Grilled Margarita Chicken
This Grilled Margarita Chicken is bursting with bold citrus flavor, marinated in a zesty blend of lime juice, garlic, and tequila (or a clean, alcohol-free swap), then grilled to juicy perfection. It's the ultimate clean eating recipe for summer grilling, taco night, or meal prep!
Equipment
- Grill or Grill Pan: For achieving those smoky char marks and delicious grilled flavor. Perfect for both outdoor grilling or stovetop cooking.
- Meat Thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked safely and stays juicy by reaching an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
- Mixing Bowl: Needed to whisk together the marinade ingredients and coat the chicken evenly.
- Tongs: For safely flipping the chicken on the grill or pan without piercing it and losing moisture.
- Cutting Board and Knife: To prep the chicken before marinating and to slice it for serving afterward.
- Citrus Juicer (Optional but Helpful): Makes it easier to extract fresh lime juice, which is key to the marinade’s flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 Large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 3 Limes, juiced
- 1/4 Cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 Cup Tequila (optional, can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version)
- 2 Tbsp Olive oil
- 3 Cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 Cup Cilantro, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1 Tbsp Honey
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1/2 Tsp Pepper
- 1 Tsp Cumin
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:In a large bowl, combine lime juice, orange juice, tequila (if using), olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, honey, salt, pepper, and cumin. Whisk until well blended. Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat Your Grill:Heat your grill to a medium-high heat. While it’s warming up, remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
- Grill the Chicken:Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Rest the Chicken:Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices and flavors.
Notes
Make Ahead:
You can marinate the chicken up to 8 hours in advance for maximum flavor. For easy meal prep, place the chicken and marinade in a zip-top bag and refrigerate until ready to grill. You can also freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months — just thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking. Storage:
Store any leftover grilled Margarita Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. It’s perfect for tossing into salads, wraps, tacos, or grain bowls throughout the week! Reheating Tip:
To keep it juicy, reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water.
You can marinate the chicken up to 8 hours in advance for maximum flavor. For easy meal prep, place the chicken and marinade in a zip-top bag and refrigerate until ready to grill. You can also freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months — just thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking. Storage:
Store any leftover grilled Margarita Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. It’s perfect for tossing into salads, wraps, tacos, or grain bowls throughout the week! Reheating Tip:
To keep it juicy, reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water.