Almost every time I visit Applebee’s, I get their Fiesta Lime Chicken. It’s served on a bed of Mexican rice and topped with tangy lime ranch, fresh pico de gallo, and crispy tortilla strips. It makes a flavorful meal on a hot summer night and my copycat version tastes even better than the restaurant’s!
5-Star Review
“My family really gobbles this up. It’s quick and tasty and I almost always have the ingredients on hand. I have four picky kids who all enjoy this recipe.” -Steph
Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe
If you grew up enjoying the Fiesta Lime Chicken or the Tequila Lime Chicken from Applebee’s, you’ll love this copycat version. This recipe requires minimal prep and uses mostly pantry staples for an easy weeknight meal.
This no-fail fiesta lime chicken takes Grilled Chicken and tops it with zesty lime ranch and Colby Jack cheese. The Tex-Mex flavor combination is a hit with both kids and adults!
Fiesta Lime Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- seasoning salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 clove garlic
- 4 slices Borden Colby & Monterrey Jack Cheese
- Pico de Gallo fresh cilantro, and tortilla strips for garnish
- Mexican rice for serving
Instructions
- Heat grill to 400°F.
- Pat dry the chicken breast and brush each chicken breast with olive oil. Then sprinkle with seasoning salt (I like Lawry's) and pepper to taste.4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, 2 tablespoons olive oil, seasoning salt and pepper
- Grill for approximately 10 minutes per side or until chicken is fully cooked through and no longer pink. Set aside.Note: Use a cooking thermometer to know the internal temperature of the chicken (it should be 165°F).
- While chicken is cooking, combine the ranch, yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, and garlic in a blender and blend until fully combined and smooth. Set aside.1/4 cup ranch dressing, 1/4 cup greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, 1 clove garlic
- Once chicken breasts are grilled, place 1 tablespoon of the ranch mixture on each chicken breast and then top with a slice of cheese. The cheese should melt down onto the chicken, but to make it extra creamy pop it back on the grill for a minute or two until it's melted to your liking.4 slices Borden Colby & Monterrey Jack Cheese
- Top each breast with fresh Pico de Gallo, cilantro, and tortilla strips. Serve with Mexican Rice for extra flavor.Pico de Gallo
Becky’s Tips
- I use homemade ranch, Cilantro Lime or Chipotle Ranch would also be delicious!
- Instead of Colby Jack Cheese use baby Swiss, Pepper Jack, or even a mix of cheeses.
- If you want things extra spicy, use Pepper Jack cheese and Rotel tomatoes instead of pico de gallo.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts are perfect as they are tender and moist once cooked. Skinless boneless chicken thighs will also work.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
Oven-Baked Version
No grill? I’ve got you covered with my oven-bake version. Instead of grilling, bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes in total (5-6 min each side) at 350°F. Use a cooking thermometer to know the internal temperature of the chicken (it should be 165°F).
How to Store
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30 second intervals or in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 mins.
Freeze And Make Ahead. After grilling once the chicken breasts are at room temperature, transfer them to freezer-friendly bags and freeze for 3-5 months. Thaw overnight, reheat, top with cheese and serve.
Serving Suggestions
This Fiesta Lime Chicken goes well with Cilantro Rice, Corn Pasta Salad and Grilled Corn Salad. If you don’t like Pico De Gallo, try a different salsa like Mango Salsa or Italian Salsa or Corn Salsa.
An outdoor grilled meal is incomplete without a Cocktails or Mocktails. Pair this meal with my Pineapple Agua Fresca or Margaritas.
If you want more easy grilled dinners this Summer, you’ve come to the right place! Be sure to check out all of our other favorite Chicken Recipes, including our Caesar Chicken and Baked Fried Chicken.
More GRILLED dinner recipes to try
I’m so happy to have come across this recipe. It’s better than the restaurant version. Thank you!
Original Applebees mexi sauce has tomato paste in it which explains the pink hue. But it also has High fructose corn syrup and propylene glycol alginate, so, I guess, if you want “authentic” put those ingredients it. I can’t understand why you’d want it more salty! This recipe pretty accurately nails the flavor profile with just a handful of fresh, normal ingredients. Such an unnecessarily aggressive review. I am not a bot 💕
My family really gobbles this up. It’s quick and tasty and I almost always have the ingredients on hand. I am not a bot! (Ahem, Whitney…) I’m a real person with four picky kids who all enjoy this recipe.
We’re so happy to hear you love this recipe, Steph! Thanks so much for stopping by!!
The whole family was happy. Thank you for the recipe!!!
I’d call that a success, thanks for stopping by Jay!
This looks delicious! thanks so much!
I just love the recipe and will try it soon.
I love FIESTA LIME CHICKEN :)
Would like to know the recipe for the Mexican Rice used in the also, is it on your site somewhere?
I ate it at the restaurant and enjoyed it. I tried many times but failed. Today saw your guide I learned a lot and drawn many useful things. I believe this time I will succeed. Thanks a lot!
This looks delicious! thanks so much!