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Best Copycat Applebee’s Recipes

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Are you a fan of Applebee’s delicious and comforting dishes but don’t always have the time or budget to dine out? Well, we’ve got great news for you! We’ve compiled a collection of the most popular and tasty Applebee’s copycat recipes you can make in your home.

From the signature Bourbon St. entrees, and even their famous salads, these recipes will satisfy your cravings and save you money. Impress your family and friends with your culinary skills by recreating your favorite Applebee’s dishes. Get ready to indulge in restaurant-quality dining without ever having to leave your home!

Collage of copycat Applebee's recipes.

Applebee’s menu favorites

In the years since Bill and TJ Palmer opened the doors of the first Applebee’s Grill and Bar in Atlanta, Georgia, back in the 1980s, the chain has become one of the country’s most beloved casual restaurants. 

Among the reasons it earned this coveted spot is the diverse menu. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re craving a burger, steak, seafood, salad, or alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Appetizers and drinks

Looking for something to snack or sip on or the perfect way to start a meal? Impress your fellow diners with these copycat Applebee’s apps and beverages that are sure to please.

Applebee’s Perfect Margarita
There are few drinks that are as simple and delicious as the margarita. Our Applebee’s copycat brings all the irresistible flavor of the real thing by combining Cointreau triple sec with the boozy, orangey boost of Grand Marnier.
Check out this recipe
homemade Applebee's perfect margaritas and a bottle of tequila
Applebee’s Red Apple Sangria
Sangria is a perfect choice for everything from getting the party started to a relaxing afternoon outdoors. Just like Applebee’s, this red apple sangria is deliciously easy and refreshing thanks to the combination of red wine and fruit juices, supplemented with schnapps for extra booziness and a splash of soda for bubbles. Make them a glass at a time or in a pitcher for big groups, as it’s easy to scale up.
Check out this recipe
Copycat Applebee's red apple sangria on a coaster.
Applebee’s White Peach Sangria
All of the intensely fruity flavor of red sangria, just in a lighter and even fruitier form. Peach schnapps and white wine form the foundation of this cocktail, which has been called “sunshine in a glass.” It’s another perfect choice for making in pitchers or punch bowls to keep the good times flowing.
Check out this recipe
Copycat Applebee's white peach sangria garnished with orange, lime, and a cherry.
Applebee’s Bahama Mama
Take your taste buds to the islands with the intensely tropical vibes of the Bahama Mama. This drink combines coconut rum with banana liqueur, multiple fruit juices, and more. Garnish it with an orange slice and cherry, and you’ll have a hard time telling it apart from the ones made by your favorite Applebee’s bartender.
Check out this recipe
Copycat Applebee's Bahama Mama drink garnished with an orange slice and cherry.
Better-Than-Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Taco
Applebee’s is known for its deliciously innovative fusion dishes, and these chicken wonton tacos are among the tastiest examples. Savory Asian flavors like soy sauce and sesame oil create a mouthwatering chicken filling, which contrasts perfectly with the cool, refreshing slaw and crunchy, fried wonton wrapper shell.
Check out this recipe
Copycat Applebee's chicken wonton tacos.
Applebee’s Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Wings
Even some of Appleebee’s most outlandish apps can come to life in your home kitchen, including these one-of-a-kind wings, breaded in hot Cheeto crumbs. You’ll be shocked how easily this ultra-memorable, uniquely spicy dish comes together – and how long your guests will be talking about it!
Check out this recipe
Copycat Applebee's Flamin' Hot Cheetos Wings on a plate.
Green Bean Crispers with Lemon Garlic Aioli
Applebee’s may have taken the Green Bean Crispers off the menu, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying them. See how easy it is to replicate this fresh and crunchy dish, which is an excellent option for sharing – if you don’t eat them all yourself!
Check out this recipe
Green Bean Crispers with Lemon Garlic Aioli
Applebee’s Queso Blanco
Those who’ve tried this Queso Blanco know it’s not just any old cheese dip. Richly creamy and distinctively spicy at the same time, make sure you bring plenty of chips or fresh veggies for dipping.
Check out this recipe
Applebees Queso Blanco dip in a bowl and tortilla chips on a platter.
Applebee’s Quesadillas
Applebee’s quesadillas are among the most versatile items on the menu, filling enough for a light meal for one but easily shareable among a group. It’s filled with all the Mexican flavors you’re craving, plus the unexpected savory bonus of bacon.
Check out this recipe
Cheese and bacon quesadilla cut into pieces served with sour cream, guacamole, and sour cream.
Applebee’s Spinach Artichoke Dip
A creamy, cheesy artichoke dip is great for an appetizer or game-day snack. Learn how to make one just like your favorite Applebee’s app with just 10 minutes of active cooking time.
Check out this recipe
Overhead view of copycat Applebee's spinach artichoke dip and tortilla chips.

Applebee’s soups and salads

Regular Applebee’s diners know that choosing lighter options doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. Now, it doesn’t mean having to make a trip to the restaurant, either.

