Applebee’s Classic Broccoli Chicken Alfredo Nutrition | Tasty, Truthful, Tested

Breaking Down Applebee’s Classic Broccoli Chicken Alfredo Nutrition

Applebee’s Classic Broccoli Chicken Alfredo is a popular menu item that combines tender grilled chicken, fresh broccoli, and rich Alfredo sauce tossed with fettuccine pasta. This dish is beloved for its creamy texture and comforting flavors. But beyond taste, the nutritional profile plays a crucial role for diners who want to balance indulgence with health.

This entrée clocks in at roughly 900 calories per serving, making it a substantial meal. It contains a generous amount of protein—primarily from the grilled chicken—which supports muscle maintenance and satiety. The broccoli adds fiber and essential vitamins, while the Alfredo sauce contributes fat and calories due to its creamy base of butter, cream, and cheese.

Understanding the exact nutritional content helps diners make informed choices depending on their dietary goals. Whether you’re counting calories, monitoring fat intake, or tracking macros like carbs and protein, knowing what’s on your plate is key.

Calories and Macronutrients

The calorie count of Applebee’s Classic Broccoli Chicken Alfredo is on the higher side compared to lighter dishes. A single serving provides around 900 calories, which can be a significant portion of an average adult’s daily caloric intake. Here’s how those calories break down:

• Protein: Approximately 50 grams
• Carbohydrates: Roughly 60 grams
• Fat: Around 45 grams

The protein comes mainly from the grilled chicken breast, which is lean but substantial enough to satisfy hunger. The carbs come from the fettuccine pasta and small amounts from broccoli. Fat content is elevated due to the rich Alfredo sauce made with heavy cream and cheese.

This balance makes it more of a hearty meal than a light option. For active individuals or those needing more energy-dense foods, this dish fits well into their nutrition plan.

Micronutrients in the Dish

Beyond macros, Applebee’s Classic Broccoli Chicken Alfredo provides several important vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamin C: Thanks to the broccoli, this dish offers some vitamin C which supports immune function.
• Calcium: The cheese in Alfredo sauce boosts calcium content for bone health.
• Iron: Present in moderate amounts through chicken and pasta.
• Vitamin A: From butter and cream components in the sauce.

While not a powerhouse of micronutrients compared to vegetable-heavy dishes, it does supply some essential nutrients that contribute to overall health.

Detailed Nutritional Table

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	900 kcal	45%
Total Fat	45 g	58%
Saturated Fat	25 g	125%
Cholesterol	180 mg	60%
Sodium	1150 mg	50%
Total Carbohydrates	60 g	22%
Dietary Fiber	5 g	20%
Sugars	6 g	–
Protein	50 g	100%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

The Role of Protein in Applebee’s Classic Broccoli Chicken Alfredo Nutrition

Protein is one of the standout nutrients in this dish. With about 50 grams per serving, it supplies roughly half of an average adult’s daily protein needs. This makes it especially appealing for those aiming to build or maintain muscle mass.

Grilled chicken breast is lean yet packed with complete proteins—meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for bodily functions like tissue repair and enzyme production. Protein also helps keep you full longer after eating.

The combination of ample protein with carbohydrates from pasta creates a balanced energy source that can fuel physical activity or recovery after exercise. For people watching their macronutrient ratios closely—like athletes or fitness enthusiasts—this dish delivers both energy and muscle-building nutrients effectively.

The Impact of Fats in This Dish

The creamy Alfredo sauce drives up fat content significantly here—especially saturated fat. With about 25 grams of saturated fat (125% DV), this is something to be mindful of if you’re monitoring heart health or cholesterol levels.

Saturated fats come mainly from butter, heavy cream, and cheese used in traditional Alfredo sauces. While these fats add richness and flavor, they should be consumed moderately as part of a balanced diet.

However, fats also play important roles such as hormone production and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). So while high saturated fat intake isn’t ideal daily, enjoying it occasionally as part of dishes like this isn’t necessarily harmful for most healthy adults.

Sodium Content: What You Need to Know

Applebee’s Classic Broccoli Chicken Alfredo contains around 1150 mg sodium per serving—about half the recommended daily limit set by many health organizations (2300 mg). Sodium comes from seasoning in chicken, sauce ingredients like cheese and butter, plus any added salt during cooking.

