Applebee's Tequila Lime Chicken

Originally, I had planned on making some Spicy Garlic Lime Chicken for dinner tonight, but when I mentioned it to hubby, he wanted something else. Picky men. So he suggested something with a peanut sauce, however, we had none of the ingredients needed. He then remembered a while back, making Applebee's' Tequila Lime Chicken (the recipe is posted online), and mentioned that sounded good. I agreed. It was then that dinner was born. Tequila Lime Chicken on a bed of rice. I mean, how can you NOT like a meal that uses alcohol?!? This recipe has a lot of ingredients, but don't let that scare you away. It's super easy to make.



Applebee's Tequila Lime Chicken

4 chicken breasts
1 cup shredded cheese (I used cheddar)
2 cups crumbled corn chips

Marinade:
1 cup water
1/3 cup teriyaki sauce
2 Tbsp. lime juice
2 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. mesquite liquid smoke
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. tequila (I took this up a notch - 1 Tbsp)

Mexi-Ranch Dressing:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 Tbsp. milk
2 tsp. minced tomato
1 1/2 tsp. white vinegar
1 tsp. minced canned/jarred jalapeno slices
1 tsp. minced onion
1/4 tsp. dried parsley
1/4 tsp. Tabasco sauce (any brand hot sauce will work)
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. paprika
1/8 tsp. dried dill weed
1/8 tsp. cumin
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp. chilli powder
dash garlic powder
dash ground black pepper


1. Prepare the marinade and let the chicken soak for 2-3 hours.
2. Make the mexi-ranch dressing by combining all of the ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix well until smooth, then cover and chill until needed.
3. When ready to prepare entree, preheat oven to high broil. Also preheat the grill to high heat.
4. When the grill is hot, cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side.
5. Arrange chicken in a baking pan. Spread a layer of the dressing over each piece, followed by 1/4 cup of cheese. Broil chicken for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted.