Easy Tequila Lime Chicken Recipe

Get your grill going and make this incredibly moist and perfectly Whenever I get the grill going, I always add my tequila lime chicken recipe. It’s got so much flavor and moisture because my marinade is next level. I add some citrus with orange and lime along with spices and herbs. They are a hit.

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Tequila lime chicken grilled in a pan.

How to Make Tequila Lime Chicken

  1. Combine the tequila, lime juice, lime zest, orange juice, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl and whisk until the ingredients are combined.
  2. Place the chicken in a large plastic storage bag and pour the southwestern chicken marinade over the top. Make sure to submerge the chicken. Close the storage bag and store it in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight for more intense flavor.
  1. Remove the chicken from the marinade and season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill the chicken on all sides until cooked through.
  1. Remove the chicken from the grill. Cover it with foil and rest for a few minutes to allow juices to settle. Slice it up and garnish with chopped cilantro and lime zest for serving.
Chicken with tequila lime marinade after grilling on a cutting board.

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Grilled tequila lime chicken on a plate with lime halves and cilantro.

Grilled Tequila Lime Chicken Recipe

Get your grill going, and add these classic grilled tequila lime marinated chicken breasts to your summer menus right away! Flavorful and so tasty!
4.78 from 22 votes
Prep Time 3 hours
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 cup tequila
  • 1 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp lime zest
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tbsp worchestershire sauce
  • 1 lb boneless chicken pieces thighs or breasts
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • chopped cilantro 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

How to Store

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to five days or in the freezer for up to three months. You can store the chicken whole, sliced, or chopped depending on how you plan to use them. However, if you plan to reheat it, I prefer to store the breasts whole and then cut them once reheated.
Reheat whole chicken breasts in the microwave at 75% power for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven. For this method place the chicken on a baking tray with a bit of water and covered it with foil. Bake at 325° F for 10 minutes or until heated through.
Sliced or chopped chicken can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 494kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 117mg | Potassium: 460mg | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 755IU | Vitamin C: 34.7mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1.6mg
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Recipe Tips

  • Let it marinate. The longer you allow the chicken to marinate the more time it has to penetrate and tenderize the chicken, giving us so much moisture. Feel free to play around with dry rubs for it to add even more flavor once you get the hang of it.
  • Don’t be afraid to get that grill hot! We want a slight char without burning and a quick cooking time.
  • Let it rest. Slicing too early will cause the juices to seep out. Let the breasts rest for at least 5 minutes, giving them time to redistribute their juices.

Recipe Help

How long should I marinate chicken?

Ideally, any cut of meat should be marinated anywhere from 12-24 hours for maximum flavor infusion. But, I know that’s not always possible. I find that a 3-hour soak is just the right amount of time to ensure the ideal texture and flavor. Chicken breasts are naturally a drier cut of meat so, if you’re short on time, cut the breasts into thinner slices. No matter what, give it at least an hour of marinating.

How long to grill chicken breasts?

For regular-sized chicken breasts, grill for 5-7 minutes on each side or, until a thermometer reads 165 degrees.

More Grill Recipes

Filed Under:  Chicken, Dinner, Grilling, Main Dishes

Comments

  1. 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!

    1. Thank you so much hon!!!! The flaws are what make us so darn awesome!

  2. 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!

    1. Gosh Jen, I am sure that 34 will be a great year for both of us hon!

  3. 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.” 🙂

    1. 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.

  4. 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!

    1. Gosh I know right? Guess I’m getting old my dear lol. These years just fly by.

  5. 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!

    1. I am feeling pretty good about an accomplished year. I can’t wait to see what is in store next!

  6. 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!

    1. 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?

4.78 from 22 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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