Applebee's Fiesta Lime Chicken

This restaurant-quality Fiesta Lime Chicken brings Applebee's famous dish right to your dinner table. The combination of zesty marinade, creamy dressing, and crunchy toppings creates a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary. I've perfected this copycat recipe through countless attempts to match that signature Applebee's taste.

I first made this for my husband's birthday dinner when we couldn't get a reservation at our local Applebee's. Now he requests it instead of going out because he says my version tastes even better than the original.

Ingredients

• Water creates the base for our flavorful marinade that keeps the chicken moist
• Teriyaki sauce adds that signature sweet and savory depth that makes this dish distinctive
• Lime juice provides brightness and helps tenderize the chicken naturally
• Fresh garlic always choose fresh over jarred for the most vibrant flavor
• Tequila adds authentic Mexican flair and subtle complexity
• Liquid smoke creates that grilled flavor even if you're cooking indoors
• Mayonnaise use full fat for the creamiest dressing texture
• Sour cream balances the richness of mayo with pleasant tanginess
• Chunky salsa adds texture and spice to the creamy dressing
• Cajun blackening spice brings a complex heat that doesn't overwhelm
• Colby Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully while adding creamy texture and mild flavor
• Corn chips provides the essential crunch contrast to the tender chicken

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

Combine water, teriyaki sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, tequila, liquid smoke, salt, and ginger in a large bowl. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated. The marinade should have a rich amber color with visible specks of garlic throughout.

Marinate the Chicken

Submerge chicken breasts completely in the marinade, ensuring every surface is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight delivers the most flavor. The acidic lime juice works to tenderize the meat while the other flavors infuse deeply.

Make the Creamy Dressing

Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chunky salsa, milk, Cajun spice, parsley, hot sauce, and dill in a bowl. Stir until completely smooth with small chunks of salsa visible throughout. Refrigerate until ready to use, allowing the flavors to meld together into a cohesive sauce.

Preheat and Prep

Heat your grill to medium high heat between 375450°F. While waiting, remove chicken from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures proper browning instead of steaming.

Grill the Chicken

Place chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 35 minutes per side. Watch carefully as the sugars in the teriyaki sauce can burn quickly. The chicken should develop nice grill marks and caramelize slightly at the edges. Verify doneness with a meat thermometer reading 165°F.

Add the Toppings

Transfer the grilled chicken to an ovenproof dish. Generously spread the creamy dressing over each piece, completely covering the top. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly across all pieces, ensuring complete coverage.

Broil and Finish

Place the dish under a preheated broiler for 12 minutes until the cheese bubbles and begins to brown slightly at the edges. Watch carefully to prevent burning as broilers can vary greatly in intensity.

Rest and Serve

Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Plate each piece over a bed of crushed corn chips or serve with whole chips on the side for dipping and scooping.

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The liquid smoke might seem like an unusual ingredient, but it truly makes a difference in achieving that authentic Applebee's flavor. I once skipped it thinking it wouldn't matter much, and my daughter immediately noticed something was missing. Now I keep a bottle just for this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish works beautifully for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead and prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance. Store both components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply grill the chicken and finish with the toppings for a restaurant quality meal in minutes.

Serving Suggestions

For the full Applebee's experience, serve this Fiesta Lime Chicken with Mexican rice and a side of black beans. A simple avocado salad makes a perfect fresh accompaniment to balance the rich flavors. For drinks, a frozen margarita or mocktail with lime complements the flavors beautifully and enhances the fiesta theme.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, place in a 325°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes until warmed through. The microwave works in a pinch but may make the chicken slightly rubbery. Keep the corn chips separate and add them fresh when serving leftovers to maintain their crunch.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ What can I substitute for tequila in the marinade?

If you prefer to omit the tequila, you can substitute with an equal amount of white vinegar or additional lime juice. For a non-alcoholic version with similar flavor notes, try 1 teaspoon of agave syrup with a drop of lime juice.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and prepare the dressing up to 2 days ahead. Store both in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply grill the chicken and finish with the toppings.

→ How can I make this dish less spicy?

To reduce the spiciness, use mild salsa instead of chunky spicy salsa, omit the hot sauce, and use a milder cajun seasoning or reduce the amount. You can also increase the mayo and sour cream to dilute the heat while maintaining the creamy texture.

→ Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?

Absolutely! Bake marinated chicken breasts at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Add the sauce and cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking until cheese is melted and bubbly.

→ What sides pair well with Fiesta Lime Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with Mexican rice, black beans, grilled vegetables, or a fresh side salad with avocado. For a complete Applebee's-inspired meal, serve with a side of their signature coleslaw or garlic mashed potatoes.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and often result in juicier meat. Adjust cooking time accordingly as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through. Still aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).