Description
This juicy grilled tequila lime marinated chicken showcases a blend of bold flavors with tequila, lime, and spices, making it an effortless choice for family dinners or weekend gatherings. Enjoy the perfect grilled chicken with minimal prep time and maximum taste!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- ¼ cup tequila blanco
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried cilantro (or fresh chopped)
- 1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon tomato powder (or tomato paste)
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
- kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- fresh sliced lime, chopped cilantro- for garnishes, optional
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or bowl. Add tequila, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, brown sugar, garlic paste, cumin, paprika, tomato powder/paste, chipotle powder, and salt/pepper to the bag. Massage mixture into chicken until evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Remove marinated chicken from fridge and let it come to room temperature before grilling.
- Preheat the grill on medium-high heat (375-450°F) and grease the grates. Place chicken thighs on the hot grates using tongs. Grill chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side or until it reaches 165°F internally. Remove and tent with foil on a platter to rest for 10 minutes.
- For stovetop grilling, preheat a grill pan over medium heat, brushing with 1 tablespoon of oil. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until it registers 165°F. Remove from the grill pan, using more oil as needed between batches.
- Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro, if desired. Serve grilled chicken with your favorite sides.
Notes
Marinating the chicken overnight allows for deeper flavor absorption.
Adjust spice levels by varying the amount of chipotle powder.
Serve with fresh toppings such as avocado or salsa for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
