Applebee’s Chicken Entrees: Prices, Portions, and Smart Picks

Chicken is the backbone of the Applebee’s menu, and understanding applebees chicken entrees prices helps you order with confidence instead of guessing at the register. From sizzling bourbon street plates to classic grilled chicken breasts, the chicken lineup covers comfort food, lighter fare, and shareable platters, all at the casual dining price points that made the chain famous. Most guests find the chicken entrees land in a comfortable middle range: filling enough for dinner, priced well below steakhouse territory.

This guide from The Menu Vault breaks down applebees chicken entrees prices the way a regular would explain them: honest typical ranges, what drives the differences between dishes, which plates deliver the best value, and how to trim the bill without trimming the fun. Prices shift by market and over time, so treat every figure here as a typical range rather than a promise. Whether this is your first visit or your fiftieth, knowing the price landscape ahead of time makes the whole meal more relaxed. For the full picture across every category, start with our Applebee’s menu prices overview, or visit the Applebee’s hub for secret ordering tricks and deals.

Applebees Chicken Entrees Prices: What to Expect

When people search applebees chicken entrees prices, they usually want one number. The honest answer is a range: most chicken entrees at Applebee’s typically run from about $11 to $18 in many markets, with platters and combo plates pushing toward the top of that band. Grilled chicken breasts and simpler preparations sit at the lower end, while loaded plates with shrimp pairings, multiple sides, or premium sauces climb higher. Lunch portions, where offered, can dip a few dollars below dinner pricing.

Several factors move applebees chicken entrees prices up or down. Location matters most: restaurants in big cities, airports, and tourist districts often charge a dollar or two more than suburban locations. The cut and preparation matter too. A straightforward grilled chicken breast costs the kitchen less than a hand-battered crispy chicken plate with two sides and a signature sauce, and the menu reflects that. Limited time offers sometimes undercut regular prices to drive traffic, while new signature dishes may launch at a slight premium.

It helps to compare applebees chicken entrees prices against the rest of the menu. Chicken typically costs less than steak entrees and rib plates, roughly in line with pasta dishes, and a bit more than burgers in some markets. That middle positioning is deliberate: chicken is the safe, crowd-pleasing protein that lets groups with different budgets all find something. If you are feeding a family, the chicken section is usually where the per-person math works out best.

One more thing to know about applebees chicken entrees prices: the menu price is rarely the final price. Most locations run daily specials, happy hour food deals, and app-only offers that can take a meaningful bite out of the bill. Checking the Applebee’s happy hour page before you go is a smart habit, since discounted appetizers and drinks pair well with a chicken entree for a complete night out.

Most Popular Applebees Chicken Entrees

The chicken entree lineup changes a little from year to year, but a core set of favorites has held its place. Here is how the most popular plates typically price out, and what you get for the money. Remember that applebees chicken entrees prices vary by location, so use these ranges as planning guides.

Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp

This is the signature sizzle plate: seasoned chicken and shrimp served over sauteed mushrooms and onions. Because it pairs two proteins, it sits at the higher end of applebees chicken entrees prices, typically in the $16 to $19 range in many markets. Fans consider it worth the splurge for the flavor and the generous portion. It is one of the dishes regulars name first when asked what to order.

Fiesta Chicken Chopped Salad and Entrees

The fiesta-style chicken plates bring grilled chicken with southwestern toppings, pico, and crispy tortilla strips. These typically land in the $12 to $15 range. They are a strong pick when you want something filling but not heavy, and the chopped format makes the portion feel generous. When comparing applebees chicken entrees prices, the fiesta plates often win on flavor per dollar.

Classic Grilled Chicken Breast

The simplest plate on the board: a grilled chicken breast with two sides. Typical applebees chicken entrees prices for this dish run about $11 to $14, making it one of the most affordable entrees in the restaurant. It is also the easiest to customize for lighter eating. Ask about preparation if you are watching sodium or fat; the kitchen can usually grill it plain.

Chicken Tenders Platter

Hand-battered tenders with fries and slaw, the comfort food classic. Expect applebees chicken entrees prices around $12 to $15 for the platter. The tenders also appear as a shareable appetizer, so if you are dining with a partner, compare the appetizer portion against the entree before ordering two full plates. The bar snacks and appetizers page has the details.

Oriental Chicken Salad

A longtime menu staple with crispy chicken, rice noodles, and Asian-style dressing. Typical prices run $12 to $15. It eats like an entree but is listed with the salads, which is why some guests miss it when scanning applebees chicken entrees prices. If you want the lighter grilled version, ask; many locations will swap grilled chicken onto the salad.

Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese

Crispy chicken tenders tossed in honey pepper sauce over four-cheese mac. This is comfort food at its richest, typically $13 to $16. It is a heavy plate, best split or saved for a real appetite. Among applebees chicken entrees prices, it sits mid-range but delivers one of the highest indulgence ratings.

