Introducing a delightful twist on a restaurant favorite: the Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe (Applebee’s Copycat). This vibrant dish combines zesty lime with flavorful seasonings, topped with melty cheese and a creamy ranch salsa for a truly festive meal. Whether you’re a fan of Applebee’s or just love chicken with a kick, this recipe will bring the fiesta to your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavors: The combination of lime, honey, and taco seasoning creates a delightful dance of flavors on your palate.
- Cheesy Goodness: The melted Colby Jack cheese on top makes every bite a creamy, savory masterpiece.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few steps, you can bring this restaurant-quality dish to your dining table.
- Customizable: Easily adjust spices and toppings to suit your taste, making it perfect for everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish is all about bringing together a medley of simple yet impactful ingredients that elevate the chicken to new heights. Each ingredient plays its part in creating the tangy, savory, and slightly sweet symphony of flavors we adore.
- Chicken Breasts: The star of the show—choose boneless, skinless for easy cooking and tender results.
- Lime Juice: Brings a refreshing citrus tang that cuts through the savory spices.
- Avocado Oil: Preferred for its high smoke point and subtle flavor that complements the marinade.
- Colby Jack Cheese: Perfectly melts atop the chicken, adding creamy, cheesy goodness.
Variations
Get creative with this Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe (Applebee’s Copycat) and customize it to suit your preferences! It’s a delightful base that welcomes tweaks and personal touches. Whether adapting for a special diet or just switching up flavors, it’s all about making it your own.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicy salsa for an extra heat boost.
- Grill Option: Fire up the grill for a smoky char that complements the fresh citrus flavors perfectly.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap the chicken for thick slices of portobello mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
How to Make Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe (Applebee’s Copycat)
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into four even pieces. Cover them with plastic wrap, then use a meat mallet to pound the pieces until they’re about 1-inch thick. This helps in cooking them evenly and quickly.
Step 2: Marinate
In a large bowl, whisk together avocado oil, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Coat the chicken thoroughly in this delightful marinade, covering and refrigerating for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
Step 3: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish, ensuring there’s a little space between them. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
As the chicken bakes, mix together ranch dressing, salsa, sour cream, cilantro, remaining lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Once the chicken is done, brush each piece with this creamy sauce and top with a slice of Colby Jack cheese. Bake a bit longer until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Pro Tips for Making Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe (Applebee’s Copycat)
- Perfect Marination: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight boosts the flavors to their peak.
- Cheese Melting Timing: Add cheese only for the last few cooking minutes to avoid over-melting.
- Quality Salsa Choice: Opt for homemade or freshly purchased salsa to enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
- Tenderizing Technique: Properly pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and juicy results.
How to Serve Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe (Applebee’s Copycat)
Garnishes
Serve this dish sprinkled with freshly chopped cilantro and a side of crushed tortilla chips to add a satisfying crunch and vibrant color. It not only enhances the presentation but also complements the dish’s lively flavors.
Side Dishes
This Fiesta Lime Chicken pairs beautifully with Mexican rice or a crispy green salad. For a more indulgent meal, consider serving it alongside creamy avocado slices or refried beans.
Creative Ways to Present
Plate each chicken piece atop a bed of rice and drizzle with extra salsa sauce. Add a side of colorful steamed vegetables to create a vibrant and inviting dish that captures everyone’s attention.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Fiesta Lime Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This helps keep the flavors intact and the chicken moist until you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Freezing
For extended storage, freeze the cooked chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain quality.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F or in the microwave until warmed through. Opt for the oven method for a more even reheating without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to substitute with cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar for equally delicious results.
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What if I don’t have avocado oil?
You can use olive oil as an alternative; it provides a similar mild flavor and high cooking temperature.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
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How do I make it spicier?
Add extra taco seasoning, use hot salsa, or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper to increase the spice level.
Final Thoughts
This Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe (Applebee’s Copycat) is a perfect addition to your dinner repertoire, bringing a burst of flavor and color to your mealtime. With its vibrant ingredients and easy preparation, it’s bound to become a favorite in any household. Give it a try, and let your taste buds experience the fiesta!
Print
Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe (Applebee’s Copycat) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Fiesta Lime Chicken recipe is a flavorful and zesty copycat of Applebee’s popular dish. Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a tangy lime and taco seasoning mixture, baked to perfection, then topped with melted Colby Jack cheese and a creamy Mexican ranch sauce. Served over crushed tortilla chips with fresh salsa and cilantro, it’s a vibrant and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 1/2 tablespoons lime juice (from 2 limes)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping and Sauce
- 4 slices Colby Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup mild salsa
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
Optional Toppings
- Tortilla chips
- Pico de gallo
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures it’s ready to bake the chicken once marinated.
- Prepare chicken: Cut the chicken into four equal pieces. Cover with plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until approximately 1-inch thick for even cooking.
- Make marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together avocado oil, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and ½ teaspoon salt. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully immersed in the marinade. Refrigerate for 15 minutes, flipping midway, for maximum flavor infusion.
- Bake the chicken: Remove excess marinade from the chicken and transfer to a 13 x 9-inch baking dish, spacing the pieces apart. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through.
- Prepare sauce and cheese: While chicken is baking, whisk the ranch dressing, salsa, sour cream, cilantro, remaining lime juice, and salt in a medium bowl to make the Mexican ranch sauce.
- Assemble and melt cheese: Once baked, brush each chicken piece with 1-2 tablespoons of the sauce. Top each with a slice of Colby Jack cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts fully.
- Serve: Plate the chicken over crushed tortilla chips, garnish with extra salsa, cilantro, pico de gallo, and serve with remaining ranch sauce on the side if desired.
Notes
- Nutrition information is calculated without tortilla chips, pico de gallo, or additional cilantro.
- Use medium or spicy salsa in the Mexican ranch for added heat.
- For grilling: add chicken to a medium-heat grill and cook 4-5 minutes per side, then add sauce and cheese to melt just like in the oven.
- To prepare ahead: cut and tenderize chicken, mix marinade and ranch sauce. Keep separate in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking.
- Storage: refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days, or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 1020 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
