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Applebee's Copycat Fiesta Lime Chicken

A flavorful and vibrant dish that combines grilled chicken with a tangy sauce and gooey melted cheese, perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Seasoning
  • 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp dried cilantro
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 3 tsp cumin
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp garlic
  • 1 whole jalapeño, diced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce
  • 5 tbsp lime juice
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 piece red onion, diced
  • 3 pieces roma tomatoes, diced
Toppings
  • 4 slices Colby jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the grill or a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. In a bowl, mix together garlic, jalapeño, red onion, tomatoes, dried cilantro, hot sauce, lime juice, chicken broth, and ranch dressing to create the sauce mixture.
  3. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and cumin, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Cooking
  1. Cook the chicken on the grill or in the skillet for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the juices run clear.
  2. In the last few minutes of cooking, top each breast generously with the sauce mixture and place a slice of Colby jack cheese on top, allowing it to melt perfectly.
Serving
  1. Once cooked, remove the chicken from heat and serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling. You can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Replace ranch dressing with a yogurt-based alternative for a lighter version.