Applebee's Fiesta Lime Chicken

This hearty Applebee's Fiesta Lime Chicken has been my go-to recipe whenever I want to bring restaurant flavors into my home kitchen without the restaurant price tag. The combination of zesty marinade, creamy topping, and melted cheese creates a dish that always impresses dinner guests.

I first made this recipe when trying to recreate my favorite Applebee's dish after moving to a town without one. My family now requests it more often than we ever went to the actual restaurant!

Ingredients

• Water: Creates the base for your marinade, allowing flavors to blend properly
• Teriyaki sauce: Adds that signature umami depth and slight sweetness
• Lime juice: Provides essential brightness and helps tenderize the chicken
• Fresh garlic cloves: Add aromatic punch; use fresh for best flavor
• Tequila: Contributes authentic Mexican notes that cook out, leaving just flavor
• Liquid smoke: Gives that grilled flavor even when cooking indoors
• Salt: Enhances all the other flavors; look for kosher or sea salt
• Ground ginger: Adds subtle warmth and complexity to the marinade

• Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base; choose a quality brand for best results
• Sour cream: Adds tanginess and balances the richness
• Chunky salsa: Provides texture and spice; select your preferred heat level
• Milk: Thins the dressing to perfect consistency
• Cajun blackened spice mix: Delivers that signature Applebee's flavor profile
• Dried parsley: Adds a subtle herbal note and visual appeal
• Hot sauce: Kicks up the heat; customize to your preference
• Dried dill weed: Contributes an unexpected but perfect herbal note

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Work best when pounded to even thickness
• Colby-Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and has the perfect flavor
• Corn chips: Add essential crunch and authentic Southwestern flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the Marinade:

Combine water, teriyaki sauce, lime juice, freshly minced garlic, tequila, liquid smoke, salt, and ground ginger in a large bowl. Whisk thoroughly until completely blended. The marinade should have a rich brown color with visible specks of garlic and spices. This aromatic base will infuse your chicken with incredible flavor.

Marinate the Chicken:

Submerge chicken breasts fully in the marinade, ensuring each piece is completely coated. For best results, use a shallow dish that allows the chicken to spread out in a single layer. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight works even better. The acid in the lime juice will gradually tenderize the meat while the flavors penetrate deeply.

Prepare the Signature Dressing:

In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, chunky salsa, milk, Cajun blackened spice, dried parsley, hot sauce, and dried dill weed. Whisk until completely smooth with small visible chunks from the salsa. The dressing should have a pale orange color with speckles of herbs. Cover and refrigerate until needed; this allows the flavors to marry beautifully.

Preheat Your Grill:

Set your grill to medium-high heat around 375-450°F. Make sure grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Allow the grill to fully preheat before cooking, which typically takes about 10 minutes. A properly heated grill ensures beautiful grill marks and even cooking.

Grill the Chicken:

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for 3-5 minutes per side. Watch carefully as the sugars in the teriyaki can cause flare-ups. The chicken should develop nice grill marks and caramelize slightly. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Apply the Dressing:

Transfer the grilled chicken to an ovenproof dish. Generously brush or spoon the prepared dressing over each chicken breast, making sure to cover the entire surface. The warmth of the chicken will slightly melt the dressing, creating a heavenly creamy layer that seeps into the meat.

Add Cheese and Broil:

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese over the dressed chicken. Place under a broiler set to high for 1-2 minutes until the cheese bubbles and develops light golden spots. Watch carefully to prevent burning. The cheese should melt completely and create an irresistible golden crust.

Serve with Corn Chips:

Place the finished chicken over a bed of crushed corn chips on individual plates. The hot chicken will slightly soften some chips while others remain crunchy. Alternatively, serve with chips on the side for people to add as they eat. The contrast of temperatures and textures makes this dish extraordinary.

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The liquid smoke in this recipe is my secret weapon. I discovered its importance when I once made the dish without it. While still good, it was missing that authentic restaurant quality. Just that one ingredient transforms this from a simple chicken dish to something that truly captures the Applebee's experience.

Make Ahead Instructions

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because so much can be done in advance. The marinade can be prepared up to 3 days before use and stored in the refrigerator. The chicken can marinate overnight, intensifying the flavors while saving you time the next day. Even the signature dressing can be made up to 5 days ahead. When you're ready to eat, simply grill the chicken and finish with the dressing and cheese. This approach transforms a seemingly complex restaurant dish into an efficient weeknight meal without sacrificing any flavor.

Perfect Pairings

While delicious on its own, this Fiesta Lime Chicken reaches new heights when served with complementary sides. Mexican rice with cilantro and lime makes an excellent bed for the chicken and catches any extra sauce. A simple side salad with avocado and a lime vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish. For a complete Applebee's experience, pair with a homemade margarita or virgin lime slush. The citrus notes in the drinks cut through the creamy richness of the chicken perfectly.

Common Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly adaptable to dietary needs and ingredient availability. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream in the dressing. If you avoid alcohol, apple cider vinegar works beautifully in place of tequila. Gluten-free soy sauce can replace regular teriyaki sauce for those with gluten sensitivities. For a dairy-free option, dairy-free cheese alternatives now melt quite well, though you may need to adjust broiling time. The versatility of this recipe means everyone at your table can enjoy this restaurant favorite regardless of dietary restrictions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long should the chicken marinate?

The chicken should marinate for at least 2 hours to absorb the flavors. For best results, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

→ Can I use an oven instead of a grill?

Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 25 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

→ What can I use as a substitute for tequila?

You can omit the tequila entirely or substitute it with 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar for a non-alcoholic option.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Ensure that the teriyaki sauce and corn chips are gluten-free. Choose verified gluten-free brands for these ingredients.

→ What other sides go well with this dish?

This dish pairs well with fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of Mexican-style rice for a complete meal.