Top 10 Must-Try Meals on the Applebee`s Menu
Top 10 Must-Try Meals on the Applebee`s Menu
If you're looking for flavorful burgers, sizzling steaks, hearty pasta dishes, and crowd-pleasing appetizers, the Applebee`s menu offers something for every appetite. As one of America's most popular casual dining chains, Applebee’s has built a reputation for serving generous portions, affordable meals, and a wide variety of options that appeal to families, couples, and groups of friends alike.
With so many choices available, deciding what to order can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. From signature chicken dishes to famous burgers and comforting pasta favorites, the Applebee`s menu is packed with meals that have earned loyal fans across the country.
To help you find the best options, we've ranked the Top 10 Must-Try Meals on the Applebee`s Menu in 2026. These dishes consistently receive praise for their flavor, value, and popularity.
Why the Applebee`s Menu Is So Popular
Before diving into the rankings, it's worth understanding why customers keep returning to Applebee’s.
The Applebee`s menu stands out because it offers:
Large portions
Affordable pricing
Diverse menu categories
Family-friendly meals
Seasonal specials
Consistent quality
Whether you're craving comfort food, a hearty steak, or a lighter salad, Applebee’s has something to satisfy nearly every craving.
1. Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp
Applebee’s Signature Favorite
Topping the list is the legendary Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp.
What Comes With It?
Cajun-seasoned chicken breast
Blackened shrimp
Garlic mashed potatoes
Sautéed onions and mushrooms
Why Customers Love It
The combination of juicy chicken and flavorful shrimp creates a restaurant-quality meal with bold flavors and satisfying portions.
Best For
Dinner
Protein lovers
First-time visitors
2. Fiesta Lime Chicken
A Longtime Customer Favorite
Few items on the Applebee`s menu have remained as popular as Fiesta Lime Chicken.
Features
Grilled chicken breast
Mexican ranch sauce
Melted cheese
Crispy tortilla strips
Rice
Why It Ranks So High
The creamy sauce, grilled chicken, and crunchy toppings create a unique flavor combination that keeps customers coming back.
Best For
Lunch
Dinner
Chicken lovers
3. Classic Bacon Cheeseburger
One of the Best Burgers on the Menu
Applebee’s burgers consistently rank among customer favorites.
Ingredients
Fresh beef patty
Crispy bacon
American cheese
Lettuce
Tomato
Pickles
Brioche bun
Why It’s a Must-Try
The balance of juicy beef, smoky bacon, and fresh toppings makes it one of the most satisfying burgers available.
Best For
Burger enthusiasts
Casual lunches
Family dinners
4. Four Cheese Mac & Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders
Comfort Food at Its Finest
This dish combines two customer favorites into one unforgettable meal.
Includes
Creamy four-cheese macaroni
Crispy chicken tenders
Honey pepper sauce
Bacon
Why Customers Order It
The sweet-and-savory flavor profile paired with rich macaroni creates one of the most indulgent meals on the Applebee`s menu.
Best For
Comfort food fans
Large appetites
Dinner
5. Double-Glazed Baby Back Ribs
Applebee’s Most Famous Rib Dish
Rib lovers consistently rank this among the best meals available.
Features
Slow-cooked pork ribs
Signature BBQ glaze
French fries
Coleslaw
Why It’s Popular
The ribs are tender, flavorful, and coated in Applebee’s famous sauce.
Best For
BBQ fans
Weekend dinners
Sharing with family
6. Three Cheese Chicken Penne
The Ultimate Pasta Choice
Pasta lovers often choose this hearty entrée.
Ingredients
Grilled chicken
Penne pasta
Rich Alfredo-style sauce
Three-cheese blend
Why It Deserves a Spot
The creamy sauce and generous chicken portions provide excellent value and flavor.
Best For
Pasta enthusiasts
Family dinners
Comfort-food cravings
7. Blackened Cajun Salmon
The Best Seafood Option
For customers looking beyond burgers and chicken, Blackened Cajun Salmon is an outstanding choice.
Includes
Seasoned salmon fillet
Steamed broccoli
Side dish
Why Customers Love It
The salmon offers bold Cajun flavor while remaining one of the healthier meals on the Applebee`s menu.
