There’s something truly magical about recreating restaurant favorites in your own kitchen. The first time I tried Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken, I was hooked. That perfect balance of tangy lime, smoky grilled chicken, creamy dressing, and gooey melted cheese—it felt like a celebration on a plate. Every bite transported me to summer evenings at a bustling patio, with laughter filling the air and the comforting clink of glasses in the background.

When I finally decided to make this dish at home, it wasn’t just about satisfying a craving—it was about bringing that festive, carefree feeling to a cozy family dinner. I wanted to bottle up that experience and share it around my own table, and this recipe does exactly that.

Whether you’re cooking for a casual weekday meal or looking to impress at your next backyard gathering, Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken has a way of turning any meal into a mini fiesta. It’s bold, flavorful, and fun—just the way a great dish should be.

Let’s dive into how you can bring this Tex-Mex-inspired classic to life, no reservation required.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This copycat Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken is a flavor-packed experience. The chicken is marinated in a tangy lime and teriyaki blend that infuses it with zest and tenderness. After grilling, it’s topped with a cool, creamy Southwestern-inspired dressing and blanketed with melted Colby-Monterey Jack cheese. Served over crunchy tortilla strips, it brings together a medley of textures and flavors that keep you coming back for more.

This dish is perfect for summer grilling, family taco nights, or whenever you’re craving something bold yet comforting. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and so satisfying—you’ll skip the takeout line for good.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

For the Marinade:

• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons chunky spicy salsa
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon Cajun blackened seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon dried dill weed

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 cups crushed corn chips

How to Make Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken

Bringing Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken to your kitchen is easier than you think. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready to enjoy at home.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together water, teriyaki sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, liquid smoke, salt, and ground ginger until combined. I remember the first time I mixed this marinade—just the aroma alone had me excited for dinner! Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For a deeper flavor, I like to leave it overnight when I can.

2. Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa, milk, Cajun seasoning, dried parsley, hot sauce, and dill weed. This creamy dressing has a delightful tang with a hint of spice, and it’s honestly great on tacos and salads too. Chill it in the fridge until ready to use.

3. Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. I love the smell of the marinade caramelizing on the grill—it signals that dinner’s almost ready.

4. Assemble the Dish
Place the grilled chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil. Spread each chicken breast with a generous layer of the prepared dressing, then sprinkle the shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese on top.

5. Broil to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it—you want melted, golden cheese, not burnt.

6. Serve and Enjoy
To serve, arrange a bed of crushed corn chips on each plate and place the cheesy chicken on top. Every bite delivers crunch, creaminess, tang, and smoky goodness. I like to garnish with a few lime wedges for extra zing.

Helpful Tips

• Marinate Ahead: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge.
• No Grill? No Problem: You can cook the chicken in a stovetop grill pan or regular skillet if needed.
• Customize the Spice: Adjust the amount of hot sauce and salsa to suit your heat preference.
• Serving Ideas: This dish pairs beautifully with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, or a fresh green salad.

Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Marinating Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling, Broiling
• Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
• Diet: Halal

Notes

Feel free to swap Colby-Monterey Jack cheese for cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend if preferred. The creamy dressing doubles as a flavorful dip for chips or veggies.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~651 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 45g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well. Just adjust the grilling time accordingly.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Fiesta Lime Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I make this dish in advance?
You can marinate the chicken and prepare the dressing a day ahead. Grill and assemble just before serving for best results.

Storage Instructions

Allow leftover chicken to cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until heated through.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love:

• A Cozy Evening with Chicken Breast Stuffed with Feta and Spinach
• Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken: A Flavorful Summer Tradition
• Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce
• Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken

Conclusion

Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken isn’t just a dish—it’s a flavor-packed experience that brings joy to any meal. Recreating it at home lets you savor every cheesy, tangy, smoky bite while sharing smiles around your own table. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a casual get-together, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every forkful of this bold, festive favorite!

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