Tequila Lime Chicken
Elevate your grilling game with this mouthwatering Tequila Lime Chicken, a zesty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a bold marinade made from tequila, fresh lime juice, lime zest, and a hint of honey for sweetness. Spiced with smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic, this dish is packed with vibrant Southwest-inspired flavors. Marinate the chicken for at least two hours to let the tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors fully infuse, then grill to perfection for a slightly charred, crisp exterior. Garnished with fresh cilantro and served with lime wedges, this easy-to-make favorite stands out as a crowd-pleaser. Whether paired with Mexican rice, grilled veggies, or a crisp green salad, Tequila Lime Chicken is sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 0.25 cup tequila
- 0.25 cup lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
- 1 small jalapeño (optional)
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together tequila, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, and kosher salt to create the marinade.
Optional: If you prefer extra heat, finely dice the jalapeño and add it to the marinade.
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
Seal the bag (or cover the dish with plastic wrap) and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting excess marinade drip off. Discard the used marinade.
Grill the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken has a nice char on the outside.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. For extra brightness, serve with lime wedges on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1661 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 54.2 g | 69% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.4 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 1121 mg | 49% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.1 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.5 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.6 g | ||
| Protein | 218.0 g | 436% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 165 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 9.6 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 2105 mg | 45% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