High sodium intake can contribute to elevated blood pressure in sensitive individuals or those prone to hypertension. Therefore, if you’re watching your salt intake closely due to medical reasons or personal preference, this dish might need balancing out with lower-sodium meals throughout your day.

For many people though—not particularly salt-sensitive—the sodium level here fits within reasonable limits when eaten occasionally as part of an overall balanced diet.

The Contribution of Fiber From Broccoli and Pasta

Fiber content stands at approximately 5 grams per serving—a modest but beneficial amount. Most fiber comes from broccoli as well as whole-grain elements sometimes used in pasta varieties (depending on preparation).

Dietary fiber promotes digestive health by aiding regular bowel movements and feeding beneficial gut bacteria. It also helps regulate blood sugar spikes after meals by slowing carbohydrate absorption.

While this dish isn’t fiber-rich compared to vegetable-heavy plates or salads alone, adding broccoli boosts its nutritional value beyond just carbs and proteins.

Taste vs Nutrition: Balancing Enjoyment With Health Goals

Applebee’s Classic Broccoli Chicken Alfredo strikes a delicious balance between indulgence and nutrition for many diners. The creamy sauce satisfies cravings for comfort food while providing substantial protein that supports satiety.

If calorie control is your priority but you still want flavor-packed meals out occasionally—this dish can fit your needs when paired with lighter sides such as steamed veggies or a green salad without dressing.

On days when you need higher energy intake—for example after intense workouts or long workdays—the calorie density works well without feeling overly heavy thanks to lean chicken pieces mixed into pasta rather than fried proteins.

Navigating Dietary Restrictions With This Dish

If you have specific dietary restrictions like low-fat diets or sodium sensitivity:

• Ask if Applebee’s can prepare the dish with reduced sauce or lighter cheese options.
• Consider sharing portions or pairing with lower-calorie sides.
• Avoid adding extra breadsticks or appetizers high in fats/sodium alongside it.

For those avoiding dairy or following vegan/vegetarian diets—this entrée isn’t suitable without significant modifications since its core ingredients include chicken breast and dairy-based sauce.

The Bigger Picture: How Applebee’s Classic Broccoli Chicken Alfredo Fits Your Meal Plan

Incorporating restaurant meals into balanced nutrition plans requires awareness about portion sizes and ingredient quality. Applebee’s Classic Broccoli Chicken Alfredo Nutrition shows us that restaurant dishes often pack more calories/fat than homemade versions due to richer sauces meant to boost flavor appeal.

If you love this dish but want better control over your diet:

• Complement it with fresh vegetables at home later.
• Adjust other meals during the day by cutting back on fats/carbs.
• Use nutrition tracking apps that include chain restaurant data for accuracy.

Being mindful doesn’t mean giving up favorite foods—it means making smarter choices around them while enjoying every bite guilt-free!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the calorie content of Applebee’s Classic Broccoli Chicken Alfredo?

Applebee’s Classic Broccoli Chicken Alfredo contains approximately 900 calories per serving. This makes it a substantial meal, contributing a significant portion of an average adult’s daily caloric intake.

How much protein is in Applebee’s Classic Broccoli Chicken Alfredo?

The dish provides about 50 grams of protein, primarily from the grilled chicken breast. This high protein content supports muscle maintenance and helps keep you feeling full longer.

What are the main sources of fat in Applebee’s Classic Broccoli Chicken Alfredo?

The fat content, around 45 grams, mainly comes from the creamy Alfredo sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and cheese. This rich sauce contributes both flavor and calories to the dish.

Does Applebee’s Classic Broccoli Chicken Alfredo offer any vitamins or minerals?

Yes, it provides important micronutrients like vitamin C from broccoli, calcium from cheese, iron from chicken and pasta, and vitamin A from the butter and cream in the sauce. These support immune health and bone strength.

Is Applebee’s Classic Broccoli Chicken Alfredo suitable for a balanced diet?

This dish offers a balance of macronutrients with protein, carbs, and fats. While higher in calories and fat, it can fit into an active lifestyle or energy-dense nutrition plan when consumed mindfully.