Description
A vibrant and flavorful Fiesta Lime Chicken recipe featuring marinated grilled chicken breasts topped with a zesty ranch-salsa sauce and melted cheddar-jack cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this Mexican-inspired dish is gluten-free and pairs wonderfully with rice, beans, or tortillas.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Fiesta Sauce and Toppings
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar-jack cheese
- Tortilla strips or crushed chips for topping (optional)
- Lime wedges and cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, taco seasoning, honey, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro until well combined. This mixture will infuse the chicken with bright, tangy Tex-Mex flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. The surface should be hot enough to sear the chicken and produce appealing grill marks.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Place them on the grill and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through, juicy, and nicely charred on the outside.
- Make the Fiesta Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine the ranch dressing and salsa in a small bowl. Stir until smooth to create the creamy and spicy fiesta sauce.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer the breasts to a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Spoon a generous amount of fiesta sauce over each breast, then sprinkle evenly with shredded cheddar-jack cheese.
- Broil the Chicken: Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely until the cheese melts and bubbles to a golden perfection.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from the oven and serve the chicken hot. Top with optional tortilla strips or crushed chips for extra crunch, and garnish with fresh lime wedges and additional cilantro for a bright finish.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple mixed green salad for a complete meal.
- For a spicy twist, add diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the fiesta sauce.
- Leftover grilled chicken can be repurposed for tacos, burrito bowls, or salad toppings to extend the recipe.
- Ensure not to overbroil the cheese to prevent burning; keep a close eye while it melts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
