Name: Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 ¼ pounds chicken breasts (boneless, skinless); 2 tablespoons avocado oil; 2 ½ tablespoons lime juice (from 2 limes); 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Tamari; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; ¾ teaspoon salt; 4 slices Colby Jack cheese; ¼ cup ranch dressing; ¼ cup mild salsa; 2 tablespoons sour cream; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for serving); Tortilla chips; Pico de gallo; Mexican rice (optional)

Ingredients

1 ¼ pounds chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)

2 tablespoons avocado oil

2 ½ tablespoons lime juice (from 2 limes)

1 tablespoon soy sauce or Tamari

1 tablespoon honey

2 tablespoons taco seasoning

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

¾ teaspoon salt

4 slices Colby Jack cheese

¼ cup ranch dressing

¼ cup mild salsa

2 tablespoons sour cream

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for serving)

Tortilla chips

Pico de gallo

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Cut chicken into four equal pieces. Cover with a piece of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until 1-inch thick.

Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together avocado oil, 2 tablespoons lime juice, soy sauce, honey, taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and ½ teaspoon salt. Add the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes, flip the chicken, and marinate for an additional 15 to 45 minutes.

Step 4: Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and place pieces in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with space between them. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Step 5: In a medium bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, salsa, sour cream, cilantro, the remaining ½ tablespoon lime juice, and ¼ teaspoon salt.

Step 6: Remove chicken from the oven and brush each piece with 1-2 tablespoons of the sauce. Top each piece with a slice of Colby Jack cheese. Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted.

Step 7: Serve the Fiesta Lime Chicken over crushed tortilla chips, garnished with leftover salsa ranch, pico de gallo, cilantro, and Mexican rice if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the taco seasoning mix.

Substitute Colby Jack with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese for a spicier kick.

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter sauce.

To keep chicken juicy, avoid overbaking and use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. They offer a juicier texture and may require slightly longer baking time. Adjust accordingly and ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?

You can substitute the chicken with large portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks, marinating and baking them similarly. Cheese and the tangy sauce will complement these vegetables well.