This zesty and flavorful tequila lime chicken marinade is reminiscent of a margarita and perfect for making grilled chicken for fajitas. You’re going to love it!
I’m not quite ready to let go of summer, and readers seem to really love chicken marinades, so I’m bringing you another great chicken marinade option. If you’ve missed some of the other ones, make sure to check them out! My balsamic chicken marinade is a great go-to when you have an empty fridge (and it’s Whole30 compliant!) and my honey mustard chicken marinade is one of my favorites. If you’re digging the idea of booze in a marinade, you’ll also love these beer marinated chicken thighs. Greek style chicken marinade is another one of my favorites.
This tequila lime chicken marinade is great if you’re gonna just eat a chicken breast with some sides, but it’s also really perfect if you want to slice up the chicken and use it for fajitas. The flavors of the tequila and lime along with the flame-grilled flavor you get from grilling the chicken makes it absolutely perfect for fajitas or a southwest style burrito bowl.
Ingredient Notes
Reminiscent of a margarita, this marinade has tequila (obviously) and fresh lime juice. Its flavor is kicked up a notch with chili powder, garlic powder, and fresh cilantro. Sweetened slightly with honey and tied together with olive oil, the chicken stays nice and moist. Don’t overcook the chicken. The internal temperature should be 160 degrees.
Tips & Adaptations
To make Whole30
Leave out the tequila and honey. Won’t be exactly the same but it will still be delicious.
To make alcohol-free
Just leave out the tequila. It will still be great!
Cilantro hater?
Leave it out, it’s cool! I get it, it tastes like soap to you! I could eat a straight-up cilantro salad but I understand it’s not for everyone.
Love Garlic?
Ben doesn’t…I wish he did! Garlic powder is more mild and achieves the flavor I want without being too obvious. If you love garlic, freshly minced garlic would be fab in this marinade. I’d start with one clove, but if you want to go big, add more!
Tequila Lime Chicken Marinade
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup tequila
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced cilantro
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- In a bowl or a measuring cup, whisk together lime juice, tequila, olive oil, cilantro, chili powder, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken in a zip-top bag or a baking dish and pour marinade over, moving chicken around to coat on all sides. If using a bag, put the bag into a bowl to prevent leaks spilling in your fridge. If using a baking dish, cover with plastic wrap.
- Place in fridge and marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours. When ready to cook, remove from marinade and grill over medium heat (350°F) for 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F on an instant read thermometer, flipping once. Cooking time will vary depending on thickness of meat and exact grill temperature.
Notes
- Nutrition information calculated for only half of marinade since much of it is discarded.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?Share a comment and rating below! I love hearing what you think!
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Lime zest should be used instead of the juice in the marinade. The juice gives the chicken a leathery texture.
Thanks for your thoughts!
I’m excited to make this Tequila Lime Chicken today. Would love if you linked suggested sides with your recipes. LOL now I have to find something to go with this.
Thanks for the suggestion! We do that on a lot of our newer recipes and are gradually adding those suggestions to older recipes. Try this chicken with cilantro lime rice or drunken beans!