Zesty Lime Grilled Chicken with Crunchy Chip Crust
Enjoy a flavorful twist on a classic dish with this Zesty Lime Grilled Chicken with Crunchy Chip Crust recipe! Inspired by the beloved Applebee's Fiesta Lime Chicken, this dish features marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection, topped with a creamy and zesty sauce, and finished with a generous sprinkle of melted cheese and crunchy corn chips. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this vibrant dish brings sunny flavors to your table and is sure to impress your guests. Serve it with a side salad for a well-rounded meal!
4
Servings
300
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1 cup (none)
teriyaki sauce
1/3 cup (none)
lime
1/2 (juiced)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
tequila
1 teaspoon (none)
liquid smoke
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon (none)
boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (none)
real mayonnaise (low fat okay)
1/4 cup (none)
sour cream (low fat okay)
1/4 cup (none)
chunky spicy salsa
2 tablespoons (none)
milk (low fat okay)
1 tablespoon (none)
Cajun blackened spice mix
1 teaspoon (none)
dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon (none)
hot sauce
1/4 teaspoon (none)
dried dill weed
1/8 teaspoon (none)
cumin
1/8 teaspoon (none)
shredded colby-monterey jack cheese
1 cup (none)
corn chips
2 cups (crumbled)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, whisk together water, teriyaki sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, tequila, liquid smoke, salt, and ground ginger to create a marinade.
2
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
3
In another bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chunky spicy salsa, milk, Cajun spice mix, dried parsley, hot sauce, dried dill weed, and cumin to create the zesty sauce. Cover and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.
4
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken breasts for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5
Once the chicken is cooked, brush it with the reserved zesty sauce and sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese over each piece.
6
Transfer the chicken to a broiler for a few minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
7
Serve the grilled chicken on a bed of crumbled corn chips for added crunch, and drizzle with any remaining zesty sauce.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lime Grilled Chicken with Crunchy Chip Crust?
It is a flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken breasts grilled and topped with a creamy zesty sauce, melted cheese, and crunchy corn chips, inspired by Applebee's Fiesta Lime Chicken.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this chicken dish?
There are approximately 300 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 22.5g of protein.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The chicken should marinate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is preferred for maximum flavor.
What ingredients are needed for the marinade?
The marinade consists of water, teriyaki sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, tequila, liquid smoke, salt, and ground ginger.
What is the target internal temperature for the cooked chicken?
The chicken should be grilled until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
How is the zesty sauce prepared?
Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chunky spicy salsa, milk, Cajun spice mix, dried parsley, hot sauce, dried dill weed, and cumin.
Can I use low-fat dairy products in this recipe?
Yes, low-fat versions of mayonnaise, sour cream, and milk are all acceptable for the zesty sauce.
What kind of cheese should be used for topping?
A shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese blend is recommended for this dish.
How are the corn chips utilized?
The grilled chicken is served on a bed of 2 cups of crumbled corn chips to provide a crunchy texture.
What heat setting should the grill be on?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat.
How long does it take to grill the chicken breasts?
Grill the chicken for approximately 3 to 5 minutes on each side.
How do I get the cheese to bubble and melt perfectly?
After adding the cheese, transfer the chicken to a broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Does the recipe include alcohol?
Yes, the marinade includes one teaspoon of tequila.
What ingredient provides the smoky flavor?
The recipe uses one teaspoon of liquid smoke in the marinade for its signature smoky taste.
What type of salsa is required for the sauce?
You will need 2 tablespoons of chunky spicy salsa.
Is ginger included in the chicken marinade?
Yes, the marinade includes 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves for the marinade.
Is this a spicy chicken recipe?
It has a zesty and slightly spicy profile due to the spicy salsa, Cajun spice, and hot sauce.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There is 17.5g of fat per serving.
What restaurant inspired this copycat recipe?
This recipe is a copycat version of Applebee's Fiesta Lime Chicken.
How much Cajun spice is used in the sauce?
The zesty sauce uses 1 teaspoon of Cajun blackened spice mix.
Should the marinade be kept after grilling?
No, you should remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the remaining liquid before grilling.
Is dried parsley used in the zesty sauce?
Yes, the sauce recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of dried parsley.
How much liquid smoke is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for exactly 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 20 individual ingredients included in this recipe.
Can I substitute fresh lime for bottled juice?
The recipe specifies 1/2 of a lime, juiced, but bottled lime juice can be used as a substitute if needed.
What is a recommended side dish for this meal?
Serving this dish with a side salad creates a well-rounded and fresh meal.