Hey there foodies! Today I’m gonna dive deep into one of Applebee’s most popular dishes that has both my taste buds and my calorie counter working overtime. If you’ve ever wondered about the calories in Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken with Spanish Rice & Pico de Gallo you’re in the right place! As someone who loves eating out but also tries (sometimes unsuccessfully, let’s be honest) to watch what I eat, I thought it would be helpful to break down this flavorful dish for all of us curious eaters.
The Quick Answer: How Many Calories?
Let’s cut to the chase – Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken with Spanish Rice & Pico de Gallo contains a whopping 1110 calories per serving. Yep, you read that right! That’s more than half of the daily recommended calorie intake for many adults on a 2000 calorie diet.
But calories don’t tell the whole story, do they? Let’s break it down further…
Complete Nutritional Breakdown
Here’s what you’re getting in that delicious plate
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 1,110 (4,644 kJ) | – |
| Total Fat | 57g | 88% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Trans Fat | 0.5g | – |
| Cholesterol | 185mg | 62% |
| Sodium | 3,970mg | 165% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 96g | 32% |
| Dietary Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugars | 8g | – |
| Protein | 55g | – |
*Based on a 2,000 calorie daily diet
What Makes Up Those Calories?
The Fiesta Lime Chicken dish is a combination of several components:
- Grilled chicken breast
- Lime sauce
- Mexi-ranch dressing
- Tortilla strips
- Jack-cheddar cheese
- Spanish rice
- Pico de gallo
Each element contributes to both the flavor explosion and the calorie count. The protein content is impressive at 55g, which is actually a positive aspect of this meal. But that sodium level? Whew! At 3,970mg, that’s about 165% of your recommended daily intake!
How Long Would It Take to Burn Those Calories?
According to CalorieKing, for a 35-year-old female who is 5’7″ tall and weighs 144 lbs, burning off this meal would take:
- Swimming: 93 minutes
- Jogging: 127 minutes
- Cycling: 170 minutes
- Walking: 309 minutes (that’s over 5 hours!)
So unless your planning on a serious workout after dinner, you might wanna think twice about going all-in on this dish if your watching your weight!
Is It Worth the Calorie Splurge?
I’ve had this dish several times (before I knew the calorie count, lol), and I can definitely say it’s tasty! The combination of the zesty lime flavor with the creamy Mexi-ranch dressing gives it a unique flavor profile that’s hard to resist. The Spanish rice adds a nice texture and the pico de gallo brings freshness to balance the richness.
But is it worth 1,110 calories? That depends on your personal nutrition goals and how you plan the rest of your day’s meals.
How Does It Compare to Other Menu Items?
When we look at other popular restaurant items for comparison:
- McDonald’s Medium French Fries: about 320-340 calories
- Jack in the Box Regular Taco: approximately 170-190 calories
- Dunkin’ Glazed Donut: around 240-260 calories
This means the Fiesta Lime Chicken dish is equivalent to about:
- 3 McDonald’s medium fries, or
- 6 Jack in the Box tacos, or
- 4-5 glazed donuts!
When you put it that way, it’s pretty eye-opening!
Healthier Alternatives at Applebee’s
If you’re craving that Applebee’s experience but don’t want to blow your calorie budget, here are some alternatives you might consider:
- Grilled Chicken Breast: A plain grilled chicken breast with steamed veggies can save you hundreds of calories
- Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken: A lighter option that still delivers on flavor
- Ask for modifications: Request the sauce on the side, skip the cheese, or substitute the Spanish rice for extra veggies
Making a Lighter Version at Home
If you love the flavors but want to control the calories, try making a homemade version:
- Grill a chicken breast with lime juice and spices
- Make a lighter version of the Mexi-ranch using Greek yogurt
- Use brown rice instead of Spanish rice
- Load up on homemade pico de gallo (which is naturally low in calories)
- Use a small amount of reduced-fat cheese
- Bake some tortilla strips instead of using fried ones
This could easily cut the calories in half while still giving you those flavors you crave!
Who Should Avoid This Dish?
