Is 1150 Calories a Deal-Breaker? Unpacking Applebee’s Chicken Tenders Plate with Fries, Slaw & Honey Dijon Mustard

Hey there, food lovers! If you’ve ever sat down at Applebee’s, eyed their Chicken Tenders Plate with Fries Slaw and that sweet Honey Dijon Mustard, and wondered, “How bad is this gonna hit my diet?”—well, I’m right there with ya. We’ve all been tempted by those crispy tenders and golden fries, but today, we’re diving deep into the nitty-gritty of the calories and nutrition in this indulgent meal. Spoiler alert it’s a hefty 1150 calories per order. Yeah, you read that right. Stick with me as we break this down, figure out what it means for your day, and how to enjoy it without totally derailing your health goals.

The Big Number: 1150 Calories and What’s Inside

Let’s cut straight to the chase. When you order the Chicken Tenders Plate with Fries, Slaw, and Honey Dijon Mustard at Applebee’s, you’re looking at 1150 calories in one sitting. That’s a big chunk of your daily intake if you’re aiming for the standard 2000-calorie diet. But calories ain’t the whole story. Here’s the full nutritional breakdown for one order of this tasty plate:

Now, lemme break this down in plain ol’ English. 64 grams of fat is almost all the fat you should eat in a day, and most of it comes from the fried chicken tenders and fries. At 11 grams, the saturated fat isn’t the worst, but it’s still more than half of what you should eat every day to protect your heart. This is really bad for you because 2800 milligrams of sodium is way too much for a whole day. That’s gonna bloat ya up if you’re sensitive to salt.

Carbs at 109 grams come mostly from the fries and breading on them tenders, with a lil’ sugar kick from the slaw and Honey Dijon Mustard. Fiber’s decent at 7 grams, helping with digestion a bit. And hey, 36 grams of protein is pretty solid—good for keepin’ ya full and rebuilding muscle if you’ve been hittin’ the gym.

Why 1150 Calories Feels Like a Gut Punch

I remember the first time I scarfed down this plate at Applebee’s with some buddies after a long week. It was pure comfort—crispy, juicy tenders, them perfectly salted fries, and that creamy slaw with a tangy mustard dip. But halfway through, I started wonderin’, “Man, how much damage am I doin’ here?” Turns out, a lot. If you’re like me and tryin’ to keep tabs on your intake, 1150 calories is over half of a typical day’s worth. For some folks on lower-calorie plans, like 1500 a day for weight loss, this one meal could blow your entire budget.

Let’s burn this off to get a sense of how much it is. For a typical person—say, a 35-year-old woman who is 5’7″ and weighs about 144 pounds—it would take

• 96 minutes of swimming (and I ain’t talkin’ a lazy float),
• 132 minutes of jogging (my knees are cryin’ already),
• 176 minutes of cycling (that’s a long ride), or
• 320 minutes of walking (we talkin’ over 5 hours!).

That’s a lotta sweat just for one plate. Makes ya think twice before orderin’, don’t it?

How This Stacks Up Against Your Day

Let’s get real for a sec. Most of us ain’t eatin’ just this one meal in a day. You got breakfast, maybe a snack, and dinner or lunch elsewhere. If this Applebee’s Chicken Tenders Plate is your big meal, you’re already at 1150 calories. Add a coffee with cream in the mornin’ (bout 100 calories) and a light dinner like a salad with dressin’ (maybe 400 calories), and you’re pushin’ 1600-1700. That’s close to a full day for many without even countin’ extras like soda or dessert.

Also, don’t forget the sodium—2800 milligrams is way too much. There were days when I ate something salty like this and by bedtime I felt like a balloon. Too much sodium can mess with your blood pressure over time, so if you eat processed foods during the day, this could push you over the edge.

Comparin’ to Other Applebee’s Goodies

Let me know what you think: how does this Chicken Tenders Plate compare to other items on Applebee’s menu? I’ve looked at their menu over the years, and here are some examples:

• Classic Bacon Cheeseburger: Around 881 calories. Less than our tenders plate, but still heavy.
• Southwest Chicken Bowl: About 820 calories. A lighter option if you’re cravin’ somethin’ hearty.
• Grilled Chicken Breast: Only 190 calories. Pair it with a side, and you’re still way under 1150.
• Blue Ribbon Brownie with Ice Cream: A whopping 1522 calories. Makes our meal look like a diet food!

