This Fiesta Lime Chicken is a quick, skillet-made dinner that combines juicy chicken breasts with fresh lime juice, garlic, and warm spices, finished with a creamy ranch topping and melted cheese. It's an easy, flavor-packed option for busy weeknight dinners when you want something bold without complicated steps.
A Quick Look at the Recipe
✅ Recipe Name: Fiesta Lime Chicken
🕒 Ready In: ~35 minutes (plus marinating time)
👪 Serves: 4 servings
🍽 Calories: ~410 per serving
🥣 Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, lime juice, ranch dressing, Colby Jack cheese
📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-free; dairy-free option
👌 Difficulty: Easy - simple prep and one-skillet cooking
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Inspired by restaurant-style favorites but made at home, this version keeps the focus on simple ingredients and straightforward cooking. Everything comes together in one pan, making it a reliable go-to for family dinners or casual entertaining.
If you're looking for more easy chicken dinners like this one, be sure to check out our Baked Fajita Chicken, Tandoori Chicken, or French Onion Chicken for simple, satisfying options.
Jump to:
- A Quick Look at the Recipe
- Why You'll Love this Fiesta Lime Chicken:
- Key Ingredients:
- Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- How to Make Fiesta Lime Chicken:
- Recipe Notes & Tips:
- How to Store:
- Fiesta Lime Chicken FAQs:
- More Chicken Dinner Recipes You'll Love
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- Fiesta Lime Chicken
Why You'll Love this Fiesta Lime Chicken:
Bright, bold flavor: Fresh lime juice and warm spices give the chicken a vibrant, well-balanced taste.
One-skillet dinner: Everything cooks in a single pan for easy cleanup.
Weeknight-friendly: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a reliable dinner option.
Creamy, cheesy finish: The seasoned ranch topping and melted Colby Jack add richness without overpowering the chicken.
Family-approved: Familiar flavors inspired by restaurant favorites, made easily at home.
Key Ingredients:
- chicken breasts. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- ranch dressing. The creamy base for the topping. You can use store-bought or homemade ranch dressing for a fresher taste.
- taco seasoning. A homemade taco seasoning 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.
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page for exact quantities.
Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- Use chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts and stay especially juicy.
- Make it spicier: Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for extra heat.
- Swap the cheese: Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican-blend cheese work well in place of Colby Jack.
- Lighten the topping: Use a lighter ranch dressing or reduce the amount slightly for a thinner, less rich sauce.
- Dairy-free option: Skip the ranch and cheese and finish the chicken with extra lime juice and chopped cilantro for a fresh, dairy-free version.
How to Make Fiesta Lime Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, cumin, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and turn to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a light drizzle of oil. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken cooks, stir together the ranch dressing and taco seasoning in a small bowl until smooth.
- Reduce the heat to low. Spoon the ranch mixture evenly over each chicken breast and sprinkle with shredded Colby Jack cheese.
- Cover the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted. Remove from heat and serve warm.
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Marinate for best flavor: Even a short 30-minute marinade helps the lime and spices fully absorb into the chicken.
- Use fresh lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime gives brighter flavor than bottled juice.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in a single layer so it browns evenly.
- Lower the heat before adding cheese: This prevents the ranch mixture from separating or burning.
- Check doneness: Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let it rest briefly: Allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
- Serving suggestions: Pair with Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice or serve alongside Sautéed Broccolini for a complete weeknight meal.
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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.
Fiesta Lime Chicken FAQs:
Fiesta Lime Chicken is mildly seasoned and not spicy. Heat can be increased by adding cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade.
Yes. Fiesta Lime Chicken can be grilled over medium heat, then topped with the ranch mixture and cheese off the heat so it melts evenly.
Yes. Fiesta Lime Chicken can be cooked ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Add the ranch topping and cheese when reheating for best texture.
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Fiesta Lime Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 pound 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 medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, cumin, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and turn to coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a light drizzle of oil. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken cooks, stir together the ranch dressing and taco seasoning in a small bowl until smooth.
- Reduce the heat to low. Spoon the ranch mixture evenly over each chicken breast and sprinkle with shredded Colby Jack cheese.
- Cover the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted. Remove from heat and serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
- Marinate for best flavor: Even a short 30-minute marinade helps the lime and spices fully absorb into the chicken.
- Use fresh lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime gives brighter flavor than bottled juice.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken in a single layer so it browns evenly.
- Lower the heat before adding cheese: This prevents the ranch mixture from separating or burning.
- Check doneness: Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let it rest briefly: Allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes before serving to keep it juicy.
- Serving suggestions: Pair with Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice or serve alongside Sautéed Broccolini for a complete weeknight meal.
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