Tequila Lime Chicken {Applebee’s Copycat}

This Tequila Lime Chicken is inspired by Applebee's Fiesta Lime Chicken. It's a tasty Tex Mex dinner idea that’s great for meal prep! 

Ingredients and substitutions

• Chicken cutlets – cut two chicken breasts in half lengthwise or use boneless chicken thighs with the skin removed.
• Olive oil – or another neutral cooking oil like avocado or canola oil.
• Tequila – if you don’t have any tequila, you can swap it out for water or lime juice.
• Lime juice – freshly squeezed lime is best, but bottled lime juice will work in a pinch.
• Chili powder – use a combination of paprika, cumin and cayenne instead.
• Cumin – coriander is the best substitute for cumin.
• Salt – to taste.
• Lime zest – add a bit more lime juice if you don’t have any lime zest.
• Garlic – I prefer freshly minced garlic. Jarred minced garlic will also work.
• Shredded Tex Mex cheese – swap out for a shredded cheese blend of your choice or leave the cheese out altogether.

Tex Mex rice

• White rice – you can try using another variety of rice but it won’t have the same flavour.
• Chicken broth – vegetable broth would be the best substitute here.
• Butter – olive oil or your favourite butter substitute can also be used.
• Chili powder – use a combination of paprika, cumin and cayenne instead.
• Onion powder – finely minced onion would also work.
• Cumin – coriander is the best substitute for cumin.
• Salt – to taste.

Toppings

• Pico de gallo or salsa – fresh, store-bought or jarred varieties would all be delicious.
• Cilantro – if you’re not a fan of cilantro, leave this out altogether.
• Jalapeno slices – sliced serrano peppers would add more spice. If you’re not a fan of spice, top with some bell pepper.
• Tortilla strips – use your favourite store-bought brand or make your own.
• Lime wedges – lemon wedges would also work.
• Sliced avocado – guacamole would be delicious here too.

How to make tequila lime chicken

Step 1: Make the Tex Mex rice.

Preheat oven to 425 F. Make rice by adding white rice, chicken broth, butter, chili powder, onion powder, cumin and salt to a rice cooker, cooking until liquid has absorbed.

Step 2: Marinate then bake the chicken.

Meanwhile, mix olive oil, lime juice, tequila, chili powder, cumin, salt and garlic in a large bowl then add chicken cutlets. Let chicken marinate for 15-20 minutes. When chicken is ready to cook, add to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Add on the cheese and bake the chicken for another 8-10 minutes.

While chicken is cooking, prep toppings. Remove chicken from oven and top with grated cheese, then bake another 5 minutes until cheese is melted and chicken is fully cooked.

Step 4: Top with your favourite toppings and serve!

Frequently Asked Questions