fiesta lime chicken recipe
This fiesta lime chicken recipe is zesty, cheesy, and full of Tex-Mex flavor. A quick, easy dinner your whole family will love!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Zest of 1 lime
For the Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
- ½ cup ranch dressing or chipotle ranch
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro optional
For Serving (Optional)
- Cooked rice or black beans
- Crushed tortilla strips
- Salsa guacamole, or pico de gallo
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Mix all marinade ingredients and coat chicken. Let marinate for 30 minutes to 8 hours.
- Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side or until internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Top with ranch and cheese. Broil for 1–2 minutes or cover until cheese melts.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with sides of your choice.
Notes
-
Marinate ahead for max flavor
You can prep the chicken and let it marinate overnight — it only gets better with time. -
Make it your own
Swap the ranch for chipotle mayo or avocado-lime sauce if you want to change things up. You can also go dairy-free by skipping the cheese or using a plant-based alternative. -
Double the recipe
This dish is great for meal prep. Cook extra chicken, store it in the fridge, and use it in wraps, salads, or rice bowls throughout the week. -
Watch the grill time
Chicken breasts can dry out quickly, so aim for that 165°F internal temperature and don’t overcook. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. -
Serving size tip
If your chicken breasts are large, slice them after cooking and portion into 6 smaller servings instead of 4. You’ll stretch the recipe and keep portions lighter.