The Southwest chicken bowl is a popular menu item at Applebee’s restaurants. It features grilled chicken, black beans, corn, pico de gallo, cilantro lime rice, and Southwest seasoning, all combined in a bowl. This bowl provides a mix of flavors and textures for an appetizing and satisfying meal. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the ingredients that go into an Applebee’s Southwest chicken bowl to provide a breakdown of exactly what is included in this dish.
Grilled Chicken
The star ingredient in the Southwest chicken bowl is the grilled chicken. Applebee’s uses boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this dish. The chicken is seasoned simply with just a bit of salt and pepper and then grilled until cooked through and lightly charred on the outside.
The grilled chicken provides a lean, high-quality protein that is both juicy and flavorful after being cooked over the grill. A single Southwest chicken bowl contains around 130 grams of grilled chicken, or just under 1/2 pound of meat. This hearty serving of protein helps make the bowl filling and nutritious.
Black Beans
One of the signature Southwest elements of this bowl is the inclusion of black beans. Applebee’s uses canned black beans that are simply rinsed and drained before being added to the bowl. A single serving of the Southwest chicken bowl contains approximately 130 grams, or 1/2 cup, of black beans.
Black beans provide fiber, protein, and a boost of antioxidants like anthocyanins. Their rich, earthy flavor also complements the other ingredients like the corn, chicken, and spicy seasoning. The black beans add texture, substance, and flavor to help balance out the bowl.
Fire-Roasted Corn
What sets the Southwest chicken bowl apart from a regular chicken and rice bowl is the inclusion of fire-roasted corn. Applebee’s uses whole kernel corn that has been roasted and lightly charred for a smoky, charred flavor.
Each bowl includes around 130 grams or 1/2 cup of the fire-roasted corn kernels. In addition to providing sweetness and smokiness, the corn also adds vitamin C, fiber, and carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin. The corn’s crunch provides textural contrast to the other soft ingredients.
Pico de Gallo
Pico de gallo is a fresh salsa made from chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and spices like jalapeño. Applebee’s makes their pico de gallo fresh in-house each day.
A serving of the Southwest chicken bowl includes around 130 grams or 1/2 cup of the pico de gallo. The pico adds a fresh, acidic flavor contrast to balance the richness of the beans, corn, and chicken. The onion and cilantro also provide culinary aromas, while the jalapeño brings a touch of heat.
Cilantro Lime Rice
The base of the Southwest chicken bowl is cilantro lime rice. This is white rice that has been cooked in lime juice and fresh cilantro to infuse it with bright, citrusy flavor.
Each bowl includes around 200 grams, or 1 cup, of fluffy cilantro lime rice. The rice soaks up the juices and flavors of the other ingredients in the bowl while providing a starchy base that makes the meal filling and substantial. The rice provides an essential carbohydrate component.
Southwest Spices
To tie everything together, Applebee’s finishes each Southwest chicken bowl with a dusting of Southwest seasoning. This is a proprietary blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
This complex blend of spices is what gives the bowl its signature Southwestern flair. It provides a punch of heat and adds layers of flavor that complement the ingredients like the beans, corn, and chicken. Just a light sprinkle of the seasoning over the top is enough to give the entire bowl a craveable kick.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for an Applebee’s Southwest chicken bowl:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 490 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5g |
| Sodium | 1030mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 57g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 42g |
As you can see, the Southwest chicken bowl provides a substantial amount of protein along with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The mix of whole food ingredients like beans, corn, tomato, cilantro, and lime makes this a nutritious choice as far as restaurant meals go. The total calories and sodium are on the higher side, so those with dietary restrictions should take that into account. Overall, the nutritional profile offers protein, fiber, and decent nutrients in the context of the satisfying bowl meal.
Conclusion
The Southwest chicken bowl from Applebee’s provides a tasty combination of flavors and ingredients inspired by the culinary traditions of the American Southwest. Grilled chicken supplies lean protein while black beans, corn, pico de gallo, cilantro lime rice, and signature spices come together to create a flavorful and textured bowl. With a balance of protein, fiber, carbs, and antioxidants, the Southwest chicken bowl makes for a satisfying one-dish meal. Understanding exactly what goes into this popular menu item at Applebee’s can help you appreciate everything that makes it such a crave-worthy dish.