How Many Calories Are In Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad? | Menu Math Guide

Calorie Count For Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad — All Versions

This classic comes two ways: breaded chicken or grilled chicken. Both arrive with the same greens, crunchy noodles, almonds, a sesame-style vinaigrette, and a buttery breadstick. The biggest movers are the chicken style and how much dressing ends up on the plate.

From Applebee’s own listings, the crispy chicken plate lands near 1,560 calories, while the grilled version lists about 1,430 calories, each including the vinaigrette and breadstick. Numbers can shift by location or batch size, yet the range stays steady for the full entrée.

Where Those Calories Come From

Three parts do the heavy lifting: breaded protein, fried noodle crunch, and a rich vinaigrette. The salad base—greens, shredded cabbage, and carrots—adds volume with modest energy. That means the easiest trims don’t sacrifice flavor: leaner chicken, less noodle topping, and dressing served on the side.

Quick Comparison Table

The table below gathers the most referenced listings for this dish. It’s broad on purpose, so you can scan both styles at once.

Version	Listed Calories*	What’s Included
Crispy chicken entrée	~1,560 kcal	Dressing + breadstick
Grilled chicken entrée	~1,430 kcal	Dressing + breadstick
Grilled, no breadstick	~1,260–1,310 kcal	Dressing only
Grilled, light dressing	~1,100–1,200 kcal	Half dressing
Crispy, light dressing	~1,300–1,420 kcal	Half dressing

*Menu figures sourced from Applebee’s listings and calculators; credible third-party databases report nearby ranges.

Setting a daily budget helps a lot with picks like this, since this single entrée can take a big bite out of the day’s energy target. Many diners feel portions sit better once they’ve set their daily calorie needs and decide up front whether to share, save half, or swap components.

How Dressing And Toppings Shift The Number

The vinaigrette carries a punch. Sesame-style dressings routinely land around 60–100 calories per tablespoon, thanks to the oil base. Two generous pours can add the same energy as a small side. Keeping the cup on the side and dipping bites is an easy way to control the swing.

What One Tablespoon Means In Practice

A level tablespoon barely coats a big forkful of greens and chicken. Most restaurant ladles measure far more. Ask for “light toss” or “two tablespoons on the side,” then check flavor and add only if needed.

Other High-Impact Bits

• Noodles: crunchy strips bring texture and extra oil. Ask for a lighter sprinkle or trade for extra cabbage.
• Almonds: they add aroma and a buttery bite. A tablespoon of sliced almonds is roughly 50 calories, so a heavy hand matters.
• Breadstick: warm and buttery; skipping it trims a few hundred calories depending on batch size.

Smart Orders: Keep The Flavor, Cut The Excess

There’s a middle ground between “all the things” and “plain greens.” Try these tweaks that regulars use to keep the same profile while trimming the count.

Easy Menu Phrases That Work

• “Grilled chicken, dressing on the side.”
• “Light crunchy noodles; extra greens.”
• “Hold the breadstick.”

Portion Moves That Don’t Feel Like A Sacrifice

• Split the plate and add a cup of broth-based soup.
• Box half as it arrives; start with the part on the plate.
• Ask for a small side of lemon to brighten bites without extra oil.

Ingredient Breakdown And Typical Calorie Roles

Here’s a practical look at which parts usually do what on this dish. These are directional ranges, built from brand listings and standard pantry data for similar items.

Component	Typical Range	Notes
Greens + cabbage base	50–100 kcal	High volume, low energy
Grilled chicken	250–350 kcal	Varies by portion
Crispy chicken	400–600 kcal	Breading + frying oil
Crunchy noodles	120–220 kcal	Oil-fried garnish
Almonds	50–120 kcal	Depends on tablespoons
Sesame-style vinaigrette	120–300 kcal	2–3 tbsp typical
Breadstick	180–300 kcal	Butter adds more

Nutrition Snapshot Beyond Calories

Protein sits strong thanks to the chicken. Fiber shows up from the greens and almonds. The flip side is a generous load of fat and sodium that arrives with fried toppings and a rich dressing. If you’re tracking, the brand’s calculator is the best way to see fat, carbs, and protein for your exact build.

For official menu numbers, check Applebee’s own salad listing or the interactive nutrition menu, which breaks down calories, fat, sodium, and more.

Make It Fit Your Day

If this dish is non-negotiable, work the rest of the day around it. Shift breakfast toward protein and veg. Keep snacks light. At dinner, lean on broth-based soups or grilled proteins with produce. Plenty of water between meals helps with portion rhythm and keeps the palate fresh.

Sample Plans That Balance It Out

Option A: Share And Pair

Share the entrée with a friend, ask for grilled chicken, and keep dressing on the side. Add a low-calorie starter. You’ll still get the flavor profile while landing closer to half the listed energy.

Option B: Solo With Edits

Keep the full plate but skip the breadstick and noodles, and stick to two tablespoons of vinaigrette. That keeps the flavors but peels off a few hundred calories.

Option C: Save Half For Later

Ask for a to-go box at the start, slide half in, and add a lemon wedge. The second serving holds up well with the dressing on the side.

Menu Clarifications For Quick Decisions

Grilled Poultry Is Lower, Yet Still Hearty

Switching to grilled chicken trims energy from the cooking method. It still rides high once dressing, crunchy noodles, almonds, and the breadstick are included, which explains why the gap between grilled and crispy isn’t massive.

Ordering Without Dressing Drops The Total

Skipping the vinaigrette can cut a noticeable amount. Many diners aim for a middle ground: two tablespoons on the side and a light toss to keep the signature taste without overshooting the target.

Lighter Copycat At Home

When you want the same vibe at home with a leaner total, air-fry the protein, swap half the crunchy noodles for roasted edamame or carrot ribbons, and whisk a simple vinaigrette with rice vinegar, a neutral oil, and a teaspoon of honey. Measure dressing with a spoon, not by eye.

Bottom Line For Diners

This salad hits because it layers savory chicken, sweet-tangy dressing, crunch, and warm bread. It’s hearty—more like an entrée than a side. With small tweaks, you can keep the same flavor while shaving meaningful calories. If you track numbers, use the brand tool for your exact build and enjoy the meal without second-guessing.

Want a step-by-step walkthrough? Try our calorie deficit guide for clear math and planning.