Easy Applebee’s Fiesta Lime

This Applebee's-inspired Fiesta Lime Chicken recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy meal right in your kitchen. The zesty marinade and creamy dressing create layers of flavor that make this dish truly special.

I discovered this recipe after trying to recreate my favorite Applebee's dish and have been perfecting it for years. My family now requests it more often than ordering takeout.

Ingredients

• Water: Forms the base of our marinade allowing the flavors to penetrate the chicken evenly
• Teriyaki sauce: Provides a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes that caramelize beautifully on the grill
• Lime juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken while infusing citrus flavor
• Garlic cloves: Bring essential aromatic depth. Always use fresh for the most robust flavor
• Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for our signature dressing. Use full fat for best results
• Colby Monterey Jack cheese: Melts perfectly and complements the zesty flavors without overpowering
• Corn chips: Add the crucial textural contrast and authentic fiesta crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Marinade:

Combine water, teriyaki sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and ginger in a large bowl; whisk thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated. The acidity from the lime juice will help tenderize the chicken while the teriyaki provides depth.

Marinate the Chicken:

Submerge chicken breasts completely in the marinade ensuring all surfaces are covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but for best results let it marinate overnight. The longer marination time allows flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

Mix the Signature Dressing:

In a medium bowl, combine all dressing ingredients, stirring until completely smooth and well blended. Refrigerate until needed to allow flavors to meld together. This dressing is the secret weapon that elevates this dish to restaurant quality status.

Grill to Perfection:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat between 375–450°F. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Grill for 3–5 minutes per side until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165°F. The high heat creates beautiful grill marks and caramelizes the teriyaki elements in the marinade.

Create the Fiesta Topping:

Generously brush the grilled chicken with your prepared dressing, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Place under a broiler until cheese is melted, bubbly, and just beginning to show golden spots. This should take about 2–3 minutes; be careful not to burn.

Assemble and Serve:

Arrange crushed corn chips on serving plates, creating a bed for your chicken. Place the cheese-topped chicken over the chips and drizzle with additional dressing if desired. Serve immediately while hot and gooey.

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The Cajun blackened spice mix is what truly makes this recipe special. I discovered this by accident when I ran out of taco seasoning one night and had to improvise. The subtle heat and complex flavor it adds has become our family's signature twist on this recipe.

Make-Ahead Options

This recipe works beautifully for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, which actually improves the flavor. The dressing can be prepared up to three days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembly incredibly quick when you're ready to cook.

Indoor Cooking Alternative

While grilling gives this dish its authentic flavor, you can easily adapt for indoor cooking. Use a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat, following the same cooking times. Alternatively, bake the marinated chicken at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until cooked through, then add the cheese topping and broil as directed. The results are nearly indistinguishable from the grilled version.

Serving Suggestions

Create a complete fiesta experience by serving with Mexican rice and black beans. For a lighter option, pair with a simple avocado and tomato salad dressed with lime juice. The dish also works beautifully with grilled vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and corn, which can be cooked alongside the chicken on the grill.

The History Behind The Dish

This copycat recipe emerged in the early 2000s when Applebee's Fiesta Lime Chicken became one of their most popular menu items. Home cooks began recreating it with various interpretations. The combination of Southwestern and Tex-Mex flavors represents the fusion cuisine trend that became popular in casual dining restaurants across America during that period.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the key to a flavorful marinade?

The combination of lime juice, teriyaki sauce, and garlic creates a tangy, savory base that enhances the chicken's taste. Marinating for at least two hours ensures the flavors fully infuse.

→ How do I achieve perfectly grilled chicken?

Preheat your grill to 375-450°F (190-232°C) and cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

→ Can I use a different cheese for this dish?

Yes, you can substitute Colby-Monterey Jack with cheddar, pepper jack, or any meltable cheese you prefer.

→ What’s the best way to serve this meal?

Serve the chicken over a bed of crushed corn chips for a crunchy texture, or pair it with a side of chips or salad for balance.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain moisture.