Fiesta Lime Grilled Chicken (Printable)
Zesty lime-marinated grilled chicken with tangy Mexi-ranch sauce, melted cheese, and fresh pico de gallo topping.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1/3 cup fresh 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 coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 8 hours.
02 - Whisk together ranch dressing, salsa, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder in a small bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until serving.
03 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F. Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off.
04 - Place chicken on preheated grill. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is cooked through with nice grill marks.
05 - Transfer grilled chicken to a baking sheet. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of Mexi-Ranch sauce over each breast. Top evenly with shredded Mexican cheese blend.
06 - Place baking sheet under oven broiler for 1-2 minutes until cheese is bubbly and melted, watching closely to prevent burning.
07 - Plate each chicken breast and top generously with tortilla strips and pico de gallo. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The marinade does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day
- That moment under the broiler when the cheese turns golden and bubbling is pure kitchen magic
02 -
- The longer you marinate the better, but even 30 minutes in a pinch will give you great flavor
- Don't skip the broiler step, that's what transforms this from good to restaurant-quality amazing
03 -
- Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness before marinating for more consistent cooking
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling before adding sauce and cheese