If you’re searching for a bold, zesty dish that delivers serious flavor and fun to your dinner table, look no further than Fiesta Lime Chicken. Packed with marinated, juicy chicken, tangy lime, smoky spices, creamy sauce, and plenty of melty cheese, this vibrant recipe brings all the celebratory flavors of your favorite Mexican-American restaurant meal right into your own kitchen. It’s a weeknight dinner win that tastes like a mini vacation on your plate—and you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Fiesta Lime Chicken keeps things easy with just the right balance of essential ingredients, each bringing unique taste and texture to the party. Here’s what makes every bite irresistible:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless and the perfect canvas for all the bold flavors to come.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Gives that unmistakable tang and brightness that sets this dish apart.
- Olive Oil: Helps the marinade soak in beautifully and keeps the chicken moist.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami depth that’s surprisingly harmonious with lime.
- Honey: Brings a gentle sweetness to balance out all the zesty and salty notes.
- Garlic: A must for big flavor—fresh minced is best!
- Ground Cumin: For earthy warmth that underpins the Fiesta vibe.
- Chili Powder: Brings heat and color—choose your favorite blend.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds subtle smoky richness that gives depth to the chicken.
- Salt and Black Pepper: The classic duo for rounding out all those big flavors.
- Shredded Cheddar-Jack Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection—choose a blend for extra dimension.
- Sour Cream: The base for a creamy, cooling drizzle.
- Mayonnaise: Adds silkiness to the crema.
- Fresh Cilantro: A burst of herby freshness that ties it all together.
- Hot Sauce (Optional): Kick up the heat for anyone who loves it spicy!
- Tortilla Strips: For that perfect crunch on top—don’t skip!
- Lime Wedges: Squeeze over just before serving to dial up the brightness even more.
How to Make Fiesta Lime Chicken
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. The bold scents and colors leap out at you—the sign of a marinade that’s packed with personality!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish, then pour that zesty marinade right on top. Make sure each chicken breast is really coated. Pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you’ve got time). This soak is where the Fiesta Lime Chicken magic starts.
Step 3: Grill It Up
Heat up your grill or grill pan to medium-high, and remove the chicken from the marinade. Grill each breast for about 6–7 minutes per side, aiming for a gorgeous char and an internal temperature of 165°F. The aroma will grab the attention of anyone nearby!
Step 4: Prepare the Crema
While the chicken is sizzling, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, cilantro, and hot sauce (if you want a spicy punch) in a small bowl. This simple crema is rich, tangy, and has just the right kick to make your Fiesta Lime Chicken memorable.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Broil
Transfer your just-grilled chicken to a baking sheet. Add a generous spoonful of crema to each piece, then pile on the shredded cheddar-jack cheese. Broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese bubbles and melts into a golden blanket. There’s nothing more satisfying!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Plate each Fiesta Lime Chicken breast, then shower with crispy tortilla strips and a big squeeze of lime. Serve hot, while the cheese is gooey and the flavors are at their brightest.
How to Serve Fiesta Lime Chicken
Garnishes
I love topping Fiesta Lime Chicken with a generous scattering of tortilla strips, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a wedge or two of lime. This trio adds crunch, color, and an extra hit of freshness—just what you want to make every bite pop!
Side Dishes
This zingy chicken practically begs to be paired with cilantro-lime rice, a bowl of black beans, or maybe a fresh corn salad on the side. Even a quick green salad with creamy avocado will round out your Fiesta feast beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the Fiesta Lime Chicken and serve it in warm tortillas or over a loaded salad bowl. You can also shred the chicken and stuff it into quesadillas, or layer it onto nachos for an unforgettable crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Fiesta Lime Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It stays juicy and flavorful, and makes for a fantastic lunch the next day—don’t forget to save some extra crema and garnish separately!
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch, you can freeze the cooked chicken (without cheese and toppings) for up to two months. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in foil or freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Fiesta Lime Chicken, place it in the oven at 350°F, loosely covered with foil, for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Microwave works in a pinch too—just heat gently to keep the chicken moist and the cheese melty.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be just as juicy and tasty. Just adjust the grilling time slightly since thighs are usually a bit thicker.
Is there a dairy-free way to make Fiesta Lime Chicken?
Yes—use your favorite vegan cheese and swap the sour cream and mayonnaise for dairy-free alternatives. The flavors will still sing!
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can use a grill pan on the stove or even broil the marinated chicken in your oven for similar, delicious results.
Can I make this spicier?
Definitely. Add diced jalapeños to the marinade, extra hot sauce to the crema, or serve with pickled jalapeños on top for an even bigger kick.
What’s the best way to meal-prep Fiesta Lime Chicken?
Marinate the chicken and prepare the crema ahead of time. Grill the chicken when you’re ready to eat, and melt the cheese under the broiler for maximum fresh-off-the-grill flavor.
Final Thoughts
Fiesta Lime Chicken brings laughter and sunshine to your dinner table any night of the week. If you’re craving something that’s bursting with personality, color, and layers of satisfying flavor, give this dish a try—you’ll definitely want it in your regular rotation!
Print
Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Broiling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Fiesta Lime Chicken is a zesty and flavorful grilled chicken dish topped with melted cheese and a creamy cilantro-lime crema. This copycat recipe inspired by Applebee’s signature dish is perfect for a festive and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients for Serving:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar-jack cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup tortilla strips (for garnish)
- lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Make the Crema: Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, cilantro, and hot sauce.
- Top and Broil: Place grilled chicken on a baking sheet, top with crema and cheese. Broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve: Garnish with tortilla strips and lime wedges. Enjoy hot!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add jalapeños to the marinade or increase hot sauce in the crema.
- Pair with cilantro-lime rice or a fresh corn salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