Applebee’s French Onion Soup
Don’t let the sophisticated air of French Onion Soup deter you. Make it at home just like they do at Applebee’s – straightforward and mouthwateringly rich with onion flavor.
Check out this recipe
homemade Applebee's French Onion Soup
Applebee’s Oriental Fried Chicken Salad
This memorable and filling Applebee’s dish includes perfect amounts of crunch and freshness mixed with the distinctive sesame oil dressing and tasty fried chicken pieces. Make it at home to share or serve it as a hearty entree salad.
Check out this recipe
Overhead view of copycat Applebee's Oriental fried chicken salad.
Applebee’s Grilled Chicken Oriental Salad
For a healthier but still satisfying Asian chicken salad alternative, swap out the fried chicken for grilled and add the creaminess of Applebee’s one-of-a-kind oriental salad dressing.
Check out this recipe
Two bowls of homemade Applebees Grilled Chicken Oriental Salad with Dressing
Copycat Applebee’s Oriental Salad Dressing
Keep some of this fan-favorite condiment on hand for all sorts of home cooking, from salads to slaws and more. Plus, it comes together in just minutes from common pantry ingredients.
Check out this recipe
Copycat Applebee's oriental salad dressing in a mason jar.

Applebee’s main dishes

One of the best parts of a trip to Applebee’s is knowing that everyone in your group will be able to find something on the wide-ranging menu, from burgers to pasta to seafood. The one thing they have in common? Bold and flavorful seasoning that will have you craving them before you know it. Luckily, these choices are simple to make at home.

Applebee’s Riblets
Succulent, flavorful, perfectly flame-grilled riblets are surprisingly easy and doubtless to be a favorite of the carnivores in your household. Pair them with your favorite barbecue sauce for dipping!
Check out this recipe
Copycat Applebee's riblets and a small cup of barbecue sauce on a platter.
Copycat Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken
Full of Mexican-inspired flavor, this straightforward dish makes the most of humble ingredients to create an Applebee’s favorite that’s equally delicious at home.
Check out this recipe
Copycat Applebee's fiesta lime chicken, rice, and black beans on a plate.
Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp
Can’t decide on seafood or chicken? This famous Applebee’s entree brings the taste of New Orleans to your kitchen table for a protein-packed delight that can feed the whole family.
Check out this recipe
copycat Applebee's Bourbon Street chicken and shrimp in a skillet.
4 Cheese Mac with Honey Pepper Chicken
There are few down-home combinations quite like mac and cheese and fried chicken, but Applebee’s amps up them both with a mix of mouthwatering cheeses and a sweet-and-spicy sauce for the chicken. It’s a meal that’ll have your fellow diners talking long after they’ve cleaned their plates.
Check out this recipe
4 Cheese Mac with Honey Pepper Chicken
Copycat Applebee’s Bourbon Street Steak
A boozy, sweet, spice-filled marinade is the key to transforming an ordinary piece of meat into a Bourbon Street Steak. See how simple it is to create beef that tastes like it came from a steakhouse with everyday affordability – just like Applebee’s.
Check out this recipe
bourbon street steak on a cutting board

Most-loved Applebee’s side dishes

Looking to round out your copycat Applebee’s meal or bring a little bit of the chain’s flavor to your table? Sides are a great choice.

Applebee’s Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Everyone has their own way of making mashed potatoes, but those who’ve tried the creamy, garlicky, starchy deliciousness of Applebee’s version may never cook another mashed potato recipe again.
Check out this recipe
Applebee’s Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Applebee’s dessert options

No meal is complete without a delicious dessert. Take a page out of Applebee’s book with these indulgent choices.

Applebee’s Triple Chocolate Meltdown
Don’t stress about finding the perfect dessert – the only meltdown should be in this decadent cake, which uses three types of chocolate to create an ooey, gooey delight that can satisfy even the most dedicated cocoa lover.
Check out this recipe
two triple chocolate meltdown cakes topped with ice cream and chocolate syrup
Applebee’s Apple Chimicheesecake
Leave it to Applebee’s to combine the rich flavor of cheesecake with the deliciously fried experience of the chimichanga. This memorable dessert is surprisingly simple to make at home and tastes just like at the restaurant.
Check out this recipe
Applebee’s Apple Chimicheesecake
Applebee’s Blondies
Another spin on a familiar dessert, this blondie (and the indulgent maple butter sauce) has long been a favorite of Applebee’s diners. Now, learn how to whip up a batch at home in just an hour.
Check out this recipe
Applebee’s Blondies
Collage of three copycat Applebee's recipes.

About Stephanie Manley

I recreate your favorite restaurant recipes, so you can prepare these dishes at home. I help you cook dinner, and serve up dishes you know your family will love. You can find most of the ingredients for all of the recipes in your local grocery store.

Stephanie is the author of CopyKat.com's Dining Out in the Home, and CopyKat.com's Dining Out in the Home 2.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brian

    There fajita roll up and chipotle ranch sauce is outstanding. A recipe for this in the near future would be most appreciated.

    Reply

  2. Terri

    Love the copycat recipes that your email provides weekly! Keep ’em coming! I’m a big fan of Applebee’s and have bookmarked the page with their recipes! Thanks!!!

    Reply

  4. Billie

    Lemon chicken with red quinoa and wild rice? I have tried so hard to make this lemon sauce for this dish. Any ideas?

    Reply

  13. Amber

    You have one too many ingredients listed that your directions do not call for in the won ton tacos you have 4Tbsp of the Asian vinaigrette but in your direction you say to only use 3 Tbs so what do we do with that leftover tbsp

    Reply

  15. Mary

    I love your recipes. I would love to see gluten free recipes also, if possible….in order to make your dessert recipes gluten free. Thank you

    Reply

  16. baltisraul

    My wife was a manager at Applebee’s for a few years and her choices were Blondies and a Quesadilla Burger (not listed). My vote would go to the French Onion Soup.

    Reply

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