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Best first order at Applebee's

Sit-down chain where the first obvious move is already clear: 6 oz. Top Sirloin & Broccoli. Portions and creamy sauces can get heavy fast, so leftovers and lighter sides help.

Nutrition source checkedNot medical advice
Best first order

Grilled Chicken Breast & Broccoli

290 cal·41g protein·12g fat
SmallGentleProtein-forwardSmall bite

Best for: Good when a smaller appetite means the normal order would be too much.

Watch if: Higher sodium can add up quickly; this order has 1,170mg sodium.

How to order: Grilled Chicken Breast with steamed broccoli is one of the cleanest high-protein Applebee's restaurant orders when appetite is low.

Keep in mind

Menu watchouts

Quick notes for choices that may feel heavier.

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  • Creamy sauces: Ask for sauce on the side, a lighter dressing, or a grilled protein build instead.

Use this as a quick read, not a hard no.

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17 curated options.

Other good options

Smaller option

Grilled Chicken & Garden Salad

340 cal·42g protein·14g fat
SmallGentleProtein-forward

Best for: Good when a smaller appetite means the normal order would be too much.

How to order: Grilled Chicken Breast with a side House Salad. Ask for oil and vinegar or lemon instead of creamy dressing. No croutons.

Use caution

Top Sirloin & Green Beans

340 cal·42g protein·16g fat
SmallGentleProtein-forward

Watch if: Higher sodium can add up quickly; this order has 1,420mg sodium.

How to order: Build a steak plate with the 6 oz. top sirloin and garlic green beans instead of heavier starch sides.

Use caution

6 oz. Top Sirloin & Broccoli

350 cal·43g protein·18g fat
SmallGentleProtein-forward

Watch if: Higher sodium can add up quickly; this order has 1,440mg sodium.

How to order: Order Applebee's 6 oz. Top Sirloin with steamed broccoli and skip heavier sauces or mashed potato sides.

Use caution

Grilled Chicken & Tomato Soup Cup

360 cal·42g protein·11g fat·11g sugar
SmallGentleProtein-forward

Watch if: Higher sodium can add up quickly; this order has 1,620mg sodium.

How to order: Pair grilled chicken breast with a cup of tomato basil soup when you want something warm and straightforward.

Use caution

Grilled Shrimp & Green Beans

220 cal·26g protein·9g fat
TinyGentleEasy protein

Watch if: Higher sodium can add up quickly; this order has 980mg sodium.

How to order: Order a grilled shrimp skewer with garlic green beans for a lighter seafood plate that works well when appetite is low.

Higher fiber

Lean Trio Plate

470 cal·38g protein·20g fat·9g fiber·9g sugar
SmallNausea watchProtein-forward

Watch if: Higher sodium can add up quickly; this order has 1,400mg sodium.

How to order: Combine a small grilled chicken breast with house salad (light dressing) and a side of steamed broccoli for a balanced lean trio.

Higher fiber

Lighter Fare: 6 oz. Top Sirloin

540 cal·42g protein·23g fat·7g fiber
SmallNausea watchProtein-forward

Watch if: Higher sodium can add up quickly; this order has 1,850mg sodium.

How to order: 6 oz. Top Sirloin from the 'Lighter Fare' menu. Request steamed broccoli as the side. If not on Lighter Fare, swap potatoes for extra broccoli.

Use caution

Salmon & Shrimp Duo with Vegetables

600 cal·65g protein·31g fat
SmallRich/heavyProtein-forward

Watch if: Higher sodium can add up quickly; this order has 2,380mg sodium.

How to order: Combine blackened salmon, a grilled shrimp skewer, and fire-grilled vegetables for a high-protein surf-and-surf plate.

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