Description

This Tequila Lime Chicken recipe features juicy, flavorful boneless chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of tequila, fresh lime juice, and aromatic spices. Baked to perfection and finished under the broiler for a caramelized touch, this dish offers a vibrant and savory meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)

Marinade

1/4 cup tequila reposado
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon ground Mexican oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground chili powder
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 tablespoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a small baking dish or an oven-safe skillet to prevent sticking during cooking.
Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag, combine tequila, olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, cumin, coriander, Mexican oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts and ensure they are fully coated with the marinade. Refrigerate and marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour for maximum flavor infusion.
Bake the chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, spreading them out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is no longer pink inside.
Broil for color: Switch your oven to the broil setting. Broil the chicken for an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until the tops develop a nice golden-brown color. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Rest and garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest in a warm place for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with any leftover chopped cilantro and lime slices before serving.

Notes

For tender chicken, avoid marinating longer than 1 hour as the acid in lime juice might start to ‘cook’ the meat.
If you don’t have tequila reposado, a good quality blanco tequila can be used as a substitute.
Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity based on your preferred spice level.
Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety and juiciness.
Serve with rice, a fresh salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking and Broiling
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (about 6 oz)
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 0.5 g
Sodium: 680 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 36 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg

Keywords: Tequila lime chicken, baked chicken breasts, Mexican chicken recipe, marinated chicken, easy chicken dinner