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Easy Applebees Fiesta Lime Chicken Copycat

Fiesta Lime Chicken
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This Easy Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken Copycat recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your own kitchen with minimal effort. Juicy marinated chicken, creamy Mexi-ranch sauce, melted cheese, and fresh toppings make it a weeknight dinner win everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to ½-inch thickness
  • For the Marinade:
  • 1/2 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Optional: 2 tbsp tequila or chicken broth
  • For the Mexi-Ranch Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • For Topping & Serving:
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese blend
  • 1/2 cup prepared pico de gallo
  • 1/4 cup crispy tortilla strips
  • Cooked Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice, for serving
  • Optional: Fresh cilantro sprigs for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together all marinade ingredients until well combined.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add pounded chicken breasts to the marinade, coat well, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
  3. Make the Mexi-Ranch Sauce: Mix ranch, sour cream, taco seasoning, and lime juice in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Heat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook 5–7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Melt the Cheese: In the last minute of cooking, top each chicken breast with shredded cheese. Cover until melted.
  6. Assemble and Serve: Serve over cooked rice, drizzle with Mexi-ranch sauce, top with pico de gallo and crispy tortilla strips. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use boneless thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat. Make ahead: prepare sauce and marinade in advance. No grill? Use a skillet or bake at 400°F for 20–25 mins.

Nutrition

Keywords: applebees fiesta lime chicken, copycat chicken recipe, easy fiesta chicken

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