So, while the Chicken Tenders Plate ain’t the worst offender on the menu, it’s definitely up there. If you’re lookin’ to cut back but still wanna eat at Applebee’s, somethin’ like the grilled chicken or a salad with lighter dressin’ might save ya some calorie grief.

What’s Really in This Plate?

Let’s chat about what you’re actually eatin’ when you order this. The Chicken Tenders Plate comes with a few key players:

• Crispy Chicken Tenders: These bad boys are breaded and fried, givin’ ya most of that 64 grams of fat. They’re juicy, sure, but that crunch comes at a cost.
• Fries: Classic, golden, and salty. They’re a big carb contributor with 109 grams total, and prob’ly packin’ a good chunk of that sodium too.
• Slaw: This creamy coleslaw adds a lil’ sweetness with 13 grams of sugar. It’s a nice balance to the savory, but don’t think it’s “healthy” just ‘cause it’s got cabbage.
• Honey Dijon Mustard: That tangy-sweet dip is perfect for dunkin’, but it sneaks in extra calories and sugar you might not expect.

Every part of this meal is built for flavor, not for dietin’. It’s comfort food through and through, and that’s why we love it, right? But knowin’ what’s in it helps us make smarter choices next time.

Why We Keep Comin’ Back to Applebee’s

I gotta confess, there’s somethin’ bout Applebee’s that keeps me comin’ back, even when I know the calorie count on stuff like this Chicken Tenders Plate. Maybe it’s the vibe—casual, friendly, perfect for a night out with pals. Or maybe it’s just that dang good Honey Dijon Mustard that I can’t resist dippin’ everything in. Whatever it is, this place knows how to make ya feel at home while servin’ up plates that ain’t exactly home-cooked healthy.

But here’s the thing: indulgence is fine sometimes. Life’s too short to stress over every bite. The trick is balancin’ it out. I’ve learned over the years that if I’m gonna splurge on somethin’ like this 1150-calorie beast, I gotta plan my day around it. Maybe skip the heavy breakfast or go for a walk after. It’s all bout findin’ that sweet spot.

Tips to Enjoy Without the Guilt Trip

Alright, so you’re still cravin’ this Chicken Tenders Plate, and I don’t blame ya. Here’s how we can have our fries and eat ‘em too without totally wreckin’ our health goals:

• Share the Love: Split this plate with a friend. At 1150 calories, half is still a hefty 575—plenty for a meal, and you cut the damage down.
• Swap the Sides: If Applebee’s lets ya, ask for a lighter side instead of fries. Maybe some steamed broccoli (only 100 calories) or a small salad. Cuts the carbs and fat big time.
• Go Easy on the Dip: That Honey Dijon Mustard is delish, but use it sparingly. Dippin’ every bite adds up quick.
• Balance Your Day: If you know you’re headin’ to Applebee’s, keep breakfast and snacks light. Think yogurt or fruit in the mornin’, save your calories for this treat.
• Drink Smart: Skip sugary sodas or beers with this meal. Water or unsweetened tea keeps extra calories at bay.
• Move a Lil’: Can’t burn all 1150 in one go, but a 30-minute walk after eatin’ helps. Gets the blood flowin’ and eases the guilt a tad.

I’ve tried a couple of these myself, like sharin’ the plate with my sister last time we went. We both got to enjoy the flavors without feelin’ like we overdid it. Plus, it’s more fun chattin’ over a shared meal anyway.

Can This Fit a Healthy Lifestyle?

Now, you might be thinkin’, “Can I even eat this if I’m tryin’ to stay fit?” And I get it—health is a priority for lots of us. Truth is, this Chicken Tenders Plate ain’t gonna be a staple if you’re on a strict diet. With 99% of your daily fat and over 100% of your sodium in one go, it’s more of a “once in a blue moon” kinda meal.

