Margarita Chicken Recipe: The Perfect Grilled Chicken Marinade

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase using the links that I provided. This helps support me in making more recipes to share with you all.

Check out this recipe that’s going to become your new go-to for summer grilling: Margarita Chicken.

This dish is packed with flavor and perfect for those warm evenings when you just want something easy and delicious. So, let’s dive in and learn how to make the best Margarita Chicken with the easiest chicken marinade ever.

What is Margarita Chicken?

Alright, let’s start with the basics. What exactly is Margarita Chicken?

Think of it as a delicious, tangy, and super juicy grilled chicken that’s been marinated in a mix of lime juice, margarita mix, and a few other tasty ingredients.

This recipe is inspired by the classic margarita cocktail, but don’t worry, you can make it as boozy as you want. You can add tequila to give it a subtle depth of flavor or leave it out of the recipe all together. It’s really up to you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, let’s gather everything you’ll need. This easy chicken marinade comes together with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Main Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup margarita mix
• 2 limes (zest and juice)
• 1/4 cup tequila (optional but recommended)
• 2 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

How to Make Margarita Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

First things first, let’s whip up our easy chicken marinade.

Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl or large resealable plastic bag. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This marinade is where all the magic happens!

Pro Tip: If you’re not a fan of tequila or want a non-alcoholic version, you can totally skip it and still get a tasty marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, try to let it sit for 2-4 hours. If you have the time, overnight is even better!

Do’s and Don’ts of Marinating Chicken:

• Do make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the marinade.
• Don’t marinate for more than 24 hours. The acidity in the lime juice can start to break down the chicken too much and make it mushy.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium heat. If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or even a regular skillet will work just fine. We’ll explore cooking with a grill pan later on in this blog.

Take the chicken out of the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.

Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You’ll get those beautiful grill marks and a juicy, flavorful chicken that’s to die for!

Grilling Tips:

• Make sure your grill is hot before you put the chicken on. This helps to sear the chicken and lock in those juices.
• Don’t flip the chicken too often. Be patient! Let it cook on one side until it’s ready to flip.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once your Margarita Chicken is grilled to perfection, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the lock in the juices and keeps the chicken moist.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of grilled veggies, a fresh corn salad, or some cilantro rice.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking with a Grill Pan

If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, don’t worry! I’ve been using my trusty grill pan griddle on the stovetop, and it works like a charm. Here’s how to get the best results:

• Preheat the Grill Pan: Make sure your grill pan is nice and hot before adding the chicken. This helps to get those beautiful grill marks and ensures even cooking. However, be sure not to overheat the pan as it can cause some smoking in your kitchen.
• Oil the Pan Lightly: Brush a little bit of oil on the grill pan to prevent sticking.
• Cook in Batches: If your pan is small, cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can steam the chicken instead of grilling it.
• Press Down: Gently press the chicken thighs down with a spatula to ensure good contact with the grill ridges.
• Use Stove Fan: Make sure you are using the fan on your stove to ensure that you don’t smoke up your kitchen. If there is too much smoke, you may have your heat set too high.

Cooking with a grill pan griddle is a fantastic alternative when you can’t fire up the outdoor grill, and it gives you those delicious grilled flavors right in your kitchen.

Grilling Tips for the Summer

Grilling in the summer is one of my favorite ways to cook. Here are some tips to make your summer grilling sessions a success:

• Keep It Clean: Always start with a clean grill. This helps prevent sticking and ensures you get the best flavor.
• Control the Heat: Preheat your grill and manage the temperature. For chicken, medium heat is perfect to get a good sear without burning.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: If you are inexperienced, use a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken is cooked through. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• Rest the Meat: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.

Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Marinade

Choosing the Right Tequila

Not all tequilas are created equal! For this recipe, you don’t need to splurge on the top-shelf stuff, but avoid the really cheap options too. A mid-range blanco tequila works perfectly. It adds just the right amount of flavor without overpowering the dish.

Adding Extra Flavor

Feel free to get creative with your marinade! Here are a few optional ingredients you can add to enhance the flavor:

• Honey or Agave Nectar: A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.
• Jalapeño: For a bit of heat, add some finely chopped jalapeño.
• Cilantro: Throw in a bit of cilantro for that fresh, herbaceous kick.

Marinating Tips

To get the most out of your marinade time, here are a few additional tips:

• Use a resealable plastic bag for easy cleanup and to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
• Give the bag a good massage every so often to make sure the marinade is distributed.
• If you’re in a rush, even a 30-minute marinade will add great flavor. But remember, the longer, the better!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Margarita Chicken Without Alcohol?

Absolutely! If you prefer to make this dish without alcohol, simply remove the tequila and replace it with extra lime juice. You’ll still get that zesty, tangy flavor that makes this chicken so delicious.

What to Do if I Don’t Have a Grill?

No grill, No problem! You can easily cook this chicken on a grill pan or even a regular skillet on your stovetop.

Enjoy Your Flavorful Margarita Chicken

And there you have it – the ultimate Margarita Chicken recipe! This dish is bursting with flavor, super easy to make, and perfect for your next summer BBQ or weeknight dinner.

So go ahead, give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out. And if you add your own twist to it, I’d love to hear about that too! Happy grilling!

Related Recipes

More Summer Recipes

• The Greatest Sweet Chili Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer
• How-to: Irresistible Homemade Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
• Dutch Oven Pulled Pork: Summer Recipe Made Easy

I hope you enjoy making and eating this Margarita Chicken as much as I do. Cheers to delicious meals and good times!