Given the nutritional profile, this dish might not be the best choice for:
- People watching their sodium intake (heart conditions, high blood pressure)
- Those on calorie-restricted diets
- People with certain dietary restrictions (though Applebee’s may offer modifications)
Breaking Down the Calorie Sources
Where do all these calories come from? Let’s break it down:
- Fat: At 57g of fat contributing 513 calories, fat makes up about 46% of the total calorie count
- Carbs: The 96g of carbs contribute about 384 calories, or 35% of the total
- Protein: With 55g of protein at 220 calories, protein makes up about 20% of the total calories
The high fat content comes primarily from the cheese, dressings, and possibly the cooking methods. The carbs come from the rice and tortilla strips, while the protein is mainly from the chicken.
What About the Sodium?
I’m personally shocked by the sodium content of this dish! At 3,970mg, you’re getting well over the recommended daily intake in just one meal. This is something to be aware of, especially if you have blood pressure concerns or are watching your sodium intake for other health reasons.
The Fiber Content: A Small Victory
One positive aspect is the 7g of fiber, which is about 28% of your daily needs. Fiber is important for digestive health and can help you feel fuller longer. The pico de gallo and rice likely contribute most of this fiber.
What Are People Saying About This Dish?
From what I’ve heard and experienced, most people love the flavor of this dish. It’s been on Applebee’s menu for years for a reason! The combination of textures and flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser, even if the nutrition facts might be a bit scary.
How to Enjoy This Dish Responsibly
If you’re still set on enjoying the authentic Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken, here are some tips:
- Split it with a friend
- Take half home for another meal
- Plan the rest of your day’s meals to be lighter
- Increase your physical activity on days you indulge
- Make it an occasional treat rather than a regular choice
My Personal Take
I gotta admit, I was pretty surprised when I first saw the calorie count for this dish! I’ve definitely ordered it without realizing I was consuming over half my daily calories in one sitting. But I also believe in balance – sometimes it’s OK to enjoy foods simply because they taste amazing, even if they’re not the healthiest choice.
That said, now that I know the nutritional info, I’ll probably save this dish for special occasions or split it with my partner when we go to Applebee’s. Knowledge is power, and now we all have the information to make choices that align with our personal health goals!
Final Thoughts
The Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken with Spanish Rice & Pico de Gallo is undeniably delicious but comes with a significant calorie price tag. At 1,110 calories per serving with high fat and extremely high sodium content, it’s definitely in the “indulgence” category rather than an everyday meal choice.
If your watching your weight or health metrics like blood pressure, you might want to choose something else from the menu or ask for modifications. But if you’re having a treat day or planning to share, this flavorful dish might be worth the splurge occasionally.
Remember, no single meal defines your overall diet. It’s all about balance and making informed choices that work for YOUR body and YOUR goals!
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is based on data from CalorieKing and may vary slightly from what’s currently served at Applebee’s restaurants. Always check with the restaurant for the most up-to-date nutritional information if you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions.
Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken Nutrition Facts
*All percent daily value figures are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.Nutritional information source:
There are 1170 calories in a Fiesta Lime Chicken from Applebees. Most of those calories come from fat (47%) and carbohydrates (33%).
To burn the 1170 calories in a Fiesta Lime Chicken, you would have to run for 103 minutes or walk for 167 minutes. — Advertisement. Content continues below — Popular Restaurants
According to our website visitors, its hard to tell if Fiesta Lime Chicken from Applebees is a healthy option. Our visitors are split on the issue, with 44% of visitors thinking a Fiesta Lime Chicken is healthy and 56% thinking its unhealthy.
Let us know what you think! Review the nutrition facts above and then vote on whether you think a Fiesta Lime Chicken is healthy or not.
Applebee’s Copycat Fiesta Lime Chicken (Baked in the Oven!)
FAQ
How many calories are in Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken?
Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken contains 1170 to 1190 calories.
What is the sauce on Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken?
A celebration of flavor, this dish delivers on every level. Grilled chicken glazed with zesty lime sauce and drizzled with tangy Mexi-ranch is smothered with a rich blend of Cheddar cheeses on a bed of crispy tortilla strips.
How many calories are in Fiesta chicken?
2 serving of fiesta chicken (with fresh salsa, roasted chayote squash, and queso fresco) contains 913 Calories The macronutrient breakdown is 13% carbs, 31% fat, and 56% protein.
Does Applebees still have Fiesta Lime Chicken?
If you’re in the mood for something delicious, we’ve got you covered with our flavorful Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp, crispy Chicken Tenders and zesty Fiesta Lime Chicken®. Enjoy!