Fiesta Lime Chicken
This Fiesta Lime Chicken recipe is a tangy dinner recipe that is full of dynamic and exciting flavors. The taste of juicy chicken breasts marinated in lime juice, paprika, cumin and more is matched up perfectly with a taco ranch dressing mixture and smothered with colby jack cheese. Finish it off with crispy tortilla strips and fresh pico de gallo and you’ll have a new favorite that the whole family will love!
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One of our favorite recipes, this Fiesta Lime Chicken is an Applebee’s copycat recipe. The big difference between our recipe and Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken is the comfort in knowing where your food came from. Our homemade Fiesta Lime Chicken has no microwaves, frozen foods, or preservatives. Even the ranch dressing can be made homemade!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe:
Fresh & Flavorful :This Fiesta Lime Chicken bursts with zesty lime, smoky spices, and creamy ranch for an irresistible bite every time.
Easy & Versatile: Serve it over Spanish or Mexican rice, pair it with tortilla chips and avocado salsa, or enjoy it with fresh pico de gallo for a balanced meal.
Restaurant Quality at Home: Get the same bold flavors you love without the extra cost or heavy feeling after eating out.
Cheesy, Creamy, & Zesty: A taco-seasoned ranch spread, melty cheese, and a pop of fresh pico create the perfect combination of flavors and textures.
Grill It for More Flavor: Cook it on a grill pan or outdoor grill for a smoky twist that enhances the marinade’s depth.
Quick & Convenient: No need to go out—this easy homemade version delivers the same great taste in your own kitchen.
Ingredients to Make Fiesta Lime Chicken:
- chicken breasts. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- lime juice. Fresh lime juice gives the marinade its signature tangy, zesty flavor. For an extra citrusy boost, add some lime zest.
- garlic cloves. Freshly minced garlic adds a rich depth of flavor to the marinade. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but fresh is best!
- ranch dressing. The creamy base for the topping. You can use store-bought or homemade ranch for a fresher taste.
- taco seasoning. A blend of spices enhances the ranch sauce with a Tex-Mex kick.
- colby jack cheese. Melts beautifully over the chicken, adding a mild and creamy texture. Monterey Jack, cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend work well too.
How to Make Fiesta Lime Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix lime juice, garlic, paprika, salt, cumin, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts in the mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil. Add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
- In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing with taco seasoning.
- Reduce the heat to low, spread the ranch mixture over each chicken breast, and top with shredded colby jack cheese. Cover the pan for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, marinate it for up to 2 hours. Any longer, and the lime juice may start breaking down the chicken too much.
- Use Fresh Lime Juice: Bottled lime juice won’t have the same bright, tangy flavor as fresh. Adding lime zest to the ranch mixture enhances the citrusy kick.
- Grill for a Smoky Twist: While pan-frying is quick and convenient, grilling the chicken on an outdoor grill or grill pan gives it a delicious smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the zesty ranch and melted cheese.
- Melt the Cheese Perfectly: After adding the cheese, cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes to let it melt evenly. If baking, broil for the last 1-2 minutes for a bubbly, golden top.
- Make It Your Own: Swap Colby Jack cheese for Monterey Jack, cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions:
- Loaded Sweet Potato Fries
- Mexican Coleslaw
- Refried Kidney Beans
- Chopped Mexican Salad
- Summer Salsa
- Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
How to Store:
Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it cool completely before storing to prevent excess moisture buildup.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. For a quick option, microwave in 30-second intervals, covering with a damp paper towel.
Meal Prep: Slice the chicken and use it in tacos, burrito bowls, salads, or wraps for an easy meal prep option.
FAQs:
Yes! Grilling adds a delicious smoky flavor. Cook over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Definitely! Add cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade or ranch mixture for extra heat.
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For a crispy top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes.
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Fiesta Lime Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 cup colby jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix lime juice, garlic, paprika, salt, cumin, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts in the mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
- In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing with taco seasoning.
- Reduce the heat to low, spread the ranch mixture over each chicken breast, and top with shredded colby jack cheese. Cover the pan for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.
Nutrition
Notes
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- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, marinate it for up to 2 hours. Any longer, and the lime juice may start breaking down the chicken too much.
- Use Fresh Lime Juice: Bottled lime juice won’t have the same bright, tangy flavor as fresh. Adding lime zest to the ranch mixture enhances the citrusy kick.
- Grill for a Smoky Twist: While pan-frying is quick and convenient, grilling the chicken on an outdoor grill or grill pan gives it a delicious smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the zesty ranch and melted cheese.
- Melt the Cheese Perfectly: After adding the cheese, cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes to let it melt evenly. If baking, broil for the last 1-2 minutes for a bubbly, golden top.
- Make It Your Own: Swap Colby Jack cheese for Monterey Jack, cheddar, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
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