But here’s my take: healthy livin’ don’t mean never eatin’ what ya love. It means knowin’ what you’re gettin’ into and makin’ up for it elsewhere. If you’re trackin’ macros or calories, plug this in ahead of time and adjust. If you’re into keto or low-carb, this plate’s carb count at 109 grams is gonna be a no-go unless it’s a rare cheat day. And if you’re watchin’ sodium for blood pressure reasons, maybe steer clear altogether or ask for no extra salt on them fries.

I’ve had friends who are super into fitness still order stuff like this on occasion. They just make sure the rest of their week is on point—lots of veggies, lean proteins, and gym time. It’s all bout that balance, ya know?

A Personal Story: My Applebee’s Dilemma

Lemme tell ya ‘bout a time I got caught off guard by this very meal. A while back, I was meetin’ some old high school pals at Applebee’s for a catch-up. I hadn’t eaten much that day, so I figured I’d treat myself. Ordered the Chicken Tenders Plate with all the fixins’—fries, slaw, and that Honey Dijon Mustard I can’t get enough of. Man, it hit the spot. But later that night, I felt sluggish, bloated, and just… off. I didn’t know then that I’d downed 1150 calories and a ton of sodium in one sittin’.

Next day, I looked it up outta curiosity and nearly fell over seein’ them numbers. It made me rethink how often I let myself “treat” without checkin’ first. Since then, I’ve been more mindful. I still love me some Applebee’s, but now I plan ahead or split stuff. Learned my lesson the hard way, but hey, we live and we learn, right?

Broader Thoughts on Fast Food and Calories

This whole thing with the Chicken Tenders Plate got me thinkin’ bout fast food in general. Places like Applebee’s are awesome for convenience and flavor, but they’re often packin’ more calories, fat, and salt than we realize. It ain’t just this one dish—lots of menu items hover around 1000 calories or more. It’s easy to rack up a day’s worth of eatin’ in one meal without even noticin’.

I ain’t sayin’ ditch fast food forever. Nah, that’s unrealistic for most of us. But gettin’ savvy bout what’s in your food helps a ton. Check menus online if you can before headin’ out. Pick lighter options when possible, or at least know what you’re signin’ up for. Me, I’ve started lookin’ at nutrition info as part of the fun—kinda like scoutin’ a game plan before a big night out.

What If You’re Cravin’ Somethin’ Similar at Home?

If you’re itchin’ for that Chicken Tenders Plate vibe but wanna control the calories, why not whip up somethin’ close at home? I’ve messed around in the kitchen a bit, and you can make a lighter version with a few tweaks:

• Bake, Don’t Fry: Coat chicken tenders in breadcrumbs or panko and bake ‘em at 400°F till crispy. Cuts way down on fat compared to deep-fryin’.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Swap regular fries for sweet potato wedges, baked with a lil’ olive oil and salt. Lower carbs, more nutrients.
• Light Slaw: Mix shredded cabbage with a yogurt-based dressin’ instead of heavy mayo. Still creamy, less calories.
• DIY Honey Dijon: Blend honey, Dijon mustard, and a touch of light mayo for a dip that’s just as tasty but lighter on the sugar and fat.

I’ve tried this combo on a lazy Sunday, and while it ain’t the exact Applebee’s deal, it scratches the itch without leavin’ me feelin’ weighed down. Plus, you know exactly what’s goin’ in there—no sneaky sodium bombs.

Wrappin’ It Up: Enjoy, but Stay Smart

So, where do we land with the calories in Applebee’s Chicken Tenders Plate with Fries, Slaw, and Honey Dijon Mustard? At 1150 calories, 64 grams of fat, and a sodium overload of 2800 milligrams, it’s a heavy hitter. It’s comfort food at its finest, but it comes with a price if you’re watchin’ your health. I ain’t here to tell ya never to eat it—heck, I’ve been there, lovin’ every bite. But goin’ in with eyes wide open helps.

Whether you split the plate, swap sides, or save it for a special day, there’s ways to enjoy this without lettin’ it mess up your vibe. And if you’re curious bout other menu items or wanna chat more fast food hacks, drop a comment or hit me up. We’re all in this eatin’ game together, tryin’ to balance the yummy with the healthy. So next time you’re at Applebee’s, order what ya love—just make sure it’s worth it to ya!