Applebee’s expands sizzling skillet lineApplebee’s expands sizzling skillet line

Ron Ruggless

Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar has added two options to its selection of sizzling-skillet entrées, bringing the total to five.

The newest additions are Sizzling Smokehouse Chicken Stack and Sizzling Cajun Steak and Shrimp.

Bill Palmer, co-founder of Lenexa-Kan.-based Applebee’s, said the chain debuted sizzling fajita entrées in the 1980s.

“Back in the day, we would deliver sizzling meals to the table with fire hats and sirens going off, which created a lot of commotion and energy,” Palmer said. “Because of the presentation, when we sold one, we'd eventually sell 15 because everybody had to have one.”

Shannon Johnson, Applebee’s executive director for culinary innovation and development, added, “The DNA of Sizzling Entrées centers on aromas, as well as sights and sound which capture the imagination of our guests.”

Applebee’s two new Sizzling Entrées are:

- Sizzling Smokehouse Chicken Stack: a grilled chicken breast seasoned with barbecue spices and topped with shaved ham, applewood-smoked bacon and melted cheddar cheese. It is served atop two corn cakes with a barbecue demi-glaze and a cheesy corn side dish.

- Sizzling Cajun Steak and Shrimp: a 7-ounce sirloin grilled with blackened seasonings and served over sautéed onions and red peppers. It’s topped with blackened shrimp and traditional Cajun gumbo with okra and served with red beans and rice.

The Sizzling Entrees start at $8.99 and also include:

- Sizzling Asian Shrimp: blackened shrimp, rice, broccoli, red peppers, snap peas, water chestnuts, mushrooms, carrots and bok choy, drizzled with sweet and spicy sauce and topped with wonton strips and cilantro.

- Sizzling Steak and Cheese: a 9-ounce sirloin with sautéed onions, mushrooms and red and green peppers, topped with Italian cheeses and served with garlic mashed potatoes.

- Sizzling Chicken with Spicy Queso Blanco: a grilled chicken breast served over sautéed onions and red and green peppers with spicy queso blanco and cilantro. It’s served with fried red potatoes.

Applebee's, a division of Glendale, Calif.-based DineEquity Inc., has 2,000 stores worldwide.

Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected].