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Applebee’s Copycat Fiesta Lime Chicken: Quick Weeknight Dinner

Close-up of juicy Fiesta Lime Chicken topped with melted orange and white cheese and fresh parsley.
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Make this popular Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken copycat recipe at home. You get juicy, lime-marinated chicken breasts baked until tender, topped with a creamy salsa ranch sauce, melted cheese, and crispy tortilla strips for a flavorful, easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup prepared salsa ranch dressing (or mix ranch dressing with salsa)
  • 1 cup shredded Colby Jack or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup crispy tortilla strips (for topping)
  • Optional: Mexican rice and pico de gallo for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 Celsius). 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 plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  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 18 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 Celsius).
  6. Remove the dish from the oven. Spread the salsa ranch dressing evenly over the top of each chicken breast.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the dressing. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  9. Garnish each chicken breast with fresh cilantro and crispy tortilla strips. Serve immediately with Mexican rice and pico de gallo if desired.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can grill the chicken instead of baking. Grill over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side before topping with sauce and cheese and briefly placing under the broiler to melt the cheese.
  • You can make a quick salsa ranch by mixing 1/2 cup of your favorite ranch dressing with 2 tablespoons of your preferred salsa.
  • Use chicken tenders or thin-cut breasts for faster cooking times. Adjust baking time accordingly.

Nutrition

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