Best Tequila Chicken Recipes

TEQUILA-LIME CHICKEN

Steps:

• Arrange chicken breasts in a baking dish; add tequila and juice of 1/2 a lime. Sprinkle 1/2 of the lime zest, 1/2 of the garlic powder, and 1/2 of the chili powder over the chicken. Cover dish with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
• Turn chicken breasts; sprinkle remaining lime juice, lime zest, garlic powder, and chili powder on top. Cover again and marinate in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Uncover baking dish and discard tequila-lime marinade.
• Bake chicken in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Sprinkle Mexican-style cheese over the chicken and continue to bake until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 10 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

CHICKEN TEQUILA FETTUCCINI

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, saute the cilantro, garlic and jalapeno pepper in 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the stock, tequila and lime juice. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until reduced to a paste-like consistency. Set aside.
• Pour soy sauce over the chicken and set aside for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, In a medium sized skillet, saute the onion and the red, green and yellow bell peppers with the remaining tablespoon of butter or margarine, stirring occasionally.
• Meanwhile, cook fettuccini according to package directions.
• When the peppers have wilted, add the chicken and soy sauce. Toss and add the reserved tequila/lime paste and cream. Bring to a boil. Gently simmer until chicken is cooked through and sauce is thick. Toss with well drained fettuccini and garnish with cilantro. Serve.

RESTAURANT-STYLE TEQUILA LIME CHICKEN

Steps:

• Combine water, teriyaki sauce, lime juice, garlic, liquid smoke, salt, ginger, and tequila in a medium nonporous glass bowl and mix all together. Add chicken and turn to coat; cover bowl and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours.
• Meanwhile, make the Mexi-Ranch Dressing: mix mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, tomato, peppers, onion, parsley, hot pepper sauce, salt, dill weed, paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, chili powder, and ground black pepper in a medium bowl and mix well until smooth. Cover bowl and chill until needed.
• Set oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler, or preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Remove chicken from marinade, discarding any remaining marinade. Grill or broil chicken for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
• Arrange cooked chicken in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread a layer of Mexi-Ranch dressing over each piece of chicken, followed by 1/4 cup of cheese blend. Broil in preheated oven for 2 to 3 minutes, or just until cheese has melted.
• Spread a bed of about 1/2 cup crumbled corn chips or tortilla strips on each of 4 plates. Slide a chicken breast onto the chips on each plate and serve.

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN CHICKEN TEQUILA FETTUCCINE

Steps:

• Prepare rapidly boiling, salted water to cook pasta; cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes for dry pasta, approximately 3 minutes for fresh. Pasta may be cooked slightly ahead of time, rinsed and oiled and then "flashed" (reheated) in boiling water or cooked to coincide with the finishing of the sauce/topping.
• Cook 1/3 cup cilantro, garlic and jalapeno in 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes. Add stock, tequila and lime juice. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until reduced to a paste like consistency; set aside.
• Pour soy sauce over diced chicken; set aside for 5 minutes. Meanwhile cook onion and peppers, stirring occasionally, with remaining butter over medium heat. When the vegetables have wilted (become limp), add.
• chicken and soy sauce; toss and add reserved tequila/lime paste and cream.
• Bring the sauce to a boil; boil gently until chicken is cooked through and sauce is thick (about 3 minutes).
• When sauce is done, toss with well-drained spinach fettuccine and reserved cilantro.
• Serve family style or transfer to serving dishes, evenly distributing chicken and vegetables.

