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!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:12 mins

Total Time:22 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

Optional: If you prefer extra heat, finely dice the jalapeño and add it to the marinade.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Step 6

Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting excess marinade drip off. Discard the used marinade.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Step 9

Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. For extra brightness, serve with lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	908.8 grams (908.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1661

Total Fat 54.20g	69%
Saturated Fat 11.40g	57%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 592mg	197%
Sodium 1121mg	49%
Total Carbohydrate 31.10g	11%
Dietary Fiber 3.50g	13%
Total Sugars 19.60g
Protein 218.00g	436%

Vitamin D 7IU	35%
Calcium 165mg	13%
Iron 10mg	53%
Potassium 2105mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.9%

Protein: 58.8%

Carbs: 8.4%