Description

This easy Fiesta Lime Chicken is a copycat of Applebee’s classic, featuring juicy grilled chicken, a tangy lime marinade, creamy Southwest sauce, and a cheesy crust. Perfect for summer dinners, backyard BBQs, or weeknight meals, it’s a crowd-pleaser with bold flavors and simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)
2 teaspoons honey
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup mayonnaise (or avocado mayo)
1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
2 tablespoons salsa (mild or medium)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon chipotle powder or smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Pepper Jack, cheddar, mozzarella, Mexican blend)
1 cup tortilla strips (optional)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Place chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, seal, and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). If using thick chicken breasts, pound to even thickness (about 3/4 inch).
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, salsa, lime juice, chipotle powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust lime or spice to taste.
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high (about 400°F). Oil grates lightly. Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess. Grill chicken 6-8 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Lay grilled chicken on a baking sheet. Spread a generous layer of Southwest sauce over each piece. Sprinkle 1/4 cup shredded cheese onto each breast.
Broil for 3-4 minutes, just until cheese is bubbly and melted. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Sprinkle with tortilla strips and chopped cilantro. Add lime wedges on the side. Serve immediately, hot and melty.

Notes

Do not over-marinate chicken in citrus; 30 minutes is ideal. Pound chicken to even thickness for best results. Broil cheese for a bubbly, browned top—watch closely to avoid burning. For gluten-free, use coconut aminos or tamari instead of soy sauce. Make Southwest sauce ahead for easy meal prep. Chicken reheats well and can be frozen without toppings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
Calories: 430
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 900
Fat: 27
Saturated Fat: 9
Carbohydrates: 8
Fiber: 1
Protein: 38

Keywords: Fiesta Lime Chicken, Applebee's copycat, grilled chicken, summer dinner, Southwest sauce, easy chicken recipe, Mexican chicken, cheesy chicken, lime marinade, BBQ chicken