This Margarita Chicken starts with a simple marinade and is grilled OR cooked stove top making it the perfect easy dinner idea! Great over rice or shredded in tacos.
This post was originally published July 12, 2016. It has since been updated to include helpful information and recipe updates.
Recipe Features
- Amazing Chicken Marinade: This marinade is out of this world delicious!
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze the cooked chicken for up to 4 months.
- Grilled or Stove Top!
Summer is here which means we are grilling EVERYTHING. This margarita chicken recipe is perfect because you can prep it the night before and it delivers in flavor! Rated five stars from the entire family and regularly on our dinner rotation throughout the year. The easy chicken marinade mimic a margarita and give the chicken the most incredibly flavor. Top things off with some fresh pico and a squeeze of lime for the ultimate grilled OR baked chicken!
This recipe is also considered family friendly! Not too spicy with just a mild tequila flavor. We love to serve it with fresh pico, restaurant salsa, avocado salsa and strawberry margaritas!
Margarita Chicken ingredients:
Most of the ingredients are used in the marinade, which is out-of this-world delish. Chicken marinades are ideal for preventing the meat from drying out during the cooking process and becoming too chewy. It also helps to tenderise the chicken and reduce the cooking time! Here is what you need to get started:
- Olive Oil
- Cilantro
- Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder
- Margarita Mix
- Lime Juice
- Orange Juice
- Tequila
- Garlic
- Apricot Preserves
- Chicken
How To Make Margarita Marinade:
- Combine olive oil, cilantro, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, liquid margarita mix, lime juice, orange juice, tequila, garlic, and apricot preserves in a large zip top bag or shallow dish. Mix to combine.
- Add 2-4 chicken breasts to the container. Be sure to coat the chicken evenly.
- Lay the bag, or place the container, flat in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.
Tips and FAQs
- It’s always best to pound the chicken to an even thickness or slice breasts in half lengthwise. This gives you even cooking.
- Prep the grill- make sure it’s clean and you have enough pellet chips or propane.
- Always close the lid to your grill. This helps retain the heat and cook your chicken more evenly.
- Invest in a food thermometer to double check it reaches the right temperature and also to make sure you don’t overcook the chicken.
- Try this recipe with chicken thighs! It’s equally as delicious.
1. Follow the marinade instructions.
2. When ready to cook, preheat grill to medium high heat for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Grill chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
1. Follow the instructions above for the marinade.
2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a cast iron or oven safe pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook 2 minutes on each side or until just browned.
4. Transfer to the oven and cook 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 degrees.
5. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
More Chicken Recipes
- Oven Roasted Chicken Breast
- Malibu Chicken
- Tin Foil Chicken Fajitas
- Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken
- Easy Chicken and Dumplings
- Grilled Chicken Fajitas
- Chicken Nuggets in the Air Fryer
- Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu
More Copycat Recipes
- Olive Garden Alfredo
- Buffalo Wild Wings Asian Zing Sauce
- Copycat Chili’s Queso
- Chick-Fil-A Frosted Lemonade Recipe
- Homemade Circus Cookies
- Cafe Zupa’s Strawberry Harvest Salad Recipe
- Wisconsin Cauliflower Soup
- Homemade Wendy’s Frosty Recipe
Still hungry? Follow One Sweet Appetite on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for more great recipe ideas!
Margarita Chicken
This Margarita Chicken starts with a simple marinade and is grilled OR cooked stove top making it the perfect easy dinner idea! Great over rice or shredded in tacos.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon Pompeian Olive Oil, divided
- 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup margarita mix
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons tequila
- 1 teaspoon garlic
- 1 tablespoon apricot preserves
- 4 Chicken Breast Halves
Instructions
How To Make Margarita Marinade:
- Combine olive oil, cilantro, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, liquid margarita mix, lime juice, orange juice, tequila, garlic, and apricot preserves in a large zip top bag or shallow dish. Mix to combine.
- Add 2-4 chicken breasts to the container. Be sure to coat the chicken evenly.
- Lay the bag, or place the container, flat in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 4 peopleAmount Per Serving: Calories: 323Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 102mgSodium: 93mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 1gSugar: 17gProtein: 38g
Cindy
Friday 22nd of July 2016
Ooooo this looks so tasty. I have bookmarked the recipe and will try it soon.
Mama Munchkin
Friday 15th of July 2016
This is one I will definitly try. Looks super tasty and easy enough for a weeknight!
Angie Scheie
Thursday 14th of July 2016
This looks healthy and delicious. Quality ingredients make all the difference! Yum!`
ashley
Thursday 14th of July 2016
Margarita chicken is one of my favorite dishes to get when we go out! Can't wait to try this at home!
Aileen (Aileen Cooks Blog)
Thursday 14th of July 2016
This sounds delicious!!!! I need to get out of my current teriyaki chicken rut.