Applebees Fiesta Lime Chicken
This copycat Applebees fiesta lime chicken features a citrus-marinated grilled chicken breast smothered in a creamy mexi-ranch sauce and topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese, tortilla strips, and pico de gallo. It is a vibrant and bold dish that brings all the festive flavors of the restaurant directly to your dinner table.
Zesty lime grilled chicken with mexi-ranch sauce and melted cheese just like Applebees.
Nutrition per serving
Ingredients
Protein
Marinade
Cheese
Sauce
Toppings
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
Combine lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and honey in a zip lock bag. Add chicken breasts and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for the deepest citrus flavor penetration.
Grill the Chicken
Remove chicken from marinade and grill over medium-high heat for 6 to 7 minutes per side until grill marks form and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Do not move the chicken while it is on each side so grill marks develop properly.
Make the Mexi-Ranch Sauce
Stir together sour cream, salsa, ranch dressing, a squeeze of lime juice, and a pinch of cumin in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust the ratio of salsa to sour cream to match your preferred heat level.
Top and Melt
Transfer grilled chicken to a baking sheet. Spoon a generous portion of mexi-ranch sauce over each breast, then top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Top with pico de gallo and tortilla strips before serving.
Substitutions
Common mistakes
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