• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

One Sweet Appetite

Easy Everyday Recipes

  • Recipe Index
    • Breakfast
    • Camping Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Holiday
    • Party
  • Breakfast
    • Muffins and Pastries
    • Egg Recipes
    • Jelly and Jam Recipes
    • Pancakes, Waffles, French toast
    • Oat Recipes
    • Smoothie Recipes
  • Easy Dinners
    • Main Dish Recipes
    • Pasta Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dish Recipes
    • Slow Cooker Meals
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • Condiments and Sauces
  • Desserts
    • Brownie and Bar Recipes
    • Cake and Cupcake Recipes
    • Cookie Recipes
    • Frozen Dessert Recipes
    • Mug Recipes
    • Pie Recipes
  • Drinks
    • Cocktails
    • Coffee
    • Non Alcoholic Drinks
Home » Dinner Recipes » Easy Margarita Chicken Recipe

Easy Margarita Chicken Recipe

12 Comments By Jesseca on March 12, 2023

Jump SaveSaved! Share Pin

Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

This Margarita Chicken starts with a simple marinade and is grilled OR cooked stove top making it the perfect easy dinner idea! Great served over rice or shredded in tacos.

Looking for more summer chicken staples? I’ve got you! Try my Tin Foil Chicken Fajitas, Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken, and my Grilled Chicken Fajitas!

chicken sitting inside of a cast iron pan topped with fresh pico and lime wedges

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! We use it almost every time we grill chicken, even when we aren’t making this recipe.
  • Freezer Friendly: Freeze the cooked chicken for up to 4 months.
  • Grilled or Stove Top: I’ve included instructions for the grill and a stove top version.

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!

Pompeian Robust olive oil sitting on a white wooden table with fresh cilantro and a zip top bag

Margarita Chicken Ingredients:

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: I like a robust olive oil for my marinades. It helps to add moisture and lock in the flavor.
  • Cilantro: Not too much, but just enough to give a fresh finish.
  • Seasonings: Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder all work together to take this from good to great.
  • Margarita Mix: Use your favorite mix! Here are a few of our favorites: you can’t go wrong with the classic flavor of Tres Agaves, if you want a spicy finish try Hella Cocktail Co Habanero Mix, and for a lighter less calorie version go with Stirrings 5 Calorie.
  • Lime Juice: I always suggest fresh lime juice for a more bold fresh flavor, but jarred will work in a pinch.
  • Orange Juice: We use simply orange juice or fresh squeezed.
  • Tequila: Optional, but delicious addition that helps tenderize the chicken. If you aren’t a fan of alcohol, or don’t want to buy a bottle just for this recipe, you can leave it out completely.
  • Garlic: Measure with your heart.
  • Apricot Preserves: The sugar in preserves helps tenderize the meat and give you a delicious finish.
  • Chicken: I have made this with both chicken breast and chicken thighs with great success.

How To Make Margarita Marinade:

  1. PREP: 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.
  2. MARINADE: 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.
  3. GRILL: Follow the instructions in the recipe card to finish cooking the chicken when ready to enjoy.
Chicken inside a zip top bag that is filled with marinade.

Recipe Notes:

Can I make grilled chicken on the stove?

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.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes! For bone in chicken thighs cook 30 to 40 minutes. For boneless skinless thighs cook 7 to 8 minutes per side

Why is my grilled chicken dry?

This recipe should never be dry. If you’re finding that pieces of your chicken are drier than others, you may want to consider slicing the chicken breast in half lengthwise, or pounding to an even thickness.

How long do leftovers last?

If stored properly, in an airtight container inside the refrigerator, leftovers should last three to four days.

Margarita Chicken Recipe On One Sweet Appetite

More Must Try Chicken Recipes

  • Malibu Chicken Recipe (Sizzler Copycat)

  • Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

  • Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe

  • 30-Minute Ranch Chicken Recipe

Still hungry? Follow One Sweet Appetite on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for more great recipe ideas!

5 from 2 votes

Margarita Chicken

Created by: Jesseca

Course Dinner Recipes
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes minutes
Marinade Time 4 hours hours
Total Time 4 hours hours 35 minutes minutes
4 people
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.
Print
Pin
Share
Rate
Prevent your screen from going dark

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.

