Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this fiesta lime chicken?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often stay juicier than breasts. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly as thighs may need a few extra minutes to reach 165°F.

How spicy is this Easy Applebee's Fiesta Lime Chicken Copycat?

As written, this recipe has a mild to medium heat level. For a spicier version, add more jalapeño to the sauce or include a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder option, omit the jalapeño entirely.

Can I make this fiesta lime chicken in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry the marinated chicken at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then top with sauce and cheese and air fry for 1–2 more minutes until cheese melts.

Is there a way to make this recipe without mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for the mayonnaise in the fiesta sauce. It provides the same creamy texture with a tangy flavor that complements the lime beautifully. For a completely different but still delicious approach, try a cilantro-lime butter instead of the creamy sauce.

Easy Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken Copycat Recipe You’ll Love 2025

Name: Easy Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken Copycat Recipe You’ll Love
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Chicken & Marinade:; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1/4 cup lime juice (fresh); 3 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro; For the Fiesta Sauce:; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sour cream; 2 tablespoons milk; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 2 teaspoons taco seasoning; 1 teaspoon minced jalapeño (optional); For Topping:; 1 cup shredded Colby-jack cheese; 2 tablespoons pico de gallo; 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Easy Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken Copycat Recipe You’ll Love

Print Recipe

This Easy Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken Copycat delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. Tangy lime-marinated chicken, a creamy fiesta sauce, and bubbly cheese make this dish a favorite for weeknights or entertaining guests.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilled & Broiled
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken & Marinade:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup lime juice (fresh)
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
For the Fiesta Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 teaspoons taco seasoning
1 teaspoon minced jalapeño (optional)
For Topping:
1 cup shredded Colby-jack cheese
2 tablespoons pico de gallo
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Instructions

In a large zip-top bag, mix lime juice, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Add chicken, seal, and marinate for 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, milk, lime juice, taco seasoning, and jalapeño. Chill until ready to use.
Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a grill pan or skillet if needed.
Transfer chicken to an oven-safe dish. Spread with fiesta sauce and top with shredded cheese. Broil for 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling.
Garnish with pico de gallo and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cheese, mayo, and sour cream. Great with cilantro-lime rice, black beans, or as taco filling the next day!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 39g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: fiesta lime chicken, Applebee’s copycat, grilled chicken, HarmonyMeal

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/easy-applebees-fiesta-lime-chicken-copycat/