Determining the calorie count of menu items at restaurants can be tricky, but it’s an important part of maintaining a healthy diet. For those watching their calorie intake, knowing the nutrition facts before dining out can help with making informed menu selections.
What’s in the Applebee’s Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl?
The Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl at Applebee’s is one of the chain’s lighter fare options. This entree features crispy breaded chicken on a bed of rice and vegetables, drizzled with a sweet and tangy orange sauce.
Specifically, the Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl contains the following ingredients:
- Crispy breaded chicken breast
- White rice
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Red bell peppers
- Green onions
- Orange sauce
The chicken is lightly breaded and fried until crispy. The white rice serves as a fiber-filled base underneath the chicken and veggies. The broccoli, carrots, peppers and green onions provide a variety of nutrients like vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. And the orange sauce adds a sweet, zesty flavor to tie everything together.
Nutrition Information for Applebee’s Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl
So how many calories are actually in Applebee’s Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl? Here is the full nutrition breakdown for this menu item:
Applebee’s Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 520 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 13g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
| Sodium | 1280mg |
| Total Carbs | 65g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Protein | 31g |
As you can see, the Applebee’s Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl contains 520 calories. It also has 65g of carbs, 13g of fat, 31g of protein and 1280mg of sodium.
Calorie Breakdown
To better understand where those 520 calories come from, here is a calorie breakdown of the Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl’s components:
- Crispy breaded chicken breast (6oz): 330 calories
- White rice (1 cup): 205 calories
- Broccoli, carrots, peppers, onions: 25 calories
- Orange sauce: 50 calories
The crispy breaded chicken accounts for the majority of calories at 330. The full cup of white rice adds a significant 205 calories. Meanwhile, the vegetables only contribute around 25 calories. And the orange sauce has 50 calories.
How Does This Compare to Other Applebee’s Entrees?
The 520 calories in the Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl lands around the middle of the range when compared to other Applebee’s entrees.
For example, here’s how it compares to a few other popular menu items:
- Classic Bacon Cheeseburger: 1330 calories
- Riblets Platter with fries: 1460 calories
- Shrimp Wonton Stir Fry: 600 calories
- Grilled Salmon: 440 calories
- Four Cheese Pasta: 1260 calories
As you can see, the Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl is lower in calories than Applebee’s burgers, riblets, and pasta dishes. But it has slightly more calories than the Grilled Salmon or Shrimp Stir Fry.
Tips for Ordering the Healthiest Options at Applebee’s
If you’re looking for ways to cut calories at Applebee’s, here are some tips:
Pick Grilled Proteins
Opt for grilled proteins like chicken, salmon or steak. Avoid breaded and fried items which tend to be higher in calories.
Ask for Dressings and Sauces on the Side
Request any high-calorie condiments like cheese, creamy salad dressings or sauces on the side. That way you control how much you use.
Swap Out Sides
Substitute french fries or mashed potatoes for lower calorie sides like steamed veggies or side salads with light dressing.
Skip Appetizers and Dessert
Cut out unnecessary calories from apps, desserts and sugary drinks like soda or juice. Stick to water with lemon instead.
Split Meals or Take Home Leftovers
Share an entree with a dining companion or take leftovers home for lunch the next day. This prevents overeating high-calorie portions.
Healthy Meal Options at Applebee’s
Here are some of the healthiest entree choices at Applebee’s if you’re looking for lighter fare:
Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Protein-packed grilled shrimp skewers have just 170 calories. Pair with steamed veggies and rice pilaf.
Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken
A 6oz grilled chicken breast glazed with a lemony sauce has only 280 calories. Get it with broccoli.
Shrimp Wonton Stir Fry
This flavorful stir fry with veggies and wontons has just 600 calories. It’s filling while still being light.
Garlic Broccoli Chicken
Baked chicken topped with garlic butter sauce and broccoli provides 450 calories. Ask for brown rice.
8oz Sirloin Steak
A lean 8oz sirloin steak offers 510 calories. Pair with a side salad instead of fries.
Conclusion
The Applebee’s Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl contains a moderate 520 calories. It’s lower in calories compared to many of the chain’s fried appetizers and burgers. But there are lighter options available like grilled proteins, stir fries or salads. To make the healthiest choices when dining at Applebee’s, opt for grilled lean meats, load up on veggie sides, and ask for dressings and sauces on the side.