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The Ultimate 35-Minute Applebee’s Copycat Fiesta Lime Chicken

Close-up of sliced Fiesta Lime Chicken breasts covered in a creamy orange sauce and crunchy topping.
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Make this Applebee’s Copycat Fiesta Lime Chicken at home in under 40 minutes. Juicy chicken breasts marinate in zesty lime, bake perfectly, and top with a creamy salsa ranch and melted cheese for a bold, satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed is best)
  • 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
  • 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
  • 1/2 cup Ranch dressing
  • 1/4 cup salsa (mild or medium)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1/4 cup crushed tortilla chips, for topping (optional)
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
  3. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and place the breasts in the prepared baking dish. Brush the tops of the chicken with the teriyaki sauce.
  4. Bake the chicken for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. While the chicken bakes, prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the Ranch dressing, salsa, and smoked paprika. Mix well.
  6. Remove the chicken from the oven. Spoon an equal amount of the salsa ranch mixture over each chicken breast. Top evenly with the shredded cheese.
  7. 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. Top with crushed tortilla chips, if using, and serve immediately with lime wedges.

Notes

  • For an even bolder flavor, you can grill the chicken instead of baking. Grill over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes per side after marinating, then top with the sauce and cheese and briefly place under the broiler to melt the cheese.
  • Serve this Tex Mex chicken over cilantro lime rice or alongside black beans for a complete family favorite dinner.
  • If you want a slightly healthier fiesta dinner, skip the crushed tortilla chips topping.

Nutrition

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