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What is Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken?
Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken is a popular dish known for its zesty and tangy flavors. It’s a grilled chicken breast served on a bed of Mexican-style rice and topped with a flavorful blend of cheeses and pico de gallo. The dish is then drizzled with a tangy, creamy Fiesta Lime sauce that gives it a unique and delicious taste.
History of Fiesta Lime Chicken:
The exact origin of Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken is not widely documented, but it’s been a beloved menu item at Applebee’s restaurants for years. It’s a favorite among customers due to its combination of grilled chicken, Mexican-inspired toppings, and the signature Fiesta Lime sauce.
Components of Fiesta Lime Chicken:
To recreate this mouthwatering dish at home, you’ll need the following components:
- Grilled Chicken Breast: Tender and juicy chicken breast seasoned and grilled to perfection.
- Mexican-Style Rice: A flavorful rice base often seasoned with spices like cumin, chili powder, and tomatoes.
- Cheese Blend: A mix of melted Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses for that gooey goodness.
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Fiesta Lime Sauce: A creamy and tangy sauce with hints of lime and Southwest flavors.
Steps to Prepare Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken:
Here’s a simplified version of the recipe for you:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Mexican rice
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil
Instructions:
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Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a bit of chili powder. Grill them until fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
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While the chicken is grilling, prepare the Mexican rice according to the package instructions.
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In a small bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt. This is your Fiesta Lime Sauce.
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Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle the cheese blend over each breast, allowing it to melt slightly.
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To serve, place a scoop of Mexican rice on each plate, top with a cheesy chicken breast, spoon pico de gallo over the chicken, and drizzle with the Fiesta Lime Sauce.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and additional cheese if desired.
Preparation Time:
The total preparation time for Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken is approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on your cooking skills and the chicken’s thickness.
Now, you’re ready to enjoy a delicious homemade version of Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken right in the comfort of your own home! π½οΈπππ§π π
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Applebee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 650-750 kcal
- Protein: 40-45g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3g
- Sugars: 2-3g
- Fat: 35-40g
- Saturated Fat: 15-20g
- Cholesterol: 130-150mg
- Sodium: 1200-1400mg
Health Information:
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Protein: The grilled chicken in this dish provides a significant amount of protein, which is essential for muscle maintenance and overall body function.
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Carbohydrates: The Mexican rice contributes to the carbohydrate content. Carbohydrates are a primary source of energy, but it’s essential to balance them with other nutrients.
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Dietary Fiber: While the dish may not be particularly high in fiber, you can increase fiber intake by adding more vegetables or choosing whole-grain rice.
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Sugars: The sugars in this dish are mostly natural sugars from ingredients like tomatoes and lime juice. There are no added sugars in the recipe.
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Fat and Saturated Fat: The cheese and creamy sauce contribute to the fat content. While some fat is necessary for a balanced diet, it’s advisable to consume them in moderation, especially saturated fats.
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Cholesterol: Chicken is a good source of protein but also contains cholesterol. If you’re concerned about cholesterol intake, you can choose leaner cuts of chicken or reduce the cheese and creamy sauce.
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Sodium: The sodium content can be relatively high due to seasonings, cheese, and sauces. High sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure, so it’s essential to watch your sodium intake, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
Remember that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your homemade preparation. To make the dish healthier, you can consider using low-fat cheese, whole-grain rice, and reducing the amount of creamy sauce. Additionally, adding more vegetables to the dish can boost its nutritional value and fiber content.