TEQUILA-LIME CHICKEN WITH CILANTRO DRESSING

Steps:

• If using wooden skewers, soak in water for at least an hour.
• In a small nonreactive container, combine 1/2 cup of the tequila with the vinegar and lime juice. Whisk in the Lemon Oil. When well emulsified, stir in the shallots, chopped cilantro, and 1 teaspoon of the minced garlic. Pour into a nonreactive, shallow container large enough to hold the prepared skewers. Set aside.
• Using a very sharp knife, slice the chicken into 30 strips about 1/4-inch thick and 2 inches long. Thread the strips onto the soaked skewers and place them into the marinade, leaving as much of the skewer exposed as possible as you do not want the wood to soak up the marinade. Cover and marinate for 8 hours.
• Place the cilantro leaves in a saucepan of rapidly boiling salted water for 10 seconds to blanch and set the color. Immediately pat dry and refresh under cold water. Drain very well and pat dry.
• Place the blanched cilantro in a blender with the remaining 1/4 cup of tequila and 1 teaspoon of garlic. Pulse to combine. With the motor running, slowly add the canola oil, processing until the mixture is thick and bright green. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
• When ready to serve, remove the skewers from the marinade. Place a stovetop griddle, heavy-duty grill pan, or nonstick saute pan over high heat. When very hot but not smoking, add the skewers, a few at a time, and sear for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side or until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through. Serve immediately with the Cilantro Dressing on the side.
• Combine oil with the lemon shells and fresh thyme in a heavy saucepan. Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Immediately lower the heat and barely simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Strain into a clean container. Cover and store in a cool spot for up to 6 months. Use the oil for sauteing, frying, and for vinaigrettes.

TEQUILA-GLAZED CHICKEN WITH JALAPEñO

Steps:

• Mix coriander, salt, and red pepper. Sprinkle mixture all over chicken. Arrange chicken, skin side up, on baking sheet; cover and chill at least 6 hours or overnight.
• Combine orange juice, tequila, brown sugar, honey, 1 jalapeño, and shallot in small saucepan. Bring to boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer until mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Add 1 more jalapeño if more heat is desired. Cool glaze. Transfer 3 tablespoons glaze to small bowl and set aside for serving.
• Spray grill with nonstick spray. Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Arrange chicken, skin side up, on grill. Grill 15 minutes, turning occasionally. Brush chicken with glaze in saucepan. Turn chicken over; brush with glaze. Grill until juices run clear when pierced with fork or until instant-read thermometer inserted into chicken registers 170°F, turning and brushing occasionally with glaze, about 10 minutes longer. Transfer to platter. Spoon reserved glaze over.

TEQUILA-ORANGE BBQ CHICKEN BURRITOS WITH SHARP CHEDDAR, BAKED BEANS AND RED CABBAGE

Steps:

• Toast the chile peppers in a saucepan over medium-high heat, pressing them flat with a metal spatula and turning occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the chiles are tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Puree the chiles and stock in a food processor, then return the mixture to the pan. Add the ketchup, 2 tablespoons vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, maple syrup, tequila and 2 garlic cloves. Grate enough zest from the limes and orange to make 1 tablespoon each; add to the pan along with the juice of 1 lime and the orange. Reduce the heat to a low boil and cook for 20 minutes. Add the chicken and stir to coat with the sauce. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon EVOO in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook until browned. Add the chopped onions and the remaining 2 garlic cloves and cook until soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the beans and cook until heated through. Stir in the steak sauce and pepper. Combine the juice of the remaining 2 limes and the remaining 1/4 cup vinegar in a large bowl. Grate the remaining onion half into the bowl and whisk in the remaining 1/3 cup EVOO. Add the cabbage and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Drain the slaw before using. Char the tortillas for 30 seconds on each side. Place some of the chicken mixture on the edge of each tortilla, top with Cheddar, beans and slaw, then tuck in the sides of the tortilla and roll up tightly. Cook's Note: The chicken can be refrigerated in the BBQ sauce for a make-ahead meal. Reheat over medium heat, stirring. The beans and the slaw can be refrigerated separately until ready to use.
• Put the chicken in a very large stockpot or divide between 2 pots if necessary. Add the peppercorns, garlic, bay leaves, carrots, celery, lemons, onions and herb bundle and sprinkle with salt. Add enough water to cover the chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cook at a rolling simmer for 1 1/2 hours. Remove the chicken from the liquid and let cool. Strain the stock. (You should have 5 to 6 quarts stock.) Remove the skin and bones from the chicken, and shred the meat using your hands or 2 forks.

