Tequila Lime Chicken Recipe

This zesty Tequila Lime Chicken is made with a simple marinade of fresh lime juice, blanco tequila, minced garlic, cilantro, and a hint of chili powder. The result is incredibly juicy and tender chicken with a bright, tangy flavor that’s perfect for grilling or pan-searing. It’s a perfect main course for an end-of-summer barbecue and serves 4 people for an easy weeknight meal.

Tequila Lime Chicken Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 1/2 cup blanco tequila
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (from about 4 limes)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

How To Make Tequila Lime Chicken

1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the tequila, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 4 hours.
3. Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
4. Cook the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side. The chicken is done when it is opaque throughout and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Rest and serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender result. Slice the chicken and serve warm.

Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Lime Juice: The flavor of freshly squeezed lime juice is much brighter and more potent than bottled juice. It makes a significant difference in the marinade.
• Don’t Marinate Too Long: The acid in the lime juice can start to “cook” the chicken and change its texture if left for too long. A marinade time of 30 minutes to 4 hours is ideal.
• Let the Chicken Rest: This is a crucial step for juicy chicken. Resting allows the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb the juices. If you cut into it immediately, the juices will run out onto the cutting board.
• Try Chicken Thighs: For an even juicier and more flavorful result, you can substitute the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They may require a slightly longer cooking time.

What To Serve Tequila Lime Chicken

This Tequila Lime Chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it sliced over a bed of cilantro-lime rice with a side of black beans and grilled corn on the cob. It’s also perfect for making delicious chicken tacos, burritos, or a fresh and healthy salad with avocado and a light vinaigrette.

How To Store Tequila Lime Chicken Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s great for meal prep, salads, or sandwiches.
• Freeze: You can freeze the cooked chicken for longer storage. Let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tequila Lime Chicken Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 385 kcal
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 125mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 5g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 42g

Frequently Asked Questions

• What kind of tequila is best for this marinade? A blanco (also called silver or white) tequila is the best choice. Its clean, unaged, and straightforward agave flavor complements the lime and spices without overpowering them. There is no need to use an expensive sipping tequila.
• Does the alcohol cook off? Most, but not all, of the alcohol will cook off during the grilling process. The amount that remains is very small, but if you need to avoid alcohol completely, you can make a non-alcoholic version.
• Can I make this recipe without tequila? Yes, absolutely. For an alcohol-free version, simply replace the tequila with an equal amount of extra lime juice or a mix of lime juice and a splash of chicken broth or orange juice to balance the acidity.
• Can I bake this chicken instead of grilling it? Yes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken in a single layer in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Try More Recipes:

• Tequila-Spiked Queso Fundido Recipe
• Teriyaki Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
• Teriyaki Chicken With Sesame Noodles Recipe