Get your grill going and make this tequila lime chicken, boos! My southwest marinade gives it big flavor and keeps it super juicy. It’s got tequila, Worcestershire, and citrus, so y’all know it’s next level. I love grilling tequila lime chicken for that smoky finish, but I included stovetop and oven instructions down below in the FAQs, too, in case grilling ain’t on the menu.
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How to Make Tequila Lime Chicken
These step-by-step photos show how to make grilled tequila lime chicken, but be sure to check the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and detailed instructions. Skip to the → Easy Tequila Lime Chicken Recipe
1. Whisk together the tequila lime marinade and coat the chicken
Pour the marinade into a storage bag, add the chicken, and refrigerate until fully marinated.
2. Season your chicken and grill until cooked through
Let the chicken rest before slicing, then garnish with cilantro and lime zest.
PRO TIP: Ideally, any cut of meat should be marinated anywhere from 12-24 hours for max flavor infusion. But I know that’s not always possible. I find 3 hours gives you the best balance of flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, slice chicken breasts thinner so they soak up the marinade faster. No matter what, give it at least 1 hour.
Full Tequila Lime Chicken Recipe
Grilled Tequila Lime Chicken Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup tequila
- 1 cup fresh lime juice about 8 medium limes
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon worchestershire sauce
- 2 pounds boneless chicken pieces thighs or breasts
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- cilantro chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- 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.
Notes
- Fridge: Store leftover tequila lime chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can keep it whole, sliced, or chopped, but I prefer storing it whole so it stays juicier after reheating.
- Freezer: Wrap the chicken tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat whole pieces in the microwave at 75% power for 1 to 2 minutes, or warm in a 325°F oven with a splash of water and foil over the top until heated through. If sliced or chopped, a quick skillet warm-up works great too.
Nutrition
Recipe Tips
- Choose a tequila you would actually cook with, boos. No need to break out the top shelf stuff, but a decent blanco, silver, or reposado all work great here.
- Get that grill steamin’ hot. You want the chicken to cook quickly and pick up a lil char without drying out.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing. Give it at least 5 minutes so the juices settle back in instead of running all over your cutting board.
- Play around with dry rubs once you know the recipe. A little cumin, chili powder, or cayenne can take the flavor in a whole new direction!
Want to Save This Recipe, Boo?
I'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to it later!
Serving Ideas
- Taco Tuesday: Get this grilled tequila lime chicken tucked into warm tortillas with salsa verde, guac, and sour cream. Y’all can also add creamed corn and an elote dip to the side.
- Tex-Mex Plate: Serve it up with Mexican rice, pinto beans, nachos, and Mexican cornbread. Or make fajitas with it!
- Fresh and Light: Pair it with grilled broccoli, garlic green beans, slaw, or a cucumber salad.
- Cookout Style: Throw it on the plate with succotash, cornbread salad, fried cabbage, and a glass of fruit punch on the side for an easy summer spread.
Recipe Help
For regular-sized chicken breasts, grill for 5-7 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 165 degrees.
Yup! Cook it in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat with a little oil for about 4 to 6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until cooked through.
Bake it in a 400°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally. If you want some color on top, broil it for the last couple minutes.
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Well 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!
Thank you so much hon!!!! The flaws are what make us so darn awesome!
I’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!
Gosh Jen, I am sure that 34 will be a great year for both of us hon!
It’s finally warm here so I am ALL ABOUT GRILLING. Awesome recipe!
Thanks hon!
Printing out like NOW so we can grill these this week 🙂
Woot woot! Get it going boo!
We’ve started grilling and I’m always looking for a new chicken recipe. This looks great!
Woot woot! You will love it!
Hope 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.” 🙂
Well 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.
Gosh 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!
Gosh I know right? Guess I’m getting old my dear lol. These years just fly by.
Happy 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!
I am feeling pretty good about an accomplished year. I can’t wait to see what is in store next!
Happy birth month! I hope 34 is the best year yet!
Hooray let’s hope so!
J, 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!
Yes 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?