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Best Applebee’s Copycat Fiesta Lime Chicken

Close-up of a baked dish, likely an enchilada, smothered in melted white cheese and creamy sauce, inspired by fiesta lime chicken flavors.
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Make the restaurant favorite at home with this easy Fiesta Lime Chicken recipe. You get juicy, zesty lime-marinated chicken breasts topped with creamy Salsa Ranch and melted cheese, ready in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

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  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup Ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup salsa (mild or medium)
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup crushed tortilla chips, for topping
  • Optional sides: Mexican rice, avocado salsa

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, teriyaki sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  3. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a baking dish.
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it in the prepared baking dish. Discard the remaining marinade.
  5. Bake the chicken for 15 minutes.
  6. While the chicken bakes, prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the Ranch dressing, salsa, and smoked paprika until well combined. This is your Salsa Ranch topping.
  7. After 15 minutes of baking, remove the chicken from the oven. Spread an even layer of the Salsa Ranch mixture over each chicken breast.
  8. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the topping.
  9. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Remove from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  11. Serve the Fiesta Lime Chicken immediately over a bed of Mexican rice and garnish with crushed tortilla chips for that signature crunch.

Notes

  • To keep your chicken juicy, do not over-marinate past 4 hours, as the acid in the lime juice can start to break down the meat fibers too much.
  • If you prefer grilling, cook the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side until done, then top with the salsa ranch and cheese and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes just to melt the cheese.
  • For an authentic restaurant experience, serve this dish with a side of avocado salsa or fresh pico de gallo.

Nutrition

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