Margarita Grilled Chicken Recipe:

  • Follow the marinade instructions.
  • When ready to cook, preheat grill to medium high heat for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Grill chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

How To Make This On The Stove

  • Follow the instructions above for the marinade.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • 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
  • Transfer to the oven and cook 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 degrees.
  • Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 4people | Calories: 323kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 93mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g

Equipment

Cutting Board Mats 
Chef Knife
Skillets

Did You Make This Recipe?

Share it with me on Instagram @1sweetappetite and follow pinterest for more!

Email Recipe Pin Recipe Share Recipe

Sharing is caring!

263 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
« Previous
No-Bake Strawberry Cake
Next »
Cooking Frozen Pizza On The Grill

Reader Interactions

Find even more recipes!

Be sure to share it in the comments below and follow me on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram for even more delicious recipes.

    Leave a Review! Cancel reply

    Share your thoughts below, I love to see your creations!
    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
    Recipe Rating




    Comments & Reviews

  1. Cindy says

    July 22, 2016

    Ooooo this looks so tasty. I have bookmarked the recipe and will try it soon.

    Reply
  2. Mama Munchkin says

    July 15, 2016

    This is one I will definitly try. Looks super tasty and easy enough for a weeknight!

    Reply
  3. Angie Scheie says

    July 14, 2016

    This looks healthy and delicious. Quality ingredients make all the difference! Yum!`

    Reply
  4. ashley says

    July 14, 2016

    Margarita chicken is one of my favorite dishes to get when we go out! Can’t wait to try this at home!

    Reply
  5. Aileen (Aileen Cooks Blog) says

    July 14, 2016

    This sounds delicious!!!! I need to get out of my current teriyaki chicken rut.

    Reply
  6. Krista Dial says

    July 13, 2016

    Yum…i have all of those ingredients on hand and I’ve been looking for a way to use up some chicken and fresh tomatoes. Looking forward to giving this recipe a whirl over the next day or two!

    Reply
  7. Kyla Matton Osborne (#RubyWriter) says

    July 13, 2016

    Sounds so summery and refreshing! I can’t wait to try this recipe 🙂

    Reply
  8. Bella says

    July 13, 2016

    Wow does this ever look good, I love chicken I eat it most nights but I always do the same thing to it. I will have to change it up and try your recipe out! Thank you for sharing

    Reply
  9. Maggie Unzueta says

    July 13, 2016

    Yum! This chicken looks delicious. Love Pompeian. 🙂

    Reply
  10. Kirsten says

    July 13, 2016

    This looks delicious and still healthy! I may have to try this when I’m back at school

    Reply
  11. Lauren says

    July 13, 2016

    I am loving this recipe – definitely saving to make ASAP!

    Reply
  12. Amy says

    July 13, 2016

    Oh wow! That sounds like the perfect summer meal!! Definitely going to have to try this one!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Jesseca - Author of One Sweet Appetite

Welcome, I'm Jesseca!

I could not be more excited to have you join me in my kitchen! Everyday easy recipes are my specialty, which means you will find so many fast, quick, and delicious recipes throughout my site. My goal is to create go-to recipes using simple ingredients and pantry staples.

More About Me

New Weekly Recipes

Subscribe for the latest recipes in your inbox!

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

Find a Recipe

Featured Recipes

  • Mini Key Lime Cheesecakes
  • Savannah Smiles Recipe
  • Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Amazing Lemon Cheesecake Bars
  • Coconut Lime Frosted Sugar Cookies
  • Cherry Pie Bars

Browse Topics

  • Breakfast
  • Desserts
  • Air Fryer Recipes
  • Main Dish Recipes
  • Pasta Recipes
  • Salad Recipes
  • Side Dish Recipes
  • Slow Cooker Meals
  • Drink Recipes

New Weekly Recipes

Subscribe for the latest recipes in your inbox!

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

©2023, One Sweet Appetite. Contact Disclosure Privacy Policy Back To Top
Design by Pixel Me Designs
×

New Weekly Recipes

Subscribe for the latest recipes in your inbox!

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

263 shares