Fiesta Lime Chicken: A Flavorful Twist on Classic Chicken
Are you craving a taste of the sun-kissed Southwest, but stuck in the cold and gray of winter? Look no further than Fiesta Lime Chicken, a vibrant and tantalizing dish inspired by the popular chain Applebee’s. This zesty, citrusy delight is sure to transport your taste buds to a fiesta of flavors.
The recipe starts with juicy chicken breasts, marinated in a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices. The tangy, citrusy flavors of the lime juice pair perfectly with the rich, savory flavor of the chicken, setting the stage for a bold and exciting flavor profile.
Next, the chicken is grilled to perfection, imparting a subtle smokiness and texture that adds depth and complexity to the dish. But the true magic happens when the chicken is topped with a dollop of creamy, cilantro-infused sour cream and a sprinkle of crispy, toasted tortilla chips.
The tangy zip of the lime juice, the creaminess of the sour cream, and the crunch of the tortilla chips all combine to create a dish that is both familiar and innovative, comforting and exciting. It’s a true celebration of flavor, a true fiesta in your mouth.
And the best part? This recipe is surprisingly easy to make at home, with just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of prep work. Simply marinate the chicken for 30 minutes, grill for 5-7 minutes per side, and assemble the dish just before serving. Voila! You’ll have a delicious Fiesta Lime Chicken dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
So why not give it a try? Whether you’re a fan of Applebee’s or just looking for a new and exciting dish to add to your repertoire, Fiesta Lime Chicken is sure to be a winner. With its bold, zesty flavors and satisfying, filling portions, it’s the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup toasted tortilla chips
- Optional: sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, garlic, olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken breasts to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, combine sour cream and cilantro in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the dish by placing a grilled chicken breast on each plate, topping with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of tortilla chips. Garnish with avocado, tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese, if desired.
Fiesta on!
Fiesta lime chicken (Inspired by AppleBees)
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
• 3/4 cup lime juice (fresh or bottled)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking the Chicken:
• 4 butterflied chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (1/4 cup per chicken breast)
For the Sauce:
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Optional: Pinch of garlic powder or chopped cilantro for extra flavor
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the butterflied chicken breasts in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess liquid drip off. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Add the Cheese:
Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on each piece. Cover the skillet or grill for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together sour cream and lime juice. Optional: Add a pinch of garlic powder or chopped cilantro for extra flavor.
5. Assemble and Serve:
Place the cooked chicken on plates and drizzle the creamy lime sauce over the top. Garnish with pico de gallo, tortilla strips, chopped cilantro, or lime wedges if desired.