Best For
Seafood lovers
Health-conscious diners
Lighter dinners
8. Chicken Tenders Platter
A Family-Friendly Classic
Sometimes simple meals are the most satisfying.
Features
Crispy chicken tenders
French fries
Dipping sauces
Why It Remains Popular
The Chicken Tenders Platter appeals to both adults and children and consistently delivers reliable flavor.
Best For
Families
Casual lunches
Picky eaters
9. Oriental Chicken Salad
Applebee’s Most Iconic Salad
This isn't your average salad.
Ingredients
Crispy chicken
Fresh greens
Asian-inspired dressing
Crunchy noodles
Almonds
Why It Stands Out
The combination of textures and flavors makes it one of the most ordered salads on the Applebee`s menu.
Best For
Lighter meals
Lunch
Salad lovers
10. Whiskey Bacon Burger
A Flavor-Packed Burger Experience
Rounding out the top ten is the Whiskey Bacon Burger.
Features
Beef patty
Whiskey-infused sauce
Crispy onions
Bacon
Cheese
Why It’s Worth Trying
The whiskey glaze adds a rich, smoky flavor that sets this burger apart from traditional cheeseburgers.
Best For
Burger fans
Dinner
Customers seeking bold flavors
Honorable Mentions
Several excellent meals narrowly missed the top ten.
Classic Cheeseburger
A simple but dependable burger option.
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
A lighter entrée packed with protein.
Double Crunch Shrimp
A crispy seafood favorite.
Chicken Quesadilla
Perfect as a meal or shareable appetizer.
Boneless Wings
Available in multiple sauce flavors and ideal for sharing.
Best Applebee`s Menu Item by Category
Best Chicken Dish
Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp
Best Burger
Classic Bacon Cheeseburger
Best Pasta
Four Cheese Mac & Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders
Best Seafood Meal
Blackened Cajun Salmon
Best Salad
Oriental Chicken Salad
Best BBQ Option
Double-Glazed Baby Back Ribs
Perfect Meal Combinations
If you're unsure what to order, these combinations offer an excellent Applebee’s experience.
Combo #1
Appetizer
Mozzarella Sticks
Entrée
Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp
Dessert
Triple Chocolate Meltdown
Combo #2
Appetizer
Boneless Wings
Entrée
Classic Bacon Cheeseburger
Dessert
Brownie Bite
Combo #3
Appetizer
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Entrée
Three Cheese Chicken Penne
Dessert
Sizzlin’ Butter Pecan Blondie
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Start with a Signature Entrée
Fiesta Lime Chicken and Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp are excellent introductions to the Applebee`s menu.
Share an Appetizer
Applebee’s appetizers are designed for groups and offer excellent value.
Save Room for Dessert
Many customers consider Applebee’s desserts among the best in casual dining.
Explore Different Categories
The menu includes burgers, seafood, chicken, pasta, and salads, making it worth trying something new on each visit.
Why These Meals Stand Out
These top ten selections consistently earn praise because they combine:
Generous portions
Strong value
Unique flavors
Consistent quality
Broad customer appeal
Many have remained customer favorites for years, proving their popularity and staying power.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Most Popular Meal on the Applebee`s Menu?
Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp is often considered Applebee’s signature entrée.
What Is the Best Burger at Applebee’s?
The Classic Bacon Cheeseburger remains one of the highest-rated burgers on the menu.
What Is Applebee’s Best Pasta Dish?
Four Cheese Mac & Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders is widely regarded as the top pasta option.
Does Applebee’s Have Good Seafood?
Yes. Blackened Cajun Salmon and Double Crunch Shrimp are popular seafood choices.
What Should First-Time Visitors Order?
Fiesta Lime Chicken, Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp, or the Classic Bacon Cheeseburger are excellent starting points.
Final Thoughts
The Applebee`s menu offers far more than standard casual dining fare. From the sizzling Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp and Fiesta Lime Chicken to the indulgent Four Cheese Mac & Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders and legendary Baby Back Ribs, Applebee’s provides a wide variety of meals that appeal to every taste.
Whether you're dining with family, meeting friends, or enjoying a casual night out, these top 10 must-try meals represent the very best of what the Applebee`s menu has to offer in 2026. By starting with these customer favorites, you'll experience the dishes that have helped make Applebee’s one of America's most recognizable and beloved restaurant chains.
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