Zesty Grilled Lime Chicken Fiesta
Indulge in this Lighter Fiesta Lime Chicken, a healthier alternative to the beloved Applebee's favorite. Marinated in a vibrant blend of lime juice, teriyaki sauce, and tequila, the chicken offers a burst of flavor that's perfectly complemented by a creamy Mexi-Ranch sauce. Served atop a bed of crispy baked tortilla chips and paired with flavorful Spanish rice and a fresh green salad, this dish balances zest and zestiness in a light and nutritious meal, perfect for any occasion where you want to enjoy delicious flavors without the heaviness.
4
Servings
200
Calories
29
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 (none)
water
1/2 cup (none)
teriyaki sauce
1/3 cup (none)
lime juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
garlic, minced
2 teaspoons (none)
liquid smoke
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon (none)
tequila
1/4 cup (none)
light mayonnaise
1/4 cup (none)
light sour cream
1/4 cup (none)
nonfat milk
1 tablespoon (none)
tomatoes, minced
2 teaspoons (none)
white vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
canned jalapeño slices, minced
1 teaspoon (none)
onion, minced
1 teaspoon (none)
dried parsley
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Tabasco sauce
1/4 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (none)
dried dill weed
1/8 teaspoon (none)
paprika
1/8 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
cumin
1/8 teaspoon (none)
chili powder
1/8 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1 dash (none)
garlic powder
1 dash (none)
2% Mexican cheese blend
1/4 cup (shredded)
baked corn tortilla chips
1 cup (crumbled)
salsa
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients: water, teriyaki sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, liquid smoke, salt, ground ginger, and tequila. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours, but no longer than 3 hours for optimal flavor.
2
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the Mexi-Ranch sauce. In a small bowl, combine light mayonnaise, light sour cream, nonfat milk, minced tomatoes, white vinegar, minced jalapeños, minced onion, dried parsley, Tabasco sauce, salt, dried dill weed, paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Cover and chill until needed.
3
When ready to cook, preheat your oven's broiler and a grill or grill pan. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the excess marinade. Grill the chicken for approximately 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4
Arrange the grilled chicken in a baking dish. Evenly spread 2 tablespoons of the prepared Mexi-Ranch sauce over each chicken breast and top with 1 tablespoon of the shredded 2% Mexican cheese blend. Broil the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5
To serve, place a bed of 1/4 cup of crumbled baked tortilla chips on each of four plates. Top each plate with a piece of the cheesy chicken. Optionally, garnish with salsa for an extra kick of flavor.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
12.5g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Grilled Lime Chicken Fiesta?
It is a healthier, lighter alternative to the Applebee's Fiesta Lime Chicken, featuring marinated chicken, Mexi-Ranch sauce, cheese, and tortilla chips.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this recipe contains approximately 200 calories.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The chicken should be marinated for at least 2 hours, but no longer than 3 hours for the best flavor and texture.
What are the ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of water, teriyaki sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, liquid smoke, salt, ground ginger, and tequila.
How do I make the Mexi-Ranch sauce?
Combine light mayonnaise, light sour cream, nonfat milk, minced tomatoes, white vinegar, minced jalapeños, minced onion, and a blend of various dried spices and seasonings.
What is the safe internal temperature for the cooked chicken?
The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What is the fat content of this dish?
There are 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving provides 12.5 grams of protein.
How much fiber does the recipe contain?
There is approximately 1.25 grams of fiber per serving.
Does this recipe use real tequila?
Yes, the marinade includes 1/4 cup of tequila.
What kind of cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for a shredded 2% Mexican cheese blend.
How do I prepare the tortilla chips for serving?
Use 1 cup of baked corn tortilla chips and crumble them to create a bed for the chicken.
How long should the chicken be grilled?
Grill the chicken for approximately 3 to 5 minutes per side.
What is the final step after grilling the chicken?
Spread Mexi-Ranch sauce and cheese over the chicken, then broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
What should I serve with this chicken dish?
It is recommended to serve this with Spanish rice and a fresh green salad.
Can I add salsa to this recipe?
Yes, you can garnish the finished dish with salsa to taste for extra flavor.
What spices are used in the Mexi-Ranch sauce?
The sauce includes dried parsley, Tabasco, dill weed, paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and pepper.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy, low-calorie, and a light meal option.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies using 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
How much Mexi-Ranch sauce goes on each chicken breast?
Spread 2 tablespoons of the prepared Mexi-Ranch sauce over each grilled chicken breast.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
While bottled can work, the recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice for the best zest.
What role does liquid smoke play in the recipe?
Liquid smoke is used in the marinade to provide a deep, smoky flavor to the grilled chicken.
Are the jalapeños used fresh or canned?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of minced canned jalapeño slices.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional data indicates the sugar content is not a significant factor or is null.
What is the amount of tequila used?
The marinade uses 1/4 cup of tequila.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are a total of 29 ingredients required for this dish.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken, grilled, healthy, low-calorie, Mexican, light meal, lunch, dinner, tequila, lime, and salsa.
Does this recipe contain vinegar?
Yes, it uses 1.5 teaspoons of white vinegar in the Mexi-Ranch sauce.
Is the Mexi-Ranch sauce served cold?
The sauce is chilled after mixing, then spread onto the hot chicken before broiling.