10 Applebee’s Copycat Recipes You Can Make Right at Home

Applebee’s is one of those spots where comfort food and casual dining meet. Whether you crave their sizzling appetizers, saucy wings, or hearty entrées, the menu is packed with dishes people return to again and again. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to wait for a night out to enjoy them. With the right ingredients and a few smart tricks, you can bring the same flavors straight into your own kitchen. These Applebee’s copycat recipes deliver that same satisfaction right at home.

1. Copycat Applebee’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip

This creamy, cheesy dip is one of Applebee’s most popular starters, and the homemade version is surprisingly easy. You’ll combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, spinach, and artichokes with a generous helping of mozzarella and Parmesan. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s the kind of appetizer that disappears fast. Serve it with tortilla chips, pita bread, or warm baguette slices. The secret to nailing the restaurant flavor is a balance of tang from the artichokes with rich, melty cheese.

2. Copycat Applebee’s Boneless Wings with Classic Buffalo Sauce

Applebee’s boneless wings are a game-day staple, and you can whip them up at home with simple ingredients. Start with bite-sized chicken breast pieces dredged in seasoned flour, then fry until golden and crispy. Toss them in a homemade Buffalo sauce made from hot sauce, butter, and a dash of garlic powder. The result is juicy chicken coated in a bold, tangy sauce that clings perfectly. Pair with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing, and you’ve recreated one of the menu’s biggest crowd-pleasers.

3. Copycat Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad

This salad balances crispy textures and bright flavors, making it one of the chain’s standout lighter options. The homemade version starts with shredded cabbage, romaine lettuce, and carrots for crunch. Top it with crispy fried chicken strips, toasted almonds, and chow mein noodles. The dressing is what ties it all together: a mix of rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and Dijon mustard. It’s sweet, tangy, and nutty all at once. This is a salad that feels fresh yet filling, and it’s easy to pull off at home.

4. Copycat Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken and Shrimp

This skillet dish delivers bold flavor thanks to a garlicky Cajun butter sauce. To make it at home, season chicken breasts with Cajun spices, sear them in a hot skillet, and finish them in the oven for juiciness. Add shrimp to the same pan and toss in the buttery sauce with garlic, lemon juice, and parsley. Serve it sizzling over mashed potatoes for the full effect. The combination of spice, richness, and fresh seafood makes this a dinner that feels both comforting and indulgent.

5. Copycat Applebee’s Three-Cheese Chicken Penne

Pasta lovers gravitate toward this dish, and it’s not hard to see why. The homemade version features penne tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce, layered with grilled chicken, and topped with marinara and a three-cheese blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and Cheddar. The trick is to broil the pasta for a few minutes at the end so the cheese melts into a golden crust. You’ll end up with a hearty, restaurant-style pasta dish that combines cheesy richness with the freshness of marinara.

6. Copycat Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken

This dish is all about bold, Southwestern-inspired flavors. Marinate chicken breasts in lime juice, garlic, cumin, and chili powder before grilling to perfection. Top with a zesty ranch-based sauce and melted cheese, then serve over a bed of tortilla strips with Mexican rice on the side. The bright citrus paired with smoky spices gives the chicken its signature taste. It’s colorful, satisfying, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests.

7. Copycat Applebee’s Classic Clubhouse Grille Sandwich

A solid sandwich never goes out of style, and Applebee’s Clubhouse Grille is a classic. Layer thick slices of turkey and ham with cheddar, Swiss, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on toasted bread. Grill it just enough to melt the cheese and crisp the bread without losing the fresh crunch of the veggies. It’s hearty, salty, and smoky all in one bite. Serve with fries or kettle chips, and you’ll see why this sandwich is a fan favorite.

8. Copycat Applebee’s Double Crunch Shrimp

This appetizer is all about texture. Large shrimp are dipped in buttermilk, dredged in seasoned flour and breadcrumbs, then fried until golden. What makes this recipe stand out is the double coating, which keeps the shrimp extra crunchy. Pair them with a tangy cocktail sauce or a sweet chili dip for balance. Making these at home means you get that satisfying crunch without waiting for a restaurant basket to hit your table. They’re addictive, so plan on making plenty.

9. Copycat Applebee’s Chicken Wonton Tacos

These little tacos pack a lot of flavor into a small bite. Start by baking wonton wrappers over a muffin tin to form crisp taco shells. Fill them with grilled chicken tossed in an Asian-inspired sauce of soy, hoisin, and ginger. Add slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing, then garnish with cilantro. The result is crunchy, tangy, and savory all in one bite. They’re perfect for parties, or as a fun dinner option that feels just like Applebee’s.

10. Copycat Applebee’s Blondie Dessert with Maple Butter Sauce

Applebee’s blondie is legendary, and you can recreate it right in your own kitchen. Bake a rich, chewy blondie packed with white chocolate chips and walnuts. The key is serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzling over a homemade maple butter sauce made from butter, brown sugar, cream, and maple syrup. The combination of warm, gooey blondie and cold ice cream is unbeatable. It’s indulgent, nostalgic, and the perfect way to end a meal.