Applebee’s chicken fajita rollup recipe, If you’ve ever craved the tasty Chicken Fajita Rollups from Applebee’s but don’t want to leave the comfort of your home, you’re in luck. This guide will walk you through a detailed, step-by-step recipe that replicates the restaurant’s delicious rollups. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can enjoy the savory flavors of Applebee’s right in your own kitchen.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ingredients
- Marinade
- Mexi-Ranch Dipping Sauce
- Pico de Gallo
- For the Rollups
- Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Mexi-Ranch Dipping Sauce
- Make the Pico de Gallo
- Cook the Chicken
- Assemble the Rollups
- Tips and Tricks
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Applebee’s chicken fajita rollup recipe Introduction
Applebee’s Chicken Fajita Rollups are a popular menu item known for their delicious blend of flavors and textures. The rollups feature grilled chipotle chicken, melted cheeses, fresh pico de gallo, and crisp shredded lettuce, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla and served with a flavorful Mexi-Ranch dipping sauce. Recreating this dish at home is easier than you might think. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the necessary details to make a restaurant-quality Chicken Fajita Rollup in your kitchen.
Applebee’s chicken fajita rollup recipe: Ingredients
Marinade
To achieve that signature smoky and spicy flavor, you’ll need to prepare a flavorful marinade for the chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredient | Amount |
Water | 2 cups |
Soy Sauce | 1/3 cup |
Sugar | 3 tablespoons |
Salt | 2 tablespoons |
White Distilled Vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
Ground Chipotle Pepper | 1 tablespoon (or 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper) |
Hickory Smoke Flavoring | 2 teaspoons |
Paprika | 2 teaspoons |
Garlic Powder | 2 teaspoons |
Onion Powder | 1 teaspoon |
Ground Black Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
Chicken Breast Fillets | 4 pieces (boneless and skinless) |
Mexi-Ranch Dipping Sauce
For the dipping sauce that perfectly complements the rollups, gather these ingredients:
Ingredient | Amount |
Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
Minced Onion | 2 tablespoons |
Diced Tomato | 2 tablespoons |
Buttermilk | 1 tablespoon (substitute with regular milk if necessary) |
White Distilled Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
Minced Fresh Cilantro | 2 teaspoons |
Canned Green Chile Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
Paprika | 3/4 teaspoon |
Granulated Sugar | 1/2 teaspoon |
Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
Dried Dill Weed | Pinch |
Cumin | Pinch |
Cayenne Pepper | Pinch |
Pico de Gallo
A fresh pico de gallo adds a burst of flavor to the rollups. You’ll need:
Ingredient | Amount |
Tomatoes (medium) | 2, diced |
Red Onion | 1/3 cup, diced |
Jalapeno Pepper | 1, seeded and diced |
Lime Juice | 2 teaspoons |
Minced Fresh Cilantro | 2 teaspoons |
Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
Ground Black Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
For the Rollups
Finally, to assemble your rollups, you’ll need:
Ingredient | Amount |
Large Flour Tortillas | 4 pieces |
Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup |
Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese | 1 cup |
Shredded Iceberg Lettuce | 4 cups |
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a medium bowl, combine the water, soy sauce, sugar, salt, white distilled vinegar, ground chipotle pepper (or cayenne pepper), hickory smoke flavoring, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Add the chicken breast fillets to the marinade. Ensure they are fully submerged.
- Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Avoid marinating longer as it may toughen the chicken.
Prepare the Mexi-Ranch Dipping Sauce
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced onion, diced tomato, buttermilk, white distilled vinegar, minced fresh cilantro, canned green chile pepper, paprika, granulated sugar, salt, dried dill weed, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
- Chill:
- Stir well and cover. Refrigerate to let the flavors combine and develop.
Make the Pico de Gallo
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a bowl, mix together diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, minced cilantro, salt, and black pepper.
- Chill:
- Cover and refrigerate to enhance the flavors.
Cook the Chicken
- Preheat Grill:
- Set your grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill Chicken:
- Grill the chicken breasts for 4 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Slice:
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized chunks.
Assemble the Rollups
- Heat Tortillas:
- Heat a large skillet over low heat. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheese blend over the surface.
- Melt Cheese:
- Allow the cheese to melt before removing the tortilla from the pan.
- Build Rollups:
- On each tortilla, layer 1 cup of shredded lettuce, 3 tablespoons of pico de gallo, and the sliced chicken.
- Roll and Slice:
- Fold the ends of the tortilla over the filling and roll from the bottom to the top. Slice diagonally into 2 or 3 pieces.
- Serve:
- Arrange the rollups on a plate and serve with the Mexi-Ranch dipping sauce.
Tips and Tricks
- For Optimal Flavor: Use McCormick’s ground chipotle pepper for the marinade if available. If using cayenne, adjust the quantity to avoid overpowering heat.
- Cheese Choices: Pre-blended shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese can simplify the recipe without compromising flavor.
- Cooking Chicken: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the cheeses with any other varieties you prefer. A pre-shredded cheese blend can also be used for convenience.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, regular milk can be used. For a similar tangy flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the milk.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap the rollups tightly to maintain freshness.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the Mexi-Ranch dipping sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
With this detailed guide, you can recreate Applebee’s chicken fajita rollup recipe right at home. From marinating the chicken to preparing the Mexi-Ranch dipping sauce, every step is designed to bring the authentic flavors of the restaurant to your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family dinner, or simply indulging in a tasty meal, these rollups are sure to impress. Applebee’s chicken fajita rollup recipe.