Margarita Chicken with Agave and Tequila
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This delicious and flavorful grilled margarita chicken is a zesty, refreshing chicken dinner inspired by your favorite fun cocktail. The chicken is marinated in lime juice, agave, and tequila, which tenderizes the meat while infusing it with bright citrus notes and a complexity in flavor. Throw it on the grill until a delicious smoky char develops, then dig in!
If mouthwatering grilled chicken recipes are calling your name, answer the call of this Mexican chicken marinade! The whole family will thank you.
What's better than an easy dinner recipe that's also big in the flavor department? We love to have a few easy chicken recipes up our sleeve for a tasty dinner on a busy weeknight evening. It's all about maximum flavor with minimal effort, and this margarita chicken delivers exactly that. Simply make a marinade, throw in the chicken, then grill it until it develops those delicious char marks. It's a perfect dish if you enjoy bold and vibrant flavors with a touch of zest and depth.
Ingredients notes
This margarita chicken recipe tastes like your favorite cocktail in the form of a chicken dinner! Get your favorite tequila and just a handful of other ingredients. This is what you need:
- Tequila: The tequila makes the chicken tender while adding a complexity in flavor.
- Chicken: Bone-in chicken thighs are what we recommend, but you can use another cut of chicken if you please, such as chicken breasts. Cooking times will differ depending on the cut you choose.
- Other ingredients: Fresh lime juice, agave syrup, oil, sea salt, black pepper, and sliced limes.
- Optional: Add jalapeƱo if you enjoy a spicy kick!
How to make margarita chicken
This chicken dinner recipe is super simple ā the marinade only takes about five minutes to make and most of that time is squeezing limes. Pour the marinade over the chicken then walk away until you start to feel hungry. Then, come back and grill it to perfection. Here are the instructions:
- Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, agave syrup, oil, salt, pepper, and the jalapƱo if you're using it. Place chicken in a small baking dish, pouring the marinade over the top to marinate, and let it rest for at least half an hour.
- Grill: Fire up your grill and lay the chicken down skin side up. After ten minutes, flip it over for another 10-15 minutes, until it's charred and cooked through. Serve with limes on the side for some extra zing!
What tequila to use for margarita chicken
As you'll only use a bit of your bottle for this recipe, we'd recommend grabbing something that you'd be happy to make cocktails with, too! Blanco (silver) tequila is often preferred for cooking because it has a clean, crisp flavor that won't overpower the other ingredients.
Recipes to make with margarita chicken
This southwestern-style grilled chicken is great for busy weeknights or fun summer nights of entertaining. Serve it beside some grilled peppers and rice, or incorporate it to make other delicious recipes shine! Here are some dinner ideas:
- Margarita chicken tacos:Ā Shred the chicken and serve it in tortillas with shredded lettuce, a pico de gallo, sliced avocado, and cilantro.
- Tequila chicken salad: Slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of mixed greens with diced bell peppers, black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and sliced avocado. Dress with reserved marinade.
- Burrito or burrito bowl: Serve over taco rice with corn salsa, guacamole, and shredded cheese.
- Margarita Chicken Nachos: Arrange tortilla chips on a baking sheet and top with shredded margarita chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeƱos, and shredded cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with salsa, sour cream, and smoky guacamole!
What to serve with margarita chicken
This margarita chicken is versatile and works with a variety of sides! Sizzle up these grilled mini peppers and serve it beside some basmati rice for a healthy and tasty, easy dinner ā perhaps with some grilled guacamole or a chili lime corn on the cob, too! If you're feeling like an extra bout of flavor, make Mexican rice. Don't forget to put that extra tequila to use and make some fizzy lime margaritas!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this without a grill?
Sure! We love how the grill creates delicious, flavorful char lines. You can replicate this on the stovetop using a grill pan. If you are cooking in the oven, cook it on a sheet pan at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes. If you're using another method of cooking, always be sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover margarita chicken in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. You can use leftover chicken straight from the fridge in a salad, or reheat it in another recipe, like in tacos or burritos. You can also freeze it in a freezer-proof container for up to three months.
Can I substitute the agave syrup?
Agave syrup adds sweetness and helps balance the acidity of the lime juice. If you don't have agave syrup, you can substitute honey or maple syrup in equal amounts.
Can I use another cut of chicken or skinless chicken?
Sure, if you'd prefer to get skinless chicken or remove the skin, you can! You can also use any other cut of chicken you'd like, just be mindful that cooking time will vary.
Margarita Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- Ā¼ cup lime juice
- Ā¼ cup tequila
- 2 tablespoons agave syrup
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Ā½ teaspoon sea salt
- Ā¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Ā½ jalapeƱo (sliced)
- 2 lb bone-in chicken thighs (see notes)
- Sliced limes (to serve)
Instructions
- Whisk the lime juice, tequila, agave syrup, oil, salt, pepper, and (if using) the jalapeno in a small bowl. Place the chicken in a small baking dish and pour the marinade over top. Let the chicken marinate for at least a half-hour or up to 4 hours.Ā¼ cup lime juice, Ā¼ cup tequila, 2 tablespoons agave syrup, 2 tablespoons oil, Ā½ teaspoon sea salt, Ā¼ teaspoon black pepper, Optional: Ā½ jalapeƱo, 2 lb bone-in chicken thighs
- Clean and oil your grill and preheat it to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on your grill skin side up. Let it cook for 10 minutes then flip it over and cook for another 10-15 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If needed, reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Serve your margarita chicken with limes on the side.Sliced limes
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our dinner ideas!