Chicken Fajita Rollup

Grilled chicken with peppers and onions wrapped in a warm tortilla, served with sides. Typical range: $12 to $15. It is a tidy, handheld alternative to the sizzle platters, with similar flavors in a more manageable portion. Guests who like the fajita taste without the full platter price often land here.

Grilled Chicken and Shrimp Skewers

Where offered, skewers of grilled chicken and shrimp bring the sizzle plate flavors in a lighter format. Typical applebees chicken entrees prices for skewer plates run $14 to $17. They are a good middle ground between the full bourbon street plate and the plain grilled chicken breast, with a bit of surf and turf flair.

Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl

Crispy chicken tossed in orange sauce over rice, an Asian-inspired plate that rotates in and out of the lineup. When available, expect $13 to $16. It is sweeter and richer than the grilled options, and the bowl format makes it easy to eat. Fans of bold sauces tend to love this one.

Southwest Chicken Quesadilla Plate

Grilled chicken, peppers, and cheese in a grilled tortilla, served as an entree with sides rather than an appetizer. Typical range: $11 to $14. It sits at the lower end of applebees chicken entrees prices while still feeling like a full meal. The quesadilla format is also easy to share as a starter for the table.

Applebees Chicken Entrees Prices vs. Other Proteins

To judge applebees chicken entrees prices fairly, compare them with the other proteins on the menu. Steak entrees typically start a few dollars higher than the top chicken plates, often $17 to $24, because beef costs the kitchen more. Rib plates land in a similar band to steaks. Shrimp-only entrees usually price close to the chicken and shrimp combos, in the mid to upper teens.

Burgers are the closest competitor. Applebee’s handcrafted burgers typically run $11 to $15, which overlaps heavily with applebees chicken entrees prices. The difference is the sides: burgers come with fries, while chicken entrees often include two sides you choose, which can make the chicken plate the better value when you factor in the full meal.

Pasta dishes with chicken, like the three cheese chicken penne, typically price in the $13 to $16 range, right in the chicken entree band. The pasta stretches the protein further, so these plates can feel like more food for similar money. If you are deciding between a chicken entree and a chicken pasta, the pasta usually wins on sheer volume while the entree wins on protein.

Salads with chicken, such as the Oriental chicken salad, typically run $12 to $15. They are lighter but the portions are full size. For guests who want chicken flavor without a heavy meal, the salads deliver similar satisfaction to the entrees at comparable applebees chicken entrees prices. The fresh salads page covers these in detail.

The takeaway: chicken sits in the sweet spot of the Applebee’s menu. It is cheaper than steak and ribs, competitive with burgers and pasta, and more filling than salads at similar prices. For groups trying to keep the bill reasonable without anyone feeling shortchanged, steering the table toward chicken is the classic move.

Seasonal and Limited Time Chicken Offers

Applebee’s leans on chicken for many of its limited time promotions, which means applebees chicken entrees prices effectively drop several times a year. These offers typically take one of three forms: discounted tenders baskets, two for one entree deals, or new chicken dishes at introductory prices.

The tenders promotions are the most frequent. A basket of tenders with fries at a promotional price often undercuts the regular entree by several dollars. These run for a few weeks at a time and are usually advertised heavily. If you see one, it is almost always a better deal than ordering tenders at full price.

Two for one and date night deals bundle two entrees, often including chicken options, at a fixed price that works out to well below ordering separately. These are the best values on the calendar when they appear. The catch is that the eligible entrees are sometimes limited, so check whether your preferred chicken plate qualifies before getting excited.

New dish launches sometimes carry introductory pricing for the first weeks. If a new chicken entree catches your eye, ordering early can save a dollar or two versus the settled price. These launches are also when the kitchen is most attentive to the new dish, so quality tends to be high.

The practical advice: before any Applebee’s visit, spend thirty seconds checking current promotions. The gap between regular applebees chicken entrees prices and promotional prices is often large enough to change what you order. The 2 for 20 page tracks the most famous of these deals.

Best Value Picks Among Chicken Entrees

If value is the goal, start with the grilled chicken breast plate. It is usually the lowest of applebees chicken entrees prices, it comes with two sides you choose, and it is filling enough for most appetites. Pair it with a water or a happy hour drink and you have a complete dinner at one of the lowest possible tickets.

The tenders platter is the runner-up for value. The portion is generous, the sides are included, and tenders reheat well if you take half home. For two people, one tenders platter plus a shared appetizer often costs less than two entrees and leaves everyone satisfied. Check the sides options to round out the meal cheaply.

Do not overlook limited time offers. Applebee’s frequently runs chicken-focused promotions, from discounted tenders baskets to two-for deals that effectively cut applebees chicken entrees prices by a third or more. These change often, so the current offers are always worth a glance before you commit to a regular menu price. The menu prices collection tracks these patterns across chains.

