Chicken Fajita Rollup Applebee’s Recipe: Sizzling Copycat Version

I’m sharing my version of Applebee’s famous Chicken Fajita Rollup, a sizzling copycat recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. This dish combines tender chicken, sautéed peppers, and onions wrapped in a tortilla with melted cheese.

With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be enjoying this restaurant-quality meal in no time. Let’s get cooking and bring the flavor of Applebee’s to your dinner table with this easy-to-make recipe.

Ingredients for Chicken Fajita Rollup Applebee’s

Simple ingredients make this Applebee’s copycat a reality in your kitchen tonight.

For the best flavor, use fresh bell peppers—any color works. I grab mine from Whole Foods when they’re in season. The chicken should be boneless and skinless for easy rolling. Most grocery stores have pre-cut chicken strips, which saves time.

No fajita seasoning? Mix your own with chili powder, cumin, and paprika. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper. The cheese is crucial—Monterey Jack melts beautifully, but feel free to experiment with Cheddar or a blend. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some cilantro on top before serving.

These rollups reheat beautifully in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Fajita Rollup

Let’s create this delicious Applebee’s copycat dish with straightforward, tested steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

Start by cutting the 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts into thin strips. I like to slice them against the grain for maximum tenderness. Next, slice the 2 whole Bell Peppers and 1 whole Yellow Onion into thin strips as well. Having all your ingredients prepped before cooking makes the process smoother.

Season the chicken strips with the 1 tbsp Fajita Seasoning, 1 tsp Garlic Powder, 0.5 tsp Salt, and 0.25 tsp Black Pepper. Toss the chicken until it’s evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. This step ensures your chicken is flavorful and aromatic.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of the 2 tbsp Olive Oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook until they’re browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil. Add the sliced Bell Peppers and Yellow Onion, cooking until they’re tender and slightly charred, about 5 minutes. The vegetables should still have a bit of crunch. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables.

Step 3: Assemble the Fajita Rollups

Lay out the 4 pieces Tortillas on a flat surface. Divide the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly among the tortillas, spooning it onto the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle 1 cup Shredded Cheese over the filling. Fold the sides of the tortillas over the filling, then roll them up tightly to form neat packages.

For an extra crispy exterior, you can brush the tops of the rollups with a bit more Olive Oil if desired. This step adds a nice texture contrast to your dish.

Step 4: Cook the Fajita Rollups

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the fajita rollups seam-side down in the skillet. Cook until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining rollups.

Serve the fajita rollups hot with 0.5 cup Sour Cream and 0.5 cup Salsa on the side. These accompaniments add a cool, creamy contrast and a burst of fresh flavor to the dish.

Regional Styles of These Flavors

Southwestern Style Variations

To give your Chicken Fajita Rollups a Southwestern twist, add some roasted chipotle peppers to the chicken and vegetable mixture. The smoky heat pairs perfectly with the melted cheese and adds depth to the dish. You can also sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top before serving for an extra crunch. 🌶️

Tex-Mex Style

For a more authentic Tex-Mex flavor, use ground cumin and chili powder in your fajita seasoning blend. Add some diced jalapeños to the chicken and vegetables for an extra kick. Serve with a side of fresh salsa or guacamole to enhance the flavors. I love using Penzeys spices for the perfect blend.

California Style

To make your Chicken Fajita Rollups California-style, add some fresh avocado slices inside the rollups along with the chicken and vegetables. The creamy avocado complements the melted cheese and adds a fresh touch to the dish. You can also top the rollups with some fresh cilantro and serve with a side of Greek yogurt or sour cream mixed with lime juice.

Mexican Street Corn Variation

For a unique twist, add some grilled Mexican street corn to the chicken and vegetable mixture. The sweetness of the corn balances the savory flavors of the chicken and cheese. Simply grill some corn on the cob with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder, then chop it up and add it to the filling.

Spicy Version

If you like your food spicy, add some diced serrano peppers or hot sauce to the chicken and vegetable mixture. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top of the rollups before serving. This will give your dish an extra kick and make it more exciting. 🔥

Customizing Your Rollups

Frequently Asked Questions