If you love bold, zesty flavors paired with tender, juicy chicken, you are going to fall head over heels for this Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe (Applebee’s Copycat) Recipe. It’s a vibrant take on a classic favorite that balances tangy lime, sweet honey, and smoky taco seasoning, all topped with melty Colby Jack cheese and a creamy salsa ranch sauce. Every bite brings a fiesta that’s as colorful and exciting as its name, making it perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe (Applebee’s Copycat) Recipe lies in its straightforward list of ingredients. Each item contributes something important to the final dish—from the tenderizing lime juice to the richness of Colby Jack cheese, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that dance together beautifully.
- 1 ¼ pounds chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): The star protein that’s juicy and easy to cook.
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil: Adds a smooth, neutral base for marinating and cooking without overpowering the flavors.
- 2 ½ tablespoons lime juice: Brings bright acidity and freshness that tenderizes and enlivens the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Tamari: Adds savory umami depth and balances the citrus notes.
- 1 tablespoon honey: A touch of sweetness that rounds out the marinade beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning: Provides smoky warmth and classic Mexican spice flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and a subtle tangy punch.
- ¾ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- 4 slices Colby Jack cheese: Melts perfectly for a creamy, mild finish.
- ¼ cup ranch dressing: Combines creaminess with herby freshness for the sauce.
- ¼ cup mild salsa: Adds a touch of tomato sweetness and mild spice in the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons sour cream: Enhances creaminess and balances acidity in the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro: Brings an herby burst of flavor, plus more for garnish.
- Tortilla chips: For serving, adding a satisfying crunch underneath.
- Pico de gallo: Fresh topping that complements the richness and adds vibrant color.
How to Make Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe (Applebee’s Copycat) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F. This moderate temperature allows the chicken to bake evenly, ensuring juicy tenderness while giving the cheese topping just enough time to melt without drying out the meat.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into four even pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Next, gently pound each piece to about 1-inch thickness. This step not only tenderizes the chicken but also helps the marinade infuse thoroughly, making every bite flavorful.
Step 3: Season and Marinate
In a large bowl, whisk together avocado oil, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and half the salt. Submerge the chicken pieces fully in this vibrant marinade and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, flipping halfway to evenly coat. For even more flavor, let it sit for up to 45 additional minutes.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off to prevent sogginess. Place the chicken in a baking dish with space between each piece. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and juicy, preparing the perfect base for the delicious toppings.
Step 5: Make the Sauce and Finish Baking
While the chicken bakes, whisk ranch dressing, mild salsa, sour cream, cilantro, the remaining lime juice, and a pinch of salt together to create a creamy, tangy sauce. After baking, brush each chicken piece with this sauce and top with a slice of Colby Jack cheese. Return to the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey goodness.
How to Serve Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe (Applebee’s Copycat) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a must for garnishing the chicken—it adds a lively herbal note that brightens up the dish. Pair that with a spoonful of pico de gallo, and you have a colorful, fresh contrast that elevates the creamy cheese and the bold marinade.
Side Dishes
This Fiesta Lime Chicken is fantastic served over crushed tortilla chips, which add a fun, crunchy texture complementing the tender chicken and creamy sauce. Mexican rice or a simple cilantro-lime rice is a wonderful side as well, soaking up all the luscious drippings and rounding out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive presentation, build individual plates with a base of crushed tortilla chips, then layer the cheesy chicken on top. Scatter pico de gallo and fresh cilantro over everything. You can even turn it into a taco bowl by adding black beans, corn, and avocado slices alongside for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any remaining chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the components separate when possible helps preserve texture and flavor, but the combined dish still reheats beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe (Applebee’s Copycat) Recipe, store the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, gently reheat leftover chicken in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, which keeps the chicken juicy and helps the sauce stay creamy. Microwaving works in a pinch but tends to dry out the chicken slightly, so cover loosely to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more juiciness and a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs tend to cook slightly faster and benefit from being cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute soy sauce with Tamari, which is naturally gluten-free, and double-check that your taco seasoning doesn’t contain gluten additives. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can this recipe be made on the grill instead of the oven?
Definitely! Marinate the chicken as directed and grill over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. You can finish by adding the cheese and sauce during the last few minutes using a covered grill or a grill-safe pan.
What’s the best way to make the sauce ahead of time?
You can whisk the ranch dressing, salsa, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, and salt together up to a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a good stir before brushing it onto the chicken.
Can I double or halve this recipe easily?
Yes! This recipe scales well. Just adjust the ingredient quantities proportionally, keeping the marinade and sauce ratios the same for balanced flavor, and remember to use a larger or smaller baking dish as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe (Applebee’s Copycat) Recipe is a joyful celebration of bright, lively flavors that come together effortlessly. It’s the kind of dish that makes dinner special without requiring hours in the kitchen. You’re going to love how the tangy lime, smoky taco spices, and creamy cheese topping transform simple chicken breasts into a fiesta-worthy meal. Give it a try, and get ready for your new favorite go-to recipe!
Print
Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe (Applebee’s Copycat) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Fiesta Lime Chicken recipe is a vibrant Applebee’s copycat featuring juicy, marinated chicken breasts baked to perfection and topped with melted Colby Jack cheese and a zesty salsa-ranch sauce. Served over crunchy tortilla chips and garnished with fresh cilantro and pico de gallo, it’s a festive and flavorful dish perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 ¼ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 ½ tablespoons lime juice (from 2 limes)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Tamari
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ teaspoon salt (divided: ½ teaspoon for marinade, ¼ teaspoon for sauce)
Toppings and Sauce
- 4 slices Colby Jack cheese
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- ¼ cup mild salsa
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for serving)
Serving
- Tortilla chips (for serving)
- Pico de gallo (for serving)
- Mexican rice (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into four equal pieces. Place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet until they reach about 1-inch thickness for even cooking.
- Season and marinate chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together avocado oil, 2 tablespoons lime juice, soy sauce (or Tamari), honey, taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and ½ teaspoon salt. Submerge the chicken pieces in this marinade, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Refrigerate and marinate for a total of 30-60 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure flavor absorption.
- Bake the chicken: After marinating, remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Arrange the pieces with some space between them in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the salsa-ranch sauce: While the chicken bakes, whisk together the ranch dressing, mild salsa, sour cream, finely chopped cilantro, remaining ½ tablespoon lime juice, and ¼ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl to create a flavorful topping sauce.
- Finish the chicken with sauce and cheese: Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and brush each piece generously with 1 to 2 tablespoons of the salsa-ranch sauce. Place one slice of Colby Jack cheese on each piece and return to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Serve: Serve the Fiesta Lime Chicken hot over a bed of crushed tortilla chips. Accompany with any leftover salsa-ranch sauce, fresh pico de gallo, extra cilantro, and optional Mexican rice for a complete festive meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 1 hour) enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the taco seasoning, soy sauce (use Tamari), and ranch dressing are gluten-free certified.
- The dish can be served with guacamole or additional fresh lime wedges for extra zest.
- Leftover salsa-ranch sauce makes a great dip for chips or a salad dressing.
