Applebee’s Tequila Lime Chicken

🍏🍋🐔 Applebee’s Tequila Lime Chicken 🍏🍋🐔

What is it?
Applebee’s Tequila Lime Chicken is a popular dish from the American restaurant chain, Applebee’s. It is known for its delicious combination of grilled chicken, tequila-lime marinade, and a flavorful topping of melted cheese and pico de gallo.

History:
The exact origin of Applebee’s Tequila Lime Chicken is not well-documented, but it is a part of Applebee’s menu that has been enjoyed by diners for many years. Applebee’s, founded in 1980, has a history of offering a wide variety of American dishes with a twist, and the Tequila Lime Chicken is one of their standout creations.

Components:
The key components of Applebee’s Tequila Lime Chicken include:

• Chicken breast: Typically boneless and skinless.
• Tequila-lime marinade: A zesty mixture of tequila, lime juice, garlic, and various seasonings.
• Cheese: Usually a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese.
• Pico de gallo: A fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice.

Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a simplified version of how you can prepare Applebee’s Tequila Lime Chicken at home:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • Place chicken breasts in a zip-top bag.
   • In a bowl, mix tequila, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a touch of olive oil.
   • Pour the marinade over the chicken and seal the bag. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse.

2. Grill the Chicken:

   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
   • Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked, with nice grill marks.

3. Top with Cheese:

   • Sprinkle the cheese blend over the grilled chicken breasts.

4. Melt the Cheese:

   • Close the grill lid or use a foil tent to cover the chicken and melt the cheese. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

5. Serve with Pico de Gallo:

   • Plate the chicken and top it with a generous helping of homemade or store-bought pico de gallo.

6. Garnish and Enjoy:

   • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve your Tequila Lime Chicken hot.

Time Needed:

• Marinating: 30 minutes
• Grilling: 15-20 minutes (including preheating time)
• Total Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes

Enjoy your homemade Applebee’s Tequila Lime Chicken, bursting with flavors of tequila, lime, and cheesy goodness! 🍗🍹🧀🍅😋

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Applebee’s Tequila Lime Chicken:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 580
• Total Fat: 33g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 180mg
• Sodium: 1790mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 52g

Health Information:

1. Protein: Applebee’s Tequila Lime Chicken is a good source of protein, with each serving providing approximately 52 grams. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair.

2. Calories: The dish is moderately high in calories, with each serving containing around 580 calories. It’s important to be mindful of portion sizes if you are watching your calorie intake.

3. Fat: The dish is relatively high in fat, with about 33 grams per serving. While some fat is essential for a balanced diet, it’s advisable to consume it in moderation, especially saturated and trans fats.

4. Sodium: The sodium content in this dish is quite high, with approximately 1790mg per serving. High sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure, so it’s essential to be cautious if you have hypertension or are watching your sodium intake.

5. Carbohydrates: The Tequila Lime Chicken contains about 18 grams of carbohydrates per serving, with 3 grams of dietary fiber. This can be a good option for those looking to manage their carbohydrate intake.

6. Fiber: The dish provides some dietary fiber (3g per serving), which is beneficial for digestive health.

7. Sugar: It contains about 5 grams of sugar, which is relatively low. However, it’s important to be mindful of added sugars in your overall diet.

8. Cholesterol: Each serving has 180mg of cholesterol, which is a significant amount. If you have concerns about cholesterol, it’s advisable to consume this dish in moderation.

9. Balance: As with any restaurant dish, moderation is key. Enjoying Applebee’s Tequila Lime Chicken as an occasional treat can fit into a balanced diet. Consider pairing it with healthier side options, like steamed vegetables or a side salad.

Remember that individual nutritional needs vary, and it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian if you have specific dietary concerns or health goals.