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Applebee’s Copycat Fiesta Lime Chicken for Busy Weeknights

Cross-section of Fiesta Lime Chicken breast topped with melted white and cheddar cheese, served over seasoned rice.
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Make this easy, restaurant-style Fiesta Lime Chicken at home. Juicy chicken breasts marinate in lime, bake under a creamy Salsa Ranch topping and melted cheese, delivering bold, zesty flavor 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 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground 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)
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • For Serving: Crushed tortilla chips, Mexican rice, fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 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 resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place the pieces in the prepared baking dish. Discard the remaining marinade.
  5. Bake the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  6. While the chicken bakes, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, mix the Ranch dressing and salsa until combined. This is your Salsa Ranch.
  7. Remove the chicken from the oven. Spread an even layer of the Salsa Ranch mixture over each chicken breast.
  8. Sprinkle the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese mixture over the topping.
  9. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve the Fiesta Lime Chicken over Mexican rice and garnish with crushed tortilla chips and fresh cilantro.

Notes

  • For extra zest, add a teaspoon of lime zest to the marinade mixture.
  • If you prefer grilled chicken, cook the marinated chicken on a grill over medium-high heat until done, then top with the sauce and cheese and briefly place under the broiler to melt the cheese.
  • Serve this Tex Mex chicken with a side of fresh avocado or corn salsa for added texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://miameal.com/fiesta-lime-chicken-recipe-easy-dinner/