Tequila Lime Chicken Recipe – Get your grill going, and add these wonderful citrus flavored grilled tequila lime marinated chicken to your summer menus!
TEQUILA LIME CHICKEN
I’m so excited to share this delicious Tequila Lime Chicken recipe with you. Random but this summer I have been concentrating on new things and really asking more of those life questions that inevitably pop up when you are looking at a birthday in the near future. Questions like, “What do I want to accomplish next?”, “What is in store for my 34 year old self?”, “What haven’t I crossed off my bucket list?” and “What is my true purpose?” are swimming in my mind.
MY OBSESSION WITH OVERACHIEVING
As I get close to finishing out my Jesus year, which I talked about last year at exactly the same time that I’m writing this post, I am also trying to figure out ways I can take it easier on myself. I realized I can be a bit tough on myself. From the time I was little, I was a bit of an overachiever. Everything had to be perfect, whether it was the recitation of my lines in a play or the turnout in my pliés in ballet class. I have carried this obsession throughout my life, from my Magna Cum Laude and honor society status in college to being one of the most praised employees at my jobs.
OVERACHIEVING AND BLOGGING
Having a career in blogging was probably the most unexpected turn someone like me could take. My overachieving tendencies seem more fit for corporate America. When I first entered blogging, I was confronted with competition and rejection sure but I was also confronted with the most supportive community of food bloggers that embraced me like family. In this career, I didn’t have to be absolutely perfect. In fact, discussing my flaws with readers is appreciated and downright relatable. I started to see that my blogger pals were actually happy to see me win, and were there for me when I didn’t. We share information, headache and passion, and there is nothing like it.
After Grandbaby Cakes became my dream full-time job over a year ago, I realized just how blessed I was. There is nothing I would rather be doing right now, and at the age of almost 34, I feel pretty good about my future being a happy, albeit flawed one. I mean seriously, where else can I make the most flavorful grilled tequila lime chicken breasts, share the recipe with you and call that my “job”?
TEQUILA LIME CHICKEN MARINADE
So let’s talk about this Tequila Lime Chicken recipe. You may have seen these flavors before at restaurants or even in the grocery store (there is a great Tequila Lime Chicken Wings product on the market now that’s pretty tasty). I wanted to duplicate that flavor in this recipe.
It starts with a mix of wonderful citrus flavors. I wanted to punch up the fresh lime flavors with the addition of fresh orange juice to help balance it. It gives a tart yet not too strong flavor, really just enough for it to penetrate the chicken. Of course you definitely need the tequila in this recipe too. It pairs so well with the lime flavors, and you get a taste in each bite.
Lastly, the oil and addition of the worchestershire punches it up even more.
HOW LONG SHOULD I MARINATE TEQUILA LIME CHICKEN?
These chicken breasts turn out so moist and delicious. You can also make this with wings too. It is so adaptable. Just vary the time. For chicken breasts that are thicker, you definitely want to marinate for as long as possible. I love to get a three hour soak to really get that flavor in each and every bite but if you are limited on time, make sure you at least get an hour in. You can also cut the breasts into thinner slices to get the marinade to soak in faster if you are short on time.
While you are slapping these on the grill, make sure you check out my post on how to throw a Mexican fiesta for more fun summertime flavors. And also make sure you add grilled catfish recipe, my grilled ribeye steak, and my Mexican grilled corn to your grill.
Want more grill ideas?
- Grilled Proscuitto Arugula Pizza is necessary!
- This Carne Asada makes my life every time I grill it!
- And finally get this Skirt Steak with Chimichurri on the grill immediately.
- 1 cup tequila
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp worchestershire sauce
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- chopped cilantro for garnish
- Whisk together tequila, lime juice, lime zest, orange juice, olive oil and worchestershire sauce until combined.
- Pour marinade into large plastic storage bag then submerge chicken, close storage bag and store in refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight for more intensified flavor.
- When ready to grill, remove chicken from marinade and season with salt and pepper, and evenly with paprika and garlic powder.
Grill chicken on all sides until cooked through then remove from grill, cover with foil and rest to allow juices to settle. Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime zest and serve.
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Natasha Lanckriet says
August 5, 2017 at 7:45 amWe made this on Thursday night. I used chicken thighs and added more tequila. 🙂 We also added ghost pepper salt to the garlic powder and paprika mix instead of using salt and pepper. It was amazing. We loved it. Juicy and so flavorful. It was even good the next day for lunch. We are definitely adding this to our grilling rotation. Thanks so much for the incredible recipe. We just loved it.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
August 5, 2017 at 8:02 amHooray I am so so glad you enjoyed them!!!! Thanks for sending this super sweet message.
Erica says
May 28, 2017 at 10:22 amThis looks so good! I don’t have a grill but I assume that I can bake this, right?
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
May 28, 2017 at 11:38 amYes you can bake this as well. Let me know how it turns out for you.
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog says
June 18, 2015 at 9:00 pmGirl, grilled chicken in the summer is my jam! Love the flavor combo you’ve got going o here, definitely adding this to my meal plan stat!
Elsa | the Whinery says
June 9, 2015 at 6:15 pmHappy Birthday Month! June is my special month too!:-) Here’s to an amazing 34th year and continued awesomeness! You’re such a refreshing inspiration, and that tequila and lime chicken is just winning!
marcie says
June 2, 2015 at 9:36 pmYou’re such a success at 33 so only the best is yet to come! What a wonderful year you’ve had writing your cookbook, which I can’t wait to get by the way. 🙂 And I’d love to sink my teeth into this chicken!
