Santa Fe Chicken Salad (Applebee'S) Recipe

Name: Santa Fe Chicken Salad (Applebee'S)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Tequila-Lime Chicken Marinade; 2 tablespoons gold tequila; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice; 1 teaspoon fajita seasoning mix; 3/4 teaspoon minced fresh jalapeno pepper (seeded); 3/4 teaspoon minced fresh garlic; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper; 1 boneless chicken breasts, skin on or 1 boneless skinless chicken breast; Pico de Gallo; 1 small tomatoes, diced; 1/2 small onion, diced; 1 -2 teaspoon diced jalapeno (we like more!); 1/8 cup fresh cilantro (diced); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; Dressing; 3 tablespoons ranch dressing (they use Naturally Fresh brand lo-fat); Garnish; tortilla chips (multi-colored or regular) or corn tortilla strips (multi-colored or regular); chopped scallion, sprinkled on top; 1 ounce sour cream (ramekin at 9 o'clock); 1 ounce guacamole (ramekin at 3 o'clock); 2 ounces pico de gallo, recipe above (ramekin at 12 o'clock); Salad Ingredients; 3 -4 cups torn salad greens

Servings: persons

Tequila-Lime Chicken Marinade
2 tablespoons gold tequila
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
1 teaspoon fajita seasoning mix
3/4 teaspoon minced fresh jalapeno pepper (seeded)
3/4 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 boneless chicken breasts, skin on or 1 boneless skinless chicken breast
Pico de Gallo
1 small tomatoes, diced
1/2 small onion, diced
1 -2 teaspoon diced jalapeno (we like more!)
1/8 cup fresh cilantro (diced)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon white vinegar
Dressing
3 tablespoons ranch dressing (they use Naturally Fresh brand lo-fat)
Garnish
tortilla chips (multi-colored or regular) or corn tortilla strips (multi-colored or regular)
chopped scallion, sprinkled on top
1 ounce sour cream (ramekin at 9 o'clock)
1 ounce guacamole (ramekin at 3 o'clock)
2 ounces pico de gallo, recipe above (ramekin at 12 o'clock)
Salad Ingredients
3 -4 cups torn salad greens
1/8 - 1/4 cup shredded monterey jack cheese or 1/8-1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1
Combine marinade ingredients in a container with lid. Add Chicken and place in refrigerator overnight.
2
Combine Pico de Gallo ingredients in a small bowl with lid and place in refrigerator overnight with chicken.
3
Remove chicken from marinade and sprinkle with fajita seasoning. Grill skin-side down for about 5 minutes, turn and continue to grill for about 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. I use my George Forman grill with fantastic results (about 7 minutes).
4
While the chicken is grilling combine ranch dressing with 2 Tablespoons of the Pico de Gallo. Set Aside.
5
Prepare Garnishes.
6
Toss salad greens with cheese and remaining Pico de Gallo (or less - to taste). Sprinkle with fried tortilla strips or lightly crushed tortilla chips.
7
Cut chicken into strips and place on top of greens. Add Garnishes to plate.

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 31 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Tequila-Lime Chicken Marinade, 2 tablespoons gold tequila, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice, and more.

Yes, Santa Fe Chicken Salad (Applebee'S) falls under the Salads category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Santa Fe Chicken Salad (Applebee'S)

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions