Westmoreland, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups pasta mixture with 2 ounces cooked beef: 456 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 8g fiber), 30g protein.
22/28
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken tortilla soup is as good as (if not better than) any I've had in a restaurant. I get so many compliments when I serve it: you will, too. —Laura Black Johnson, Largo, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 200 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 941mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
23/28
Cilantro Beef Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I have leftover steak, it’s time to make cilantro tacos. Set out bowls of toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, avocado and salsa. That’s a fiesta. —Patti Rose, Tinley Park, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos (calculated without toppings): 451 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 884mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 27g protein.
24/28
Baby Back Ribs
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Slow-cook the ribs during the day and they will be ready to finish on the grill when you get home. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 555 calories, 39g fat (14g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein.
25/28
Chicken & Onion Caesar Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My Caesar with grilled chicken is a healthier alternative to heavy meat and potatoes dishes. After grilling the kabobs, we serve them family style. —Melissa Adams, Tooele, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 441 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 31g protein.
26/28
Turkey Club Sandwich with Chipotle
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We’re crazy for turkey club sandwiches. A nearby roadside stand carries gorgeous tomatoes every summer. We load up, then stuff our sandwiches with the usual suspects, plus smoked turkey and cheese. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 416 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1265mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 37g protein.
27/28
Brownie Affogato Sundaes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We can’t resist brownie sundaes. I combined an affogato (coffee-based beverage) idea with a brownie to get this decadent sundae that mixes it all in there: warm, cold, sweet and salty. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without Kahlua, coffee beans and salt): 350 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 146mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
28/28
Bruschetta Chicken Wraps
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As an Italian-American, I love, love, love garlic, tomatoes and basil, all of which are musts for good bruschetta. This recipe was created in celebration of the first tomatoes to come out of our home garden this year. —Gina Rine, Canfield, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 330 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 569mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