Zainab says
June 2, 2015 at 11:12 amTime is flying by too fast!! Like it’s a year already? So grateful for you my friend!! And I know 34 will be an even better year as you continue to flourish in your dream!!
Linda | Brunch with Joy says
June 2, 2015 at 1:23 amOh dear, happy birthday month! Hope you celebrate it with tons of sweets, grilling, and bacon. And thanks for sharing this post. I’m going thru a roller coaster madness around here and your post really lifts up my spirit. To that, thank you! And thanks for this awesome tequila lime chicken. Gotta keep my grill burning 🙂
Julianne @ Beyond Frosting says
June 1, 2015 at 11:14 pmWhat a beautifully written piece. You have so much to offer to all of us! I can’t wait to see what you do next, after you take some time for yourself of course!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
June 1, 2015 at 8:52 pmI wish we could grill this chicken together and celebrate your birthday with cake from your book! 🙂
Renee@Two in the Kitchen says
June 1, 2015 at 8:19 pmCongratulations on your continuing success Jocelyn! I love seeing all your amazing recipes!
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
June 1, 2015 at 3:17 pmYay! I love seeing all of your creations and LOVE the food blogging community, too! These are definitely going on my to-grill list for the summer!
Mir says
June 1, 2015 at 3:01 pmAll your hard work and persistence is completely in evidence, Jocelyn. You worked so hard, and now you get to have the best job ever with a great community behind you. I’m really excited to have discovered your work!
And I’m also excited about your chicken recipes, which are, I would like to point out, my favorites!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
June 1, 2015 at 12:13 pmYour photos are stunning! Love the colors in this dish and I am a huge fan of ANYTHING lime 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 1, 2015 at 2:24 pmSame here my dear!!
Sam @ SugarSpunRun says
June 1, 2015 at 11:24 amI loved reading your story Jocelyn, what a lovely reflection! 🙂
You have clearly accomplished so much and have a wonderful blog here (and that chicken looks delicious, by the way, it will definitely be making an appearance on my grill).
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 1, 2015 at 2:24 pmThank you so much Sam. I am learning to be more proud of myself!
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough says
June 1, 2015 at 10:14 amWell said, lady! I love that we can be honest about our flaws on our blogs and people will still come to read and share with us. 🙂 Though I have to say this tequila chicken looks pretty flawless!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 1, 2015 at 10:53 amThank you so much hon!!!! The flaws are what make us so darn awesome!
Jen says
June 1, 2015 at 9:58 amI’ll be turning 34 not too far behind you! And honestly, I haven’t thought too much about it. I’m glad you are taking the time to reflect. We all could learn a lot from you! I’m also happy that blogging is your full time job and you bring us fabulous recipes like today chicken. I can’t wait to try it!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 1, 2015 at 11:07 amGosh Jen, I am sure that 34 will be a great year for both of us hon!
CakeSpy says
June 1, 2015 at 9:23 amIt’s finally warm here so I am ALL ABOUT GRILLING. Awesome recipe!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 1, 2015 at 10:04 amThanks hon!
Sarah | Broma Bakery says
June 1, 2015 at 9:02 amPrinting out like NOW so we can grill these this week 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 1, 2015 at 10:04 amWoot woot! Get it going boo!
Monica says
June 1, 2015 at 8:41 amWe’ve started grilling and I’m always looking for a new chicken recipe. This looks great!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 1, 2015 at 10:05 amWoot woot! You will love it!
Eva @ Eva Bakes says
June 1, 2015 at 8:08 amHope this year is the best yet! How incredibly exciting that you get to make blogging your full-time job. So many of us “little” bloggers would love an opportunity like that! I received a piece of advice that will stick with me forever… “No matter how down on yourself you are, remember that there is always someone out there who wants to be you.” 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 1, 2015 at 10:01 amWell that is such a wise saying my dear. I am very very grateful for being able to do what I love full time and I hope I never take it for granted! Thank you for the wise reminder.
Allie | Baking a Moment says
June 1, 2015 at 7:54 amGosh I can’t believe it’s already been a whole year since your last birthday! I feel like that was just yesterday. I think you’re in such a great place and things are only going to continue to grow for you. You put so much love into everything you do and we all appreciate it so much!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 1, 2015 at 10:00 amGosh I know right? Guess I’m getting old my dear lol. These years just fly by.
Mary Ann @ the beach house kitchen says
June 1, 2015 at 7:34 amHappy Birthday month Jocelyn! You certainly have accomplished a lot already! Lots to be proud of! This chicken sounds perfect for our summer BBQs! Can’t wait to try!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 1, 2015 at 9:58 amI am feeling pretty good about an accomplished year. I can’t wait to see what is in store next!
Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures says
June 1, 2015 at 7:23 amHappy birth month! I hope 34 is the best year yet!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 1, 2015 at 9:57 amHooray let’s hope so!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
June 1, 2015 at 7:22 amJ, June sounds like it’s going to be a fabulous month and I love that you are reflecting more since you have a birthday approaching. . I remember the “Jesus” year post. . and boy did you accomplish a whole hell of a lot this year! yes, be easier on yourself and enjoy it! I don’t see you or this blog slowing down anytime soon so enjoy it my friend!!! Can’t wait until the book is officially out! and yes, we have the best JOBS in the world! and now I want chicken!!!! 🙂 gorgeous!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
June 1, 2015 at 9:55 amYes omg I feel like this year flew by and I am definitely striving to be easier on myself at 34. Might as well right boo?