Copycat Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken: Better Than the Restaurant Version

I still remember the first time I tasted Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken. During a road trip with friends, we stopped at an Applebee’s just off the highway. I wasn’t expecting much—just a quick meal before getting back on the road. When my plate arrived with that beautifully melted cheese and zesty aroma, I knew this wouldn’t be an ordinary chicken dish.

One bite, and I was hooked. The tender chicken, tangy lime notes, creamy sauce with just a hint of spice, and perfectly melted cheese on top were comfort food with a south-of-the-border twist. Before we even left the restaurant, I was planning to recreate it at home.

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Why This Copycat Recipe Beats the Original

• Healthier Options: Control the sodium and fat content by using lighter dairy products if desired
• Fresh Ingredients: Using real lime juice and zest delivers brighter, more authentic flavor
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness to suit your family’s preferences
• Perfect Portion Control: Make as much or as little as you need
• Budget-Friendly: Costs significantly less than restaurant prices
• No Wait Time: Enjoy this popular dish without leaving home

Copycat Fiesta Lime Chicken Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• Chicken breasts – The foundation of the dish providing lean protein that absorbs all the marinade flavors
• Lime juice – Adds brightness and begins tenderizing the meat with its natural acidity
• Soy sauce – Contributes savory umami depth and helps to season the chicken throughout
• Honey – Balances the acidity with natural sweetness and helps create caramelization when cooking
• Water – Dilutes the strong flavors to perfect intensity and ensures even distribution
• Cumin – Provides earthy, warm notes characteristic of Mexican cuisine
• Garlic powder – Adds aromatic flavor without the burn of fresh garlic in a marinade
• Salt – Enhances all other flavors and helps the chicken retain moisture during cooking
• Fresh ground black pepper – Adds subtle heat and complexity to the marinade

For the Fiesta Lime Sauce:

• Ranch dressing – Creates a creamy base with herbal notes that carries all the other flavors
• Salsa – Adds tomato flavor, spice, and texture to complement the chicken
• Sour cream – Contributes richness and tanginess while tempering any heat from the salsa
• Fresh cilantro – Provides characteristic fresh, citrusy flavor that defines Mexican cuisine
• Lime juice – Brightens the sauce with vibrant citrus notes
• Lime zest – Intensifies the lime flavor with aromatic oils from the peel
• Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth and complexity with its blend of savory, sweet, and tangy notes

For Topping and Serving:

• Colby Jack cheese – Creates a beautiful melted topping with mild flavor that complements without overwhelming
• Pico de Gallo or chopped tomatoes – Adds fresh flavor, color contrast, and a temperature counterpoint
• Optional: Tortilla strips – Provides crunchy texture contrast to the soft, tender chicken

How to Make Copycat Fiesta Lime Chicken 

To make to prepare the chicken:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together all the ingredients for the chicken marinade. Place the marinade aside for later. 
2. Split a chicken breast in half horizontally.
3. Place one-half of the chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap. Gently pound the chicken into an even thickness using the flat side of a meat tenderizer.
4. Put the pounded chicken into the bowl with the marinade. 
5. Repeat with the remaining pieces of chicken.
6. Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge. Marinade the chicken for a minimum of one hour and no more than 12 hours.
7. Lightly grease a 9 x 13 baking dish.
8. Dry the chicken pieces with a paper towel and place them in a single layer on the bottom of the baking dish.

To prepare the Fiesta lime ranch sauce:

1. Place all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Stir until the Mexi-ranch sauce is well combined.

To bake the chicken:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 
2. Bake the chicken for 20 minutes. 
3. Remove the baking dish from the oven. Juices from the chicken will be in the bottom of the dish. Do not pour off the juices.
4. Spoon the Fiesta Lime Chicken sauce on top of the chicken.

5. Cover the chicken with a slice of cheese. 
6. Return the baking dish to the oven until the cheese bubbles. 
7. Use an instant-read thermometer to double-check that the internal temperature of the chicken is at least 165°F. 
8. Plate the chicken and serve it topped with Pico de Gallo or chopped tomatoes and with your favorite Mexican sides. 

Recipe Variation for Fiesta Lime Chicken

Instead of baked chicken you can make grilled chicken.

1. Marinate the chicken per the recipe instructions.
2. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat on the stove.
3. Add a tablespoon of cooking oil to the pan.
4. Cook the chicken until it is done, about 4 minutes per side, turning halfway through cooking. Chicken is done when it has an internal temp is 165°F.
5. Place the grilled chicken in a baking dish and top it with the sauce and cheese.
6. Broil it until the cheese is melted.

Perfect Pairings: Creating a Complete Meal

Traditional Accompaniments:

• Mexican Rice: The restaurant classic that soaks up the delicious sauce
• Black Beans: Add protein and fiber to round out the meal
• Tortilla Strips: For authentic crunch beneath the chicken

Fresh Sides:

• Cilantro Lime Rice: A lighter, brighter alternative to traditional Mexican rice
• Corn and Black Bean Salad: Adds color and fresh texture
• Avocado Slices: Provide creamy richness that balances the tangy chicken

Lighter Options:

• Simple Green Salad: With a lime vinaigrette to echo the flavors in the chicken
• Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that’s still satisfying
• Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and onions complement the Southwestern flavors

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Refrigerator Storage:

• Allow leftovers to cool completely
• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Keep sauce separate from chicken if preparing ahead

Freezer Storage:

• Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce or cheese) for up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
• Prepare fresh sauce when ready to serve

Make-Ahead Options:

• Marinate chicken up to 12 hours ahead
• Prepare sauce up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate
• Assemble the entire dish without baking, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking

Reheating Instructions for Best Results

Oven Method (Preferred):

1. Preheat oven to 350°F
2. Place chicken in a baking dish with 2-3 tablespoons of water or chicken broth
3. Cover tightly with foil and heat for 10 minutes
4. Remove foil and continue heating until chicken reaches 165°F and cheese is melted

Microwave Method (Quick Option):

1. Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate
2. Cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture
3. Heat on 70% power for 1-2 minutes or until heated through
4. Let stand for 1 minute before serving

More Applebee’s Copycat Recipes

• Applebee’s French Onion Soup
• Bourbon Street Chicken
• Hamburger Quesadilla
• Oriental Dressing

Favorite Chicken Dinner Recipes

• Chicken Katsu
• Chicken Limone
• Chicken Parmigiana
• Cream Cheese Chicken
• Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole
• KFC Chicken
• Monterey Chicken
• Panda Express Orange Chicken
• Ritz Cracker Chicken

Check out my easy recipes for chicken and the best copycat homemade restaurant dishes on CopyKat!