Finally, consider the lunch angle. Where lunch portions or lunch combos are offered, the same chicken flavors appear at lower prices and slightly smaller portions. If your schedule allows a midday visit, it is one of the easiest ways to beat standard applebees chicken entrees prices without changing what you order. The lunch combos page lists the current options.

How to Save on Applebees Chicken Entrees

The single biggest lever on applebees chicken entrees prices is timing. Happy hour brings discounted drinks and appetizers; pairing a chicken entree with happy hour starters instead of full-priced appetizers can save several dollars per person. Late-night specials at participating locations do the same for evening visits.

The mobile app is the second lever. Applebee’s runs app-only deals, from free appetizers with purchase to discounted entrees on specific days. Signing up for the email club adds birthday offers and periodic coupons. None of these change the menu prices, but they change what you actually pay, which is what matters.

Sharing is the third lever. Many chicken entrees, especially the platters and sizzle plates, are generous enough to split. One entree plus a side salad or shared appetizer feeds two moderate appetites for little more than the price of one plate. This works especially well with the tenders platter and the bourbon street plate.

Customization can also trim costs indirectly. Swapping a premium side for a standard one, skipping add-ons like extra shrimp, and choosing water over soda all nudge the total down. None of these change applebees chicken entrees prices themselves, but the final check is what you feel. For more chain-wide tactics, our happy hours hub covers timed deals everywhere.

One more angle on applebees chicken entrees prices: watch the calendar. Applebee’s ties promotions to seasons and events, and chicken dishes feature heavily in these pushes because they appeal to the widest audience. A little patience around major promotional windows can turn a $15 plate into a $10 one.

Group Dining and Chicken Platters

Feeding a crowd changes the math on applebees chicken entrees prices. For parties and office gatherings, ask about catering-style tenders platters or family bundles, which price the chicken by the tray rather than the plate. The per-person cost usually drops well below individual entree prices, and the variety keeps everyone happy. Even without formal catering, ordering two or three chicken entrees plus shared sides for a table of four often costs less per person than everyone ordering separately. The tenders travel best for group orders, holding their texture longer than grilled plates.

Applebees Chicken Entrees Prices FAQs

What is the cheapest chicken entree at Applebee’s?

The classic grilled chicken breast plate is usually the lowest of applebees chicken entrees prices, typically $11 to $14 with two sides included. Lunch portions, where available, can run lower. Limited time promotions sometimes beat even that.

Why do Applebee’s chicken prices vary by location?

Each restaurant sets prices for its market, accounting for rent, labor, and food costs. Big city and airport locations typically charge more. The figures in this guide reflect typical ranges across many markets, not any single restaurant’s menu.

Are Applebee’s chicken entrees a good value?

Compared with fast food, you pay more but get table service, bigger portions, and sides included. Compared with other casual dining chains, applebees chicken entrees prices sit right in the mainstream. The tenders platter and grilled chicken plate are the standouts for value.

Does Applebee’s offer grilled chicken options?

Yes. The grilled chicken breast plate is a permanent menu item, and many locations will prepare other chicken dishes grilled on request. The fiesta and salad options also come in grilled versions. Ask your server about preparation choices.

Can I get chicken entrees to go?

Yes, the full chicken lineup is available for takeout and delivery where offered. Prices are the same as dine-in, though delivery apps add their own fees. Carside pickup avoids those fees where available.

Do chicken entree prices include sides?

Most chicken entrees include two sides or a set accompaniment like fries and slaw. Salads are typically standalone. Check the menu description for each dish; the entrees and main dishes page breaks down what comes with what.

Which chicken entree is most popular at Applebee’s?

The bourbon street chicken and shrimp plate and the chicken tenders platter are the two most ordered chicken dishes by most accounts. The bourbon street plate wins on flavor reputation, while tenders win on broad appeal. Both sit comfortably in the middle of applebees chicken entrees prices.

Are there healthy chicken options at Applebee’s?

Yes. The grilled chicken breast plate is the leanest choice, and many chicken salads can be ordered with grilled instead of crispy chicken. Ask for dressings and sauces on the side to control calories. The kitchen is generally accommodating about preparation requests. When you compare applebees chicken entrees prices, the grilled options also tend to be among the cheapest, so eating lighter does not cost extra here.

Keep Exploring

Chicken is just one corner of the menu. If you came here researching applebees chicken entrees prices, the natural next step is comparing them with the rest of the lineup so you can spot the real bargains. Prices move with promotions and seasons, so bookmark this page and check back before your next visit. A well timed visit can easily save a few dollars per person, and regulars know that the best deals rarely stay on the menu board for long.

Chicken is just one corner of the menu. Compare these plates with handcrafted burgers and steak entrees to see where chicken wins on value, browse the fresh salads for lighter picks, or return to the Applebee’s hub for the complete guide. For price patterns at rival grill chains, see our secret menus collection and The Menu Vault homepage.