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Applebee’s Copycat Fiesta Lime Chicken

A juicy cross-section of Fiesta Lime Chicken, topped with melted cheddar and a creamy sauce, garnished with parsley.
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Make the famous Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken at home. This recipe features zesty, lime-marinated chicken breasts topped with a creamy Mexi-Ranch dressing, melted cheese, and crushed tortilla chips for a bold, restaurant-quality dinner in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

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  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup lime juice, fresh
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup salsa (mild or medium)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips, for topping
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Pico de gallo, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken marinade by whisking together the lime juice, olive oil, teriyaki sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  3. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 Celsius). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil.
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
  5. Bake the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 Celsius).
  6. While the chicken bakes, prepare the creamy topping. In a small bowl, mix the ranch dressing, salsa, smoked paprika, and onion powder until combined. This creates your smoky ranch glaze.
  7. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the dish from the oven. Spoon the creamy ranch mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
  8. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the ranch topping.
  9. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  10. Remove from the oven. Immediately top each chicken breast with a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips and fresh cilantro.
  11. Serve your zesty Fiesta Lime Chicken immediately with Mexican rice and pico de gallo, if desired.

Notes

  • For grilling, cook the marinated chicken over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes per side before adding the topping and melting the cheese under indirect heat or briefly under the broiler.
  • To achieve the restaurant-style creamy texture, do not overmix the ranch and salsa topping; a slightly chunky texture works well.
  • This recipe is excellent for meal prep; store the chicken separately from the crushed chips to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

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