Pic Credit: onceuponachef
This recipe of Tequila Lime Chicken is one such appetizing meal that is ideal to be served for the family dinner, outdoor cookouts and even for a friendly get together party. It contains the tanginess of lime juice, the kick of tequila and a hint of spices which give a very memorable taste.
This meal is quite popular because the minute you taste it, you get the tartness of the yogurt and green apples, saltiness of quinoa, and slightly sweet from the coconut milk and green apple. Furthermore, the preparation is rather short and involves applying a marinade and then grilling the cheese, and thus this dish is good for everyday dinners and festivities alike. You may use either boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs based on your choice depending with the preparation.
The essence of this recipe as I have already mentioned depends with the marinade. This one combines the taste of fresh lime juice and faintly acidic taste that is in the lime zest, distinct taste of tequila with the combination of herbs and spices. Lime juice has the freshness taste as well as a tenderizer for the chicken, tequila is a little sweet taste that combines well with lime. Now let me show you step by step how you can prepare it at home.
RECIPE INGREDIENTS
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons tequila
- 1 tablespoon lime zest (from about 2 limes)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1¼ teaspoons ground ancho chile pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1¼ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons honey
MEASURES & PRECAUTIONS
- Marinating Time: Make sure that the chicken is marinating for not less than 6 hours or preferably over night to enable it absorb the flavor well. This makes the lime chicken marinade to penetrate and reach the center of the chicken so the chicken is moist and well seasoned.
- Chicken Thickness: Pat the chicken breasts to make them of the same thickness for even grilling, about ½ inch thick. This helps maintains an internal temperature of 165 °F throughout the meat.
- Temperature Control: You should grill your chicken in a medium-high heat, generally between 375 and 450F so that it does not stick to the grill and is well seared.
- Cooking Time: Do not overcook your food; make sure you check the internal temperature of your food to ensure it is safe to consume at 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also use a meat thermometer for the right temperature.
Tequila Lime Chicken Recipe
INGREDIENTS NOTES
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Olive Oil: Assists in sharing the flavors and retains the moisture content of the chicken during the time it is being cooked. It also helps to get a nice sear on the grill as well.
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Tequila: Enhances the particular taste; when using this variant it is recommended that blanco or silver tequila should be used. It adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish in which alcohol could not overpower the food completely.
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Lime Zest vs. Juice: Alternatively to juicing that tends to make the meat much tougher, Zest adds even more flavour to the food. The lime juice and its zest offer a zesty lime lacking in the other ingredients Cube sugar is sweet, but is not as aromatic as caster sugar.
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Garlic Freshness: Finally, fresh garlic, minced gives out stronger flavors than garlic powder, but in case one cannot get fresh garlic, then garlic powder may be used.
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Honey Balance: Remedies the taste effected by lime and gives the dish a little sweet taste which accords well with spices such as chili powder.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
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In a large resealable bag, pour the olive oil, tequila, lime skin, garlic, ancho chilli, coriander, oregano, salt, pepper and honey.
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Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bag; close it well and rub the marinade into meat all over.
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Cover and let it refrigerate for at least for 6 hours or preferably over night to let the chicken absorb all the flavors in the marinade.
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The ideal grilling temperature is medium–high, around 375F to 450F., for this, use oil to lubricate the grills to avoid foods sticking on the grills. This also makes the chicken finish the grilling process with the right amount of browns to come up with those great grill marks.
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Take out the chicken from the marinade and let the excess liquids drain; do not rinse the chicken, and dispose of the marinade.
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Put it on the grill the marinated chicken. Bake each side for 3 to 4 minutes of cooking time or until fully cooked to the centre (the internal temperature to the centre should be 74°C or 165°F). One has to make sure the meat is well cooked; the best way to do this is by using a meat thermometer.
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Remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest 5-10 minutes though it you will get less juice because the chicken will keep grilling even on the grill it self. This resting period helps juices to circulate all around the meat making every single bite full of juice and tender.
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After marinating the chicken in this tequila lime marinade mix, cut the chicken and serve it hot and accompanied by your choice of sides or toppings such as pico de gallo, a fresh salad and more.
RECIPE TIPS & VARIATIONS
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Marinade Variations: Try using jalapeño pepper or fresh cilantro to the marinade to bring out the zest of the preparation. Lime juice may also be replaced by orange juice if the latter preference is desired for a sweeter taste.
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Cooking Methods: If grilling has not been possible, then the chicken can be baked at 375°F for twenty-five to thirty minutes or fried in a skillet on medium high heat until done.
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Serving Suggestions: Accompany with Mexican-style pico de gallo, sliced avocados or even a vibrant corn salad to regulate the CK’s robust taste.
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Leftover Ideas: How to Maximize a Bottle of Tequila Lime Chicken: Reheat the remaining portions of the tequila lime chicken and incorporate it with salads, wraps, or tacos, and get tasty meals for the next few days.
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Substitutions: If you want to eliminate alcohol completely then, replace tequila with the same quantity of lime juice. This will still offer acidity, although, it will not come with alcohol percentage.
EQUIPMENT
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Grill or grill pan
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Resealable plastic bag
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Meat mallet
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Tongs
Note
SERVING TIPS 💡
- Present lime wedges on the side as the additional zest which helps to make each piece of chicken incredibly more appealing.
- Serve alongside other sides such as black beans, corn salad and cilantro lime rice if you want to have that full Southwestern meal.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or avocado and this makes the presentation excellent plus it blends well with the taste of the food.
- For that special occasion feel, consider pairing or eating the dish with margaritas or non-alcoholic mocktails that mimic the orange flavor of the food.
- This recipe is great for people hosting a party since one can make a large portion of it for all the guests to eat.
If you're looking for a quick and flavorful meal, check out this easy One-Pan Coconut Lime Chicken recipe.
