Santa Fe Chicken Salad (Applebee's)

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 breast, skin on or boneless skinless chicken breast

Pico de Gallo

• 1 small tomato, 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 or corn tortilla strips (multi-colored or regular)
• chopped scallion, sprinkled on top
• 1 ounce sour cream (ramekin at 9 o'clock)
• 1 ounce  (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 shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. 1

   Combine marinade ingredients in a container with lid. Add Chicken and place in refrigerator overnight.

2. 2

   Combine Pico de Gallo ingredients in a small bowl with lid and place in refrigerator overnight with chicken.

3. 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. 4

   While the chicken is grilling combine ranch dressing with 2 Tablespoons of the Pico de Gallo. Set Aside.

5. 5

   Prepare Garnishes.

6. 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. 7

   Cut chicken into strips and place on top of greens. Add Garnishes to plate.