Best Applebees Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipes

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SANTA FE CHICKEN SALAD (APPLEBEE'S)



Santa Fe Chicken Salad (Applebee's) image

Do not let the list of ingredients keep you from making this salad. Most of the ingredients are for the marinade and salsa which should be made the day before and refrigerated. The remaining ingredients are the salad and side items. It is super quick to throw together the next day and tastes awesome. The tequila-lime chicken is outstanding on its own and you may want to make extra Pico de Gallo to keep in the fridge. I have adapted this recipe from a former Applebee's employee. The recipe is scaled down for one serving, so adjust for more servings. Cooktime is marinade time.

Provided by NcMysteryShopper

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 12h15m

Yield 1 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 26

2 tablespoons gold tequila
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
1 teaspoon fajita seasoning mix
3/4 teaspoon minced fresh jalapeno pepper (seeded)
3/4 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 boneless chicken breasts, skin on or 1 boneless skinless chicken breast
1 small tomatoes, diced
1/2 small onion, diced
1 -2 teaspoon diced jalapeno (we like more!)
1/8 cup fresh cilantro (diced)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon white vinegar
3 tablespoons ranch dressing (they use Naturally Fresh brand lo-fat)
tortilla chips (multi-colored or regular) or corn tortilla strips (multi-colored or regular)
chopped scallion, sprinkled on top
1 ounce sour cream (ramekin at 9 o'clock)
1 ounce guacamole (ramekin at 3 o'clock)
2 ounces pico de gallo, recipe above (ramekin at 12 o'clock)
3 -4 cups torn salad greens
1/8-1/4 cup shredded monterey jack cheese or 1/8-1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Combine marinade ingredients in a container with lid. Add Chicken and place in refrigerator overnight.
  • Combine Pico de Gallo ingredients in a small bowl with lid and place in refrigerator overnight with chicken.
  • Remove chicken from marinade and sprinkle with fajita seasoning. Grill skin-side down for about 5 minutes, turn and continue to grill for about 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. I use my George Forman grill with fantastic results (about 7 minutes).
  • While the chicken is grilling combine ranch dressing with 2 Tablespoons of the Pico de Gallo. Set Aside.
  • Prepare Garnishes.
  • Toss salad greens with cheese and remaining Pico de Gallo (or less - to taste). Sprinkle with fried tortilla strips or lightly crushed tortilla chips.
  • Cut chicken into strips and place on top of greens. Add Garnishes to plate.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 717.9, Fat 51.9, SaturatedFat 14.3, Cholesterol 135.8, Sodium 2352.1, Carbohydrate 27.1, Fiber 5.6, Sugar 11.5, Protein 39.7

APPLEBEE'S SANTA FE STUFFED CHICKEN



Applebee's Santa Fe Stuffed Chicken image

Make and share this Applebee's Santa Fe Stuffed Chicken recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Little Bee

Categories     Poultry

Time 50m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 (8 ounce) package monterey jack cheese
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1 1/2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 small red bell pepper
1 small green bell pepper

Steps:

  • Cut some of the cheese into 8 slices, and reserve part of it for the cheese sauce. Place 1 chicken breast between two sheets of wax paper. Working from the center to the edges pound with a meat mallet until flat and rectangular shaped. Repeat with remaining breasts. Wrap the flattened chicken breasts around cheese. Secure with wooden picks or uncooked spaghetti noodles.
  • Combine the bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, cumin and pepper. Roll the secured chicken pieces in the melted butter and then in the bread crumb mixture. Place chicken breasts in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish, but don't crowd them. Drizzle the remaining butter over all eight of the breasts. Refrigerate for 1 hour or freeze to bake later (baking time will be increased by about 5 to 10 minutes).
  • Bake in a preheated 400ºF (205ºC) oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until chicken is done.
  • Make a roux with butter and flour. Add about 1 cup milk. Bring to a simmer. Add cheese and lower the heat, stirring constantly so cheese does not burn. Add milk as needed to thin out the cheese sauce. Dice bell peppers.
  • When chicken is done, pour some cheese sauce over top and sprinkle with diced peppers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 820.4, Fat 46.5, SaturatedFat 27.6, Cholesterol 253.3, Sodium 1487.5, Carbohydrate 23.3, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 3.3, Protein 74.8

What is Applebee's Santa Fe Chicken Salad?

Applebee's Santa Fe Chicken Salad is a popular menu item at the American restaurant chain, Applebee's. The salad is a perfect example of Southwestern cuisine, combining grilled chicken, corn, black beans, tomatoes, and crispy tortilla strips on a bed of lettuce, topped with a spicy ranch dressing.

Origin of Santa Fe Chicken Salad

The Santa Fe Chicken Salad owes its origin to Santa Fe, a city in New Mexico. Being one of the oldest cities in the United States, Santa Fe has an interesting history and culture. Food is an integral part of the city's culture, and you'll here find many traditional Mexican dishes.

Southwestern cuisine or New Mexican cuisine is a fusion of Pueblo Native American, Mexican, and Spanish flavors that originated in the American Southwest, particularly New Mexico. Mexican and Spanish settlers, together with Pueblo Native Americans, introduced different ingredients like beans, corn, and chilies, sweet potato, and other local ingredients to make iconic dishes like tamales, enchiladas, and tacos.

The Applebee's Santa Fe Chicken Salad is a modern interpretation of this cuisine by a restaurant chain that found nationwide popularity.

What are the ingredients used in Applebee's Santa Fe Chicken Salad?

A signature dish of Applebee's, the Santa Fe Chicken Salad is made from the following ingredients:

  • Grilled chicken breast
  • Black beans
  • Cilantro
  • Corn
  • Crispy corn tortilla strips
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Tomatoes
  • Red onion
  • Fiesta dressing or spicy ranch dressing
How is Applebee's Santa Fe Chicken Salad Made?

While we don't have the exact recipe that Applebee's follows, we can tell you how the Santa Fe Chicken Salad is typically made:

1. Start by seasoning the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Southwest spices.

2. Grill the chicken breast over high heat for about 5-6 minutes per side, until fully cooked.

3. Once cooked, let the chicken breast rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.

4. In a bowl, mix together the black beans, cilantro, corn, and red onion.

5. Then, add your choice of lettuce. Romaine works well for Santa Fe Chicken Salad.

6. Arrange the sliced chicken strips over the salad.

7. Next, add the tortilla chips on the top of the salad.

8. Sprinkle some diced tomatoes over the salad.

9. Finally, drizzle the Fiesta or spicy ranch dressing on top of the salad and enjoy!

How healthy is Applebee's Santa Fe Chicken Salad?

The Santa Fe Chicken Salad is considered a healthier option at Applebee's, with 650-750 calories per serving. The vegetables and beans add fiber and vitamins to the dish.

The key to keeping this salad healthy is to go easy on the dressing. Dressing can add a lot of calories to the salad. Choose a low-fat dressing, or use it sparingly.

Conclusion

Applebee's Santa Fe Chicken Salad is an excellent example of Southwestern Cuisine. It's a blending of flavors and cultures, creating a flavorful salad that appeals to many. The salad is easy to customize and adjust to your taste, making it a favorite at the restaurant chain. With the recipe that we've provided, you can make this classic salad at home and enjoy it with your family.

Applebee's is a popular American restaurant chain that is known for its great-tasting dishes. One of its most sought-after recipes is the Santa Fe Chicken Salad. This dish is a perfect combination of flavors that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. In this article, we will share some valuable tips that you can use when making Applebee's Santa Fe Chicken Salad Recipe. 1. Choosing the Right Chicken The first step in making a tasty Santa Fe Chicken Salad is choosing the right chicken. You can use either grilled or baked chicken for this recipe. When choosing chicken, opt for boneless and skinless chicken breasts. You want to make sure that the chicken is cooked perfectly and has a juicy and tender texture. To achieve this, marinating the chicken with spices, salt, pepper, and lime juice is a must. 2. Preparing the Salad Greens Salad greens are an essential ingredient for a Santa Fe Chicken Salad. You can choose any greens as you like, but it is recommended to use a variety of greens to add flavor and texture to your salad. A typical Santa Fe Salad contains iceberg lettuce, romaine lettuce, and red cabbage. You can also add in some spinach and arugula. Before adding the salad greens to your salad bowl, make sure to wash them well and dry them using a salad spinner. You can also tear the lettuce leaves into bite-sized pieces to make it easier to eat. 3. Adding the Right Mix-Ins The mix-ins of a Santa Fe Chicken Salad is what makes it stand out. Here are some of the ingredients you can add to your salad: - Roasted Corn: Roasted corn not only adds sweetness but also gives a charred smoky flavor to your salad. - Black Beans: Adding black beans to your salad gives a boost of protein and adds a nice chewy texture. - Tomato: Tomatoes are a great addition to any salad. They add juiciness and freshness to your salad. - Red Onion: Red onion adds a bit of pungency and crunch to the salad. - Bell Peppers: Bell peppers not only add color but also offer a sweet and tangy flavor to your salad. You can use any color of bell peppers that you have available. 4. Making the Dressing The dressing is what ties the flavors of your salad together. The dressing for a Santa Fe Chicken Salad is made up of lime juice, honey, and diced jalapenos. You can also add in a bit of sour cream to give it a creamier texture. When making the dressing, make sure to mix all the ingredients well in a bowl. You can also add more or less honey depending on your preference. It is also best to keep the dressing chilled until ready to serve. 5. Assembling the Salad When assembling your Santa Fe Chicken Salad, it is important to keep the salad greens and mix-ins separate until it is time to serve. This will help keep the salad fresh and prevent it from wilting. Start by adding the salad greens to a large salad bowl. Then, add the mix-ins on top of the greens. Arrange the grilled chicken on top of the mix-ins. You can also add some shredded cheese and tortilla strips for added crunch. Right before serving, drizzle the salad dressing over the salad, and toss it well to coat all the ingredients. Conclusion: Making an Applebee's Santa Fe Chicken Salad isn't as difficult as it sounds. With the right ingredients, a little bit of prep work, and the right cooking techniques, you can have a delicious and healthy meal that everyone will love. The key to making a perfect Santa Fe Chicken Salad is to follow a recipe and experiment with various combinations until you find the one you like the most.

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