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Applebee’s Copycat Fiesta Lime Chicken

A baked fiesta lime chicken breast covered in melted cheese, sauce, and cilantro, served over Spanish rice with tortilla chips.
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Make the zesty, cheesy, and juicy Fiesta Lime Chicken from Applebee’s right in your kitchen. This easy recipe uses a bright lime marinade and a creamy salsa ranch topping for a flavorful weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup Salsa Ranch dressing (or 1/2 cup ranch mixed with 2 tablespoons salsa)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Crushed tortilla strips, for serving
  • Cooked Mexican rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, taco seasoning, 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 it is fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and place the breasts in the prepared baking dish.
  5. Bake the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Remove the chicken from the oven. Spread 2 tablespoons of Salsa Ranch dressing over the top of each chicken breast.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the dressing on each breast.
  8. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  10. Serve the Fiesta Lime Chicken immediately over a bed of Mexican rice, topped with crushed tortilla strips and fresh cilantro. This tastes great alongside a meal planning service if you are busy.

Notes

  • For a grilled version, cook the marinated chicken on a medium-high grill for about 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through, then top with the dressing and cheese and grill briefly until melted.
  • If you do not have Salsa Ranch, mix 1/2 cup of your favorite ranch dressing with 2 tablespoons of your preferred salsa.
  • To make this a low-carb option, skip the rice and serve with a side salad instead of tortilla strips.
  • You can find more inspiration like this on our Pinterest account.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/fiesta-lime-chicken-applebees-copycat-recipe/