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Better Than Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken Copycat Recipe

A baked chicken breast covered in melted cheese, creamy sauce, crushed tortilla chips, and fresh cilantro, representing fiesta lime chicken.
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Make this juicy, flavorful Fiesta Lime Chicken copycat recipe at home. It features zesty lime marinated chicken breasts topped with a creamy salsa ranch sauce, melted cheese, and crispy tortilla strips.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 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 tortilla strips (for serving)
  • Optional: Mexican rice 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.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with foil.
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
  5. Bake the chicken for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Remove the chicken from the oven. Spread an even layer of salsa ranch dressing over the top of each chicken breast.
  7. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the ranch dressing layer.
  8. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  9. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  10. Serve the Fiesta Lime Chicken over a bed of Mexican rice, topped with tortilla strips and fresh cilantro.

Notes

  • For a grilled version, cook the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through, then top with ranch and cheese and briefly place under the broiler until melted.
  • You can make a quick salsa ranch by mixing 1/2 cup of your favorite ranch dressing with 2 tablespoons of mild or medium salsa.
  • Use high-CPC phrases like ‘copycat restaurant recipes’ when sharing this dish.

Nutrition

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