There’s something irresistible about biting into tender chicken glazed with that tangy, zesty Fiesta Lime sauce. I remember the first time I tasted Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken and knew I had to recreate it at home. The combination of fresh lime, fiery spices, and savory flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any night of the week.
In this copycat recipe, I’ll guide you step-by-step to bring that restaurant magic into your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll love how easy it is to whip up this delicious dish. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a flavorful meal that’s full of zest and flair.
So grab your favorite skillet and let’s dive into making this Fiesta Lime Chicken that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
Gather all the fresh ingredients below to recreate Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken at home. Each component is essential for achieving that perfect balance of tangy and spicy flavors.
Chicken
| Ingredient | Quantity | Prep |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 4 | Boneless and skinless |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | |
| Salt | 1 tsp | |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
Marinade
| Ingredient | Quantity | Prep |
|---|---|---|
| Lime juice | ¼ cup | Freshly squeezed |
| Lime zest | 2 tsp | From fresh limes |
| Garlic cloves | 3 | Minced |
| Honey | 2 tbsp | |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp | |
| Cumin | ½ tsp | Ground |
| Paprika | ½ tsp | |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | |
| Salt | ½ tsp | |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp |
Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity | Prep |
|---|---|---|
| Sour cream | ½ cup | |
| Mayonnaise | ¼ cup | |
| Fresh cilantro | 2 tbsp | Chopped |
| Lime juice | 1 tbsp | Freshly squeezed |
| Garlic cloves | 1 | Minced |
| Jalapeño | ½ | Seeded and finely chopped |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | |
| Black pepper | A pinch |
Garnishes
| Ingredient | Quantity | Prep |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh cilantro | 2 tbsp | Chopped |
| Lime wedges | 4 | Cut from fresh limes |
| Sliced jalapeños | ½ cup | Optional for extra heat |
| Crushed tortilla chips | ½ cup | For added crunch |
Tools And Equipment
To perfectly recreate Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken at home, having the right tools and equipment is essential. Here’s what I use in my kitchen to ensure every step goes smoothly:
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife
A sturdy cutting board and a sharp chef’s knife make prepping the chicken and slicing garnishes effortless and safe.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements are crucial for the marinade and sauce. I rely on a complete set of measuring cups and spoons for precision.
- Mixing Bowls
I use multiple mixing bowls to marinate the chicken and prepare the creamy sauce without any cross-contamination of flavors.
- Whisk
A good whisk helps blend the marinade ingredients and ensures a smooth consistency for the sauce.
- Skillet or Grill Pan
A heavy-bottomed skillet or a grill pan is perfect for cooking the chicken evenly, giving it that delicious sear and smoky flavor.
- Tongs
Tongs are indispensable for flipping the chicken without piercing it, keeping it juicy and tender.
- Instant-Read Thermometer
To ensure the chicken is cooked to the perfect temperature (165°F), I use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
- Lime Squeezer
Fresh lime juice is a key component of the dish. A lime squeezer makes extracting juice quick and easy, avoiding the bitterness of the pith.
- Serving Plates and Garnish Tools
Beautiful presentation starts with the right plates and tools for adding fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and crushed tortilla chips as garnishes.
Having these tools on hand not only streamlines the cooking process but also elevates the final dish, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality Fiesta Lime Chicken right at home.
Instructions
Prep
- Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Use a sharp knife to ensure even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Gather Your Tools: Ensure you have your cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, whisk, skillet or grill pan, tongs, instant-read thermometer, lime squeezer, and serving plates ready.
Marinate Chicken
- Mix the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of 2 limes, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Cook Chicken
- Preheat the Skillet: Heat your skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
Prepare Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together ½ cup of sour cream, ¼ cup of mayonnaise, the juice of 1 lime, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and add more lime juice or chili powder if desired to achieve your preferred tanginess and spice level.
Combine And Serve
- Slice the Chicken: Thinly slice the rested chicken breasts against the grain for tender bites.
- Assemble the Dish: Place the sliced chicken on a serving plate. Drizzle the prepared sauce generously over the top.
- Add Garnishes: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro, add lime wedges on the side, and scatter crushed tortilla chips for an added crunch.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor the vibrant flavors of your homemade Fiesta Lime Chicken!
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing Fiesta Lime Chicken ahead of time not only saves you time on the day you plan to serve it but also enhances the flavors as the chicken absorbs the marinade more deeply. Here’s how I like to make this delicious dish ahead of schedule:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Overnight
Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the tangy and spicy flavors.
- Combine Marinade Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Having the sauce ready in advance allows the flavors to meld perfectly with the chicken.
- Mix Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Store the Sauce:
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3: Pre-Cook the Chicken (Optional)
If you want to save even more time on serving day, you can pre-cook the chicken and reheat it when needed.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Store the Cooked Chicken:
- Let the chicken cool completely.
- Slice the chicken and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Step 4: Assemble Just Before Serving
When you’re ready to serve, all you need to do is reheat and assemble.
- Reheat the Chicken:
- If pre-cooked, gently reheat the sliced chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- If cooking fresh, grill or skillet-cook the chicken as per the main recipe instructions.
- Prepare the Final Dish:
- Drizzle the prepared creamy sauce over the warmed chicken.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and crushed tortilla chips for that authentic Fiesta touch.
Make-Ahead Timeline
| Task | Time Required | Storage Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Marinating the Chicken | 10 minutes | Up to 24 hours in fridge |
| Preparing the Creamy Sauce | 10 minutes | Up to 3 days in fridge |
| Pre-Cooking the Chicken | 20 minutes | Up to 3 days in fridge |
| Assembling the Dish | 5 minutes | Serve immediately |
Conclusion
Bringing Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken into my kitchen has been a game changer. The blend of tangy lime and spicy notes never fails to delight. I love how simple it is to prepare and the feedback from family and friends is always positive. It’s rewarding to recreate such a flavorful dish at home and make any gathering extra special. Enjoy the process and savor every bite.
