Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken Copycat | Easy & Flavorful Recipe

Craving that zesty, smoky, and creamy goodness from Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken but don’t want to head out or spend extra money dining out? You’re in for a treat! This Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken Copycat recipe brings the restaurant favorite right to your kitchen — no takeout required, and no flavor sacrificed.

The magic of this dish lies in the perfect balance of tangy lime marinade, creamy Mexi-ranch sauce, and melty cheese — all layered over tender, grilled chicken breasts. Topped with crushed tortilla strips and served with a side of Mexican rice or fresh pico de gallo, it’s a fiesta of flavors that feels both comforting and restaurant-quality.

Ingredients Needed

Below is a list of ingredients to recreate the famous Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken at home, along with their approximate calorie counts (per serving).

Ingredient	Quantity	Calories
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts	4 (about 1.5 lbs total)	660 kcal
Lime juice (freshly squeezed)	¼ cup	15 kcal
Olive oil	2 tbsp	240 kcal
Soy sauce (low-sodium)	2 tbsp	20 kcal
Worcestershire sauce	1 tbsp	15 kcal
Garlic powder	1 tsp	5 kcal
Cumin	½ tsp	4 kcal
Chili powder	1 tsp	6 kcal
Mayonnaise (light or regular)	½ cup	360 kcal
Sour cream (light or regular)	¼ cup	120 kcal
Ranch dressing	2 tbsp	140 kcal
Salsa (medium or mild)	¼ cup	20 kcal
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese	½ cup	160 kcal
Crushed tortilla strips	½ cup	120 kcal
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)	1 tbsp	1 kcal
Cooked Mexican rice (optional, side)	1 cup	200 kcal

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or container, pour in the marinade, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. The longer it sits, the more flavor it absorbs.

2: Make the Mexi-Ranch Sauce

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch dressing, and salsa. Stir until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to use — this will double as your topping and dipping sauce.

3: Grill or Pan-Sear the Chicken

Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess liquid.
Cook the chicken for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The edges should have a nice golden-brown char.

4: Add the Sauce and Cheese

Once the chicken is fully cooked, spread a spoonful of the Mexi-ranch sauce over each piece. Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top and let it melt — you can either cover the pan for a few minutes or place the chicken under the broiler for a quick 1–2 minutes to achieve that gooey, melted perfection.

5: Serve and Garnish

Place each chicken breast on a plate. Top with a handful of crushed tortilla strips and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

• Lighten it up: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and light mayo for a healthier twist.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few jalapeño slices to the sauce for extra heat.
• Low-carb option: Skip the tortilla strips and rice — serve with roasted veggies or a green salad instead.
• Cheese swap: Try pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend if you want a little more spice and creaminess.
• Meal prep friendly: Cook extra chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days — perfect for salads, wraps, or tacos later in the week.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	440 kcal
Protein	38 g
Carbohydrates	8 g
Dietary Fiber	1 g
Sugars	3 g
Fat	25 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Sodium	560 mg

Serving Suggestions

• 🥗 Fiesta Bowl Style: Slice the chicken and serve over a bed of rice, beans, corn, and avocado.
• 🌮 Taco Twist: Shred the chicken and stuff it into tortillas with extra sauce and lettuce.
• 🥬 Low-Carb Meal: Pair with cauliflower rice and grilled vegetables for a keto-friendly dinner.
• 🍹 Perfect Pairing: Enjoy with a chilled glass of lime-infused sparkling water or a light margarita mocktail.

FAQs

1. What is Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken made of?

Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken features grilled chicken breasts topped with a creamy Mexi-ranch sauce, melted cheese, and crunchy tortilla strips. It’s typically served with Mexican rice and pico de gallo. The combination of tangy lime, smoky spice, and creamy topping makes it one of Applebee’s most popular dishes.

2. Can I make Fiesta Lime Chicken without a grill?

Yes! You can easily cook it on a stovetop skillet or bake it in the oven. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and cook the marinated chicken for about 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Then, top it with sauce and cheese, and broil for 1–2 minutes to melt.

3. How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours. If you have time, letting it marinate overnight intensifies the tangy lime flavor and tenderizes the meat even more.

4. What can I use instead of sour cream or mayonnaise in the sauce?

You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream or mayo to create a lighter version of the Mexi-ranch sauce. It still gives you the creamy texture with added protein and fewer calories.

5. How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you love heat, add jalapeños, chipotle chili powder, or a few drops of hot sauce to the marinade or Mexi-ranch sauce. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese before melting.

Conclusion

Bringing restaurant-quality dishes into your own kitchen doesn’t have to be complicated. With this Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken Copycat recipe, you’ll enjoy that same tangy, creamy, and cheesy flavor that made the dish so popular — only fresher and customized to your liking.