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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.
Course Dinner Recipes
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken, dinner, dinner recipe, easy dinner, key lime, margarita
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinade Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 323kcal
Author Jesseca

Equipment

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.

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