Fiesta Lime Chicken (Printable Version)
Zesty grilled chicken with lime marinade, Mexi-ranch sauce, melted cheese, and fresh pico de gallo toppings.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
03 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
08 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Mexi-Ranch Sauce
12 - 1/2 cup ranch dressing
13 - 2 tablespoons salsa
14 - 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
15 - 1 teaspoon lime juice
16 - 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
→ Topping
17 - 1 cup shredded Mexican-blend cheese
18 - 1 cup tortilla strips
19 - 1/2 cup pico de gallo
# How To Make It:
01 - Combine lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Add chicken breasts and ensure even coating. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 8 hours for maximum flavor penetration.
02 - Whisk together ranch dressing, salsa, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder in a small bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until serving time.
03 - Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, approximately 400°F.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Grill for 6 to 8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken shows distinct grill marks.
05 - Transfer grilled chicken to a baking sheet. Spread each breast with 2 to 3 tablespoons of Mexi-Ranch sauce, then distribute shredded cheese evenly over the top.
06 - Place under oven broiler for 1 to 2 minutes until cheese becomes bubbly and lightly golden. Watch closely to prevent burning.
07 - Plate each chicken breast topped with crispy tortilla strips and a generous portion of pico de gallo. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The marinade transforms ordinary chicken into something that tastes like it came from a restaurant kitchen
- That Mexi-ranch sauce is dangerously addictive and works on everything from tacos to burgers
02 -
- Don't skip the marinating time, even if you're tempted, because it's what makes the chicken so flavorful
- Watch the broiler closely when melting the cheese, because it goes from perfect to burned in seconds
03 -
- Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness before marinating so they cook uniformly on the grill
- Make your own tortilla strips by cutting corn tortillas into strips and frying them in oil until crispy