Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Tequila Lime Chicken Recipe is a zesty and juicy recipe, which is made with tequila and fresh lime. It’s the perfect summer meal, ready in about 20 minutes, plus marinating time.
Pioneer Woman Tequila Lime Chicken Ingredients
- 4 limes
- 1 cup tequila
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 jalapeno, sliced
- 1/2 bunch chopped fresh cilantro
- 12 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups grated Monterey Jack
Options for serving:
- Corn tortillas
- Flour tortillas
- Grated Monterey Jack
- Pico de gallo
- Jalapeno slices
- Lime wedges
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream
How To Make Pioneer Woman Tequila Lime Chicken
- Make the Marinade: Squeeze the juice from the limes into a food processor or blender. Add the tequila, olive oil, salt, garlic, jalapenos, and cilantro. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large plastic zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag, ensuring the chicken is coated, and marinate in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off (discard the remaining marinade). Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until cooked through and nice grill marks have formed.
- Melt Cheese and Serve: During the last minute of cooking, top the chicken breasts with the grated Monterey Jack cheese and let it melt. Remove the chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve with your favorite toppings.
Recipe Tips
- How long should I marinate the chicken? For the best flavor, marinate for at least 4 hours. However, because of the high amount of acidic lime juice, do not marinate for longer than 8 hours (or overnight), as the acid can start to break down the chicken and make it mushy.
- How do I get the best grill marks? Make sure your grill is clean and well-oiled before you start. Place the chicken on the hot grates and don’t move it for the first few minutes. To get a crosshatch pattern, you can rotate the chicken 45 degrees halfway through cooking on each side.
- Can I use a different cut of chicken? Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are also a great option for this recipe. They are very forgiving and stay incredibly juicy.
- What if I don’t have a grill? You can easily cook this chicken in a hot, oiled cast-iron skillet or grill pan on the stovetop. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms and the chicken is cooked through.
What To Serve With Tequila Lime Chicken
This chicken is perfect for creating a build-your-own taco or fajita bar. Serve it with:
- Warm corn or flour tortillas
- Pico de gallo
- Guacamole or sliced avocado
- Sour cream
- Extra lime wedges for squeezing
How To Store Tequila Lime Chicken
- Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet or in the microwave.
- Freeze: Let the cooked chicken cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Pioneer Woman Tequila Lime Chicken Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450-550 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 45g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Is this recipe very spicy?
The heat level depends on your jalapeno. For a milder flavor, be sure to remove all the seeds and white membranes from the jalapeno before blending it into the marinade. For more heat, leave some seeds in.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, the marinade can be made and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before you use it.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Freshly squeezed lime juice is highly recommended for the best, brightest flavor. Bottled lime juice can sometimes have a slightly bitter or muted taste.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Roast Chicken in Dutch Oven Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Pioneer Woman Tequila Lime Chicken Recipe
Description
Tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of tequila, fresh lime, and cilantro, then grilled to perfection and topped with melted cheese.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend lime juice, tequila, olive oil, salt, garlic, jalapeno, and cilantro to make the marinade.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken in a zip-top bag and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Top with Monterey Jack cheese during the last minute of cooking to melt.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve with desired toppings.
Notes
- u003cliu003eDo not marinate the chicken for more than 8 hours, as the high acid content can make the chicken tough.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003ePatting the chicken slightly dry before grilling will help you achieve better grill marks.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis chicken is perfect for tacos, salads, or burrito bowls.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the best flavor, use a good quality silver or blanco tequila.u003c/liu003e
Pioneer Woman Tequila Lime Chicken Recipe
