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Applebee’s Copycat Fiesta Lime Chicken

A cross-section of juicy Fiesta Lime Chicken topped with melted cheese and herbs, served with tortilla chips.
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Make this popular Fiesta Lime Chicken at home. This recipe delivers juicy, zesty lime marinated chicken breasts topped with a creamy ranch sauce and melted cheese, served over crispy tortilla strips.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup lime juice, fresh
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup prepared ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup salsa (mild or medium)
  • 1 cup shredded Colby Jack or Cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips, for serving
  • Optional sides: Mexican rice, pico de gallo

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
  3. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. While the chicken bakes, prepare the creamy topping by mixing the ranch dressing and salsa together in a small bowl.
  6. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the dish from the oven. Spoon an equal amount of the salsa ranch mixture over each chicken breast.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the topping on each breast.
  8. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  9. Serve the Fiesta Lime Chicken immediately over a bed of crushed tortilla strips. Serve with Mexican rice and pico de gallo if desired.

Notes

  • You can grill the chicken instead of baking. Grill over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through, then top with the sauce and cheese and cover the grill briefly until the cheese melts.
  • For extra flavor, use a mix of lime and orange juice in the marinade.
  • Use a good quality, thick salsa for the best topping consistency.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishsymphony.com/fiesta-lime-chicken-recipe-copycat/