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Applebee’s Copycat Fiesta Lime Chicken in Under 40 Minutes

Close-up of a juicy, cross-sectioned Fiesta Lime Chicken breast topped with crunchy coating and creamy sauce.
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Make the best Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken copycat recipe at home. This juicy chicken uses a zesty lime marinade, is topped with creamy Salsa Ranch dressing and melted cheese, and cooks fast enough for any busy weeknight.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 creamy Salsa Ranch dressing (or mix ranch dressing with a spoonful of salsa)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup crushed tortilla chips, for topping
  • Optional sides: Mexican rice, avocado salsa

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 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 shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the oven.
  4. Place the marinated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
  5. Bake the chicken for 15 minutes.
  6. Remove the dish from the oven. Spread an even layer of the Salsa Ranch dressing over each chicken breast.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the dressing.
  8. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Remove from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  10. Top each serving with crushed tortilla chips. Serve immediately with your choice of Mexican rice or fresh avocado salsa.

Notes

  • For a grilled fiesta chicken variation, cook the marinated chicken on a preheated grill over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side before adding the topping and melting the cheese under a foil tent or broiler for the last few minutes.
  • You can prepare the creamy Salsa Ranch Chicken Bake topping ahead of time for quicker assembly on a busy weeknight.
  • This recipe works well for healthy fiesta chicken meal prep; store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbymia.com/fiesta-lime-chicken-applebees-copycat-40-minute/