Applebee’s Aztec Chicken Salad is one of the most delicious salads served at Applebee's. This salad is a combination of amazing flavors and is made with fresh ingredients. The salad contains crispy lettuce, juicy chicken breast, crispy tortilla strips, ripe avocados, black beans, roasted corn, and spicy cilantro dressing. It is a perfect mix of sweet and spicy.
Ingredients
The recipe for Applebee's Aztec Chicken Salad includes the following fresh ingredients:
- Lettuce blend – a mix of iceberg lettuce, romaine, and carrots
- Grilled chicken breast
- Cilantro lime glaze
- Roasted corn
- Black beans
- Poblano pepper
- Red onion
- Cotija cheese
- Avocado
- Tortilla strips
- Spicy cilantro ranch dressing
Preparation
To prepare the Applebee's Aztec Chicken Salad, start by grilling the chicken breast. Brush it with some cilantro lime glaze for extra flavor. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.
Prepare the vegetables by roasting the corn, sautéing poblano peppers and red onions, and rinsing the black beans. Cut the avocado into cubes and crumble the cotija cheese.
Assemble the salad by placing a bed of lettuce on a plate. Add the grilled chicken, roasted corn, poblano peppers, red onions, black beans, avocado, cotija cheese, and tortilla strips.
Finally, drizzle the spicy cilantro ranch dressing over the salad.
Flavors
The Applebee's Aztec Chicken Salad is a perfect combination of sweet and spicy flavors. The cilantro lime glaze on the chicken adds a tangy and zesty flavor. The roasted corn and black beans provide a sweet taste, while the poblano peppers and red onions add some spiciness to the salad. The creamy avocado and cotija cheese balance out the spiciness with their cool and mild flavors.
Calories
The Applebee's Aztec Chicken Salad is a healthy salad that is loaded with fresh ingredients. The salad contains around 760 calories per serving, making it an ideal meal option for those who are watching their caloric intake. The salad is also rich in protein, vitamin C, dietary fiber, and healthy fats.
Conclusion
The Applebee's Aztec Chicken Salad is a delicious and healthy salad that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great option for those who are looking for a tasty and nutritious meal. With its fresh ingredients and amazing flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
Making Applebee's Aztec chicken salad is a great way to add a delicious entree option to your menu. This salad is known for its unique combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors along with a variety of textures. While it may seem like a daunting task to make this salad at home, it is actually quite simple. In this article, we will provide some valuable tips to help you create a perfect Applebee's Aztec chicken salad recipe that is bound to impress your family and guests.
Tips for Preparing the Chicken
The chicken is the main component of the Aztec chicken salad recipe. Therefore, it is crucial that you prepare it correctly to ensure that it is flavorful, tender, and juicy.
Use Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
The best type of chicken for the Applebee's Aztec chicken salad recipe is boneless, skinless chicken breast. This type of chicken is lean and will not add extra fat or calories to the dish.
Marinate the Chicken
Marinating the chicken is essential as it infuses the meat with flavors and tenderizes it. You can use store-bought marinades or make your own. A simple marinade made with lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, and olive oil works great.
Grill or Bake the Chicken
Grilling or baking the chicken is the best way to cook it for this recipe. Grilling adds a smoky flavor while baking helps to keep the meat moist. Make sure not to overcook the chicken as it will become tough and dry.
Tips for Making the Dressing
The dressing is what ties all the ingredients in the Aztec chicken salad recipe together. It provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that complements the chicken and veggies.
Use Quality Ingredients
The quality of ingredients used in the dressing matters. Use fresh lime juice, cilantro, honey, and olive oil for the best results. Avoid using bottled lime juice or dried herbs as they will not provide the same flavor.
Blend the Dressing Well
To ensure that the dressing is creamy and well blended, use a blender or food processor to blend the ingredients. This will help to emulsify the oil, resulting in a smooth and flavorful dressing.
Add the Dressing to the Salad Right Before Serving
Do not add the dressing to the salad too early, as it will wilt the greens and make the salad soggy. Add the dressing right before serving to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh.
Tips for Assembling the Salad
Assembling the salad properly is essential to create a visually appealing and delicious dish.
Use Fresh Greens
Use fresh, crispy greens such as romaine lettuce or mixed greens for the base of the salad. Avoid using wilted or browned greens as they will not add to the flavor or presentation of the dish.
Cut the Veggies and Fruit Uniformly
To ensure that the salad looks visually appealing, cut the veggies and fruits uniformly. This will create a sense of harmony and balance in the dish.
Layer the Ingredients
To create a visually appealing and structured salad, layer the ingredients instead of mixing them all together. Start with the greens at the bottom, followed by the chicken, then the veggies and fruits, and finally the dressing.
Garnish the Salad
To add an extra pop of flavor and texture, garnish the salad with chopped nuts, cheese, or additional herbs. This will make the dish look more appealing and add some crunch.
Conclusion
Making an Applebee's Aztec chicken salad recipe is a great way to add a delicious and healthy dish to your menu. By following these valuable tips, you can create a perfect salad that is bound to impress your family and guests. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, marinate the chicken, blend the dressing well, and layer the ingredients to create a visually appealing and tasty dish.