Print

Copycat Fiesta Lime Chicken

Two baked chicken breasts topped with melted cheese and fresh parsley, served with a creamy sauce. This is our Fiesta Lime Chicken recipe.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make a restaurant-style Fiesta Lime Chicken at home using a zesty lime marinade and a creamy salsa ranch topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup lime juice, fresh
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Optional: Tortilla strips and Mexican rice for serving

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  3. Preheat your grill or oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). If grilling, lightly oil the grates.
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess liquid. Cook the chicken on the grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or bake for 20-25 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
  5. While the chicken cooks, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, mix the ranch dressing and salsa together until combined. This is your salsa ranch.
  6. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the heat. Spoon an equal amount of the salsa ranch mixture over the top of each chicken breast.
  7. Sprinkle the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend over the salsa ranch layer.
  8. Return the chicken to the grill (covered) or oven for 3-5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately over tortilla strips with Mexican rice, if desired.

Notes

  • For a baked version, place the marinated chicken on a foil-lined baking sheet before adding the topping and cheese.
  • You can substitute taco seasoning for the chili powder, cumin, and oregano mixture. Use about 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning.
  • Use fresh lime juice for the best zesty flavor in the marinade.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tasteportfolio.com/fiesta-lime-chicken-recipe-applebees-copycat/