Margarita Chicken with Agave and Tequila
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This delicious, flavorful grilled margarita chicken is a zesty, refreshing 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 added complexity. Throw it on the grill until a delicious smoky char develops, then dig in!
I’m always on the hunt for easy dinner recipes that don’t skimp on flavor, especially on busy weeknights. Having a few reliable chicken recipes up my sleeve makes getting dinner on the table feel effortless, and this margarita chicken is one I come back to again and again.
It’s all about maximum flavor with minimal effort. I mix up a quick marinade, toss in the chicken, then grill it until it’s juicy with those irresistible char marks. The result is bold, vibrant, and just the right amount of zesty — the kind of dinner that feels exciting without being complicated.
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 jalapeño if you enjoy a spicy kick!
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: 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 jalapeños, 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 tasty and easy dinner – 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!
Margarita Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup lime juice
- ¼ cup tequila
- 2 tablespoons agave syrup
- 2 tablespoons oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ½ jalapeño (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.¼ cup lime juice, ¼ cup tequila, 2 tablespoons agave syrup, 2 tablespoons oil, ½ teaspoon sea salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, Optional: ½ jalapeño, 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.
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.
This chicken was so good! I liked how simple it was to make and the flavors were really nice. Will make it again.
So happy you like the recipe as much as we do!
Can this be cooked in an oven? If so, what temperature?
It sure can! I would cook it on a sheet pan at 375 for about 30 minutes. 🙂