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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.
Best for: Good when a smaller appetite means the normal order would be too much.
Watch if: Go easy on extras if you want the meal to stay light.
How to order: Grilled Chicken Breast with steamed broccoli is one of the cleanest high-protein Applebee's restaurant orders when appetite is low.
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Quick notes for choices that may feel heavier.
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Showing 17 Applebee's options for High protein.
Best for: Good when a smaller appetite means the normal order would be too much.
Watch if: Go easy on extras if you want the meal to stay light.
How to order: Grilled Chicken Breast with a side House Salad. Ask for oil and vinegar or lemon instead of creamy dressing. No croutons.
Best for: Good when a smaller appetite means the normal order would be too much.
Watch if: Go easy on extras if you want the meal to stay light.
How to order: Build a steak plate with the 6 oz. top sirloin and garlic green beans instead of heavier starch sides.
Best for: Good when a smaller appetite means the normal order would be too much.
Watch if: Go easy on extras if you want the meal to stay light.
How to order: Order Applebee's 6 oz. Top Sirloin with steamed broccoli and skip heavier sauces or mashed potato sides.
Best for: Good when a smaller appetite means the normal order would be too much.
Watch if: Go easy on extras if you want the meal to stay light.
How to order: Pair grilled chicken breast with a cup of tomato basil soup when you want something warm and straightforward.
Best for: Good when a smaller appetite means the normal order would be too much.
Watch if: Go easy on extras if you want the meal to stay light.
How to order: Order a grilled shrimp skewer with garlic green beans for a lighter seafood plate that works well when appetite is low.
Best for: Good when a smaller appetite means the normal order would be too much.
Watch if: Go easy on extras if you want the meal to stay light.
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.
Best for: Good when a smaller appetite means the normal order would be too much.
Watch if: Higher fat can sneak up on you even when the order looks simple.
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.
Best for: Good when a smaller appetite means the normal order would be too much.
Watch if: Fried items, creamy sauces, and bigger portions can make this feel heavier fast.
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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