Margarita Chicken
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Margarita Chicken is your new weeknight MVP! Quick, juicy, and loaded with flavor that tastes like summer in every bite. Whether you’re firing up the grill or keeping things easy on the stovetop, this recipe brings restaurant vibes straight to your kitchen without the fuss. It’s the kind of simple, satisfying meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe).
Looking for more summer chicken staples? I’ve got you! Try my Tin Foil Chicken Fajitas, Hawaiian Pineapple Chicken, and my Grilled Chicken Fajitas!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 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!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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.
Jesseca’s Recipe Review
This Margarita Chicken has quickly become a go-to in our house. It’s bold, fresh, and ridiculously easy. My kind of recipe. The flavor from the marinade is next level, and it works just as well on the grill as it does in a skillet. Even my picky eater gave it two thumbs up, which is saying something.
Tip from Jesseca:
Double the marinade and freeze half with the chicken already in it. It’s a major weeknight win when you can just thaw and cook without any prep!
How To Make Margarita Marinade:
Making a flavorful chicken marinade is as easy as mix, coat, and chill. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix your marinade. In a large zip-top bag or shallow dish, combine olive oil, chopped cilantro, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, liquid margarita mix, lime juice, orange juice, tequila, fresh garlic, and a spoonful of apricot preserves. This combo brings a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory.
- Add the chicken. Place 2 to 4 chicken breasts into the marinade and make sure they’re evenly coated. You want every inch soaking up the flavor.
- Marinate. Seal the bag or cover your dish, lay it flat in the fridge, and let the chicken marinate for at least 4 hours, but for max flavor, aim for up to 24 hours.
Pro tip: Flip the bag halfway through if you can, so every side gets a marinade moment.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great and are even more forgiving on the grill. Just adjust the cook time slightly since they may take a bit longer.
Nope. It adds depth of flavor, but you can leave it out or replace it with more orange juice or even chicken broth.
Any liquid margarita mix will work. You can use a non-alcoholic version or a traditional mix—just make sure it’s not a frozen concentrate.
At least 4 hours for flavor to soak in, but overnight is ideal. Try not to go over 24 hours to avoid a mushy texture.
Yes! Freeze it right in the marinade (before cooking) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling or baking.
This chicken pairs perfectly with rice, grilled veggies, street corn, or a fresh green salad.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
- Make-Ahead: You can prep the marinade up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just add the chicken and let it soak up the flavor for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Storage: Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for slicing over salads, stuffing into wraps, or tossing into rice bowls.
- Freezing: Marinated (uncooked) chicken can be frozen right in the bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. No extra prep needed. Cooked chicken can also be frozen for up to 2 months, though it’s best fresh for texture.
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Margarita Chicken
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:
- In a large zip-top bag or shallow dish, add olive oil, cilantro, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, margarita mix, lime juice, orange juice, tequila (if using), minced garlic, and apricot preserves. Mix well.
- Place the chicken breasts into the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and gently move the chicken around to coat all sides evenly.
- Lay flat in the fridge and marinate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours for the best flavor.
Margarita Grilled Chicken Recipe:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Remove chicken from marinade and discard the remaining marinade.
- Grill chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
How To Make This On The Stove
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and place in the hot pan. Cook for 2 minutes on each side, until lightly browned.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing or 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.
Equipment
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
Ooooo this looks so tasty. I have bookmarked the recipe and will try it soon.
This is one I will definitly try. Looks super tasty and easy enough for a weeknight!
This looks healthy and delicious. Quality ingredients make all the difference! Yum!`
Margarita chicken is one of my favorite dishes to get when we go out! Can’t wait to try this at home!
This sounds delicious!!!! I need to get out of my current teriyaki chicken rut.
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!
Sounds so summery and refreshing! I can’t wait to try this recipe 🙂
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
Yum! This chicken looks delicious. Love Pompeian. 🙂
This looks delicious and still healthy! I may have to try this when I’m back at school
I am loving this recipe – definitely saving to make ASAP!
Oh wow! That sounds like the perfect summer meal!! Definitely going to have to try this one!