Tequila Lime Chicken

While cruising through my favorite blogs, I spotted a recipe that sounded really great....maybe it was the hot weather and the thought of a frosty margarita came to mind, maybe it was the hot weather and a margarita over with ice came to mind...either way, I knew I was making this chicken!

Mari from Once Upon a Plate posted this recipe and commented about the wonderful flavors and tender chicken.  The original recipe belongs to Ina Garten and was adapted by Mari.  She said that she has prepared the meal at least three times!  With that, I was sold...if it is on the rotation, it has to be good!  Like Mari, I had boneless, skinless chicken breasts on hand so that is what I used.

Tequila Lime Chicken

adapted from Mari at Once Upon a Plate

Serves 6

• 
  
• 1/2 cup tequila
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (5 to 6 limes)
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (2 oranges)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh jalapeno pepper (1 pepper seeded)
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic (3 cloves)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 6 split boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Directions

Combine the tequila, lime juice, orange juice, chili powder, jalapeno pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken breasts. Refrigerate overnight. (The citrus will begin the cooking process so I would suggest not marinating them any longer than overnight.)

Heat a grill with coals and brush the rack with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, sprinkle well with salt and pepper, and grill them for about 5 minutes, until nicely browned. Turn the chicken and cook for another 10 minutes, until just cooked through. Remove from the grill to a plate. Cover tightly and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature.

PRINTABLE RECIPE

The next time I prepare this recipe I will make some Mexican Rice and Pot Beans to accompany it!