TEQUILA CITRUS CHICKEN

Steps:

• Combine the tequila, lime juice, orange juice, lemon juice, chili powder, jalapeño pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken breasts. Refrigerate 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 skin-side down 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 with aluminum foil and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature.

HONEY TEQUILA LIME CHICKEN

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients, except cilantro and meat in medium sauce pan.
• Simmer over medium heat about 15 minutes or until onions are soft but not clear.
• Cool completely. (Instead of adding water above, I add ice cubes at this stage.).
• Place chicken in a baking pan and pour mixture over the chickent.
• Marinade at least 1 hour, preferably over night. If the sauce doesn't completely cover the meat, turn it over half way through.
• If baking, pour out half the liquid and cover with finely chopped cilantro.
• Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until meat is cooked through (depending on type of meat and size of pieces).
• If grilling, then grill and add the cilantro after cooking.

TEQUILA-LIME CHICKEN WINGS WITH SPICY AVOCADO CREMA

Steps:

• Position an oven rack in the top third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
• Place the chicken wings on the prepared baking sheet. Toss with 2 tablespoons of the oil, 1 tablespoon of the salt and the black pepper. Bake until the wings are completely cooked through and just beginning to brown, about 25 minutes.
• While the chicken wings bake, prepare the tequila lime sauce. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the red onion, jalapeno and garlic and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add the cumin and coriander and cook until the spices are toasted and fragrant, an additional 1 minute. Add the tequila, lime juice, hot sauce and agave and bring to a boil. Continue to boil until thickened and slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Melt in the butter and cook the sauce 1 minute more. Remove from the heat.
• When the wings are cooked through and beginning to brown, remove the baking sheet and turn the oven to the broiler setting. Pour the sauce over the wings, toss to coat and put them back under the broiler to crisp, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Top with the cilantro and serve immediately with the Spicy Avocado Crema.
• Put the crema, cilantro, lime juice, hot sauce, garlic, avocado and jalapeno in a food processor and process until completely smooth. Season with salt. Refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to serve. Can be made 1 day in advance.

TEQUILA-CHICKEN FETTUCCINE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs, then drain.
• Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and jalapeño, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add the chicken broth, lime juice, soy sauce and tequila, bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and return to a simmer. Stir in the rotisserie chicken and heat through.
• Divide the pasta among 4 bowls. Top with the chicken mixture and cilantro. Serve with the lime wedges.

TEQUILA-LIME GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS

Steps:

• With a sharp, heavy knife, cut each chicken breast in half crosswise for a total of 6 pieces. In a large glass or plastic bowl, combine cilantro, tequila, lime juice, brown sugar, chile, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and mix to coat with marinade. Cover and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. (Do not marinate longer, because the acid in the marinade will begin to "cook" the chicken.).
• Prepare a gas or charcoal grill for direct, medium-high heat (you can hold your hand 1 to 2 inches above the cooking grate only 2 to 3 seconds; visit our Grilling Essential section for complete instructions).
• While grill heats, remove chicken from marinade, transfer to a platter, and pour marinade into a small bowl. Push your fingers under skin of each piece of chicken and rub meat with 1/2 teaspoons lime zest.
• Place chicken skin side down on oiled cooking grate and brush with marinade; cover gas grill. Cook until skin is browned but not charred, 4 to 6 minutes. Turn chicken with a wide spatula, brush again with remaining marinade, and cook, turning as needed to prevent burning, until chicken is no longer pink at the bone (cut to test), about 10 minutes longer. Transfer to a clean platter.

TEQUILA LIME CHICKEN

Steps:

• 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.
• 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 skin-side down 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.

SPICY TEQUILA SUNRISE CHICKEN WINGS

Steps:

• Whisk jalapeno pepper jelly, orange juice, and tequila together in a bowl until smooth; pour into a large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken wings, coat with the marinade, squeeze to remove excess air, and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator 4 hours to overnight.
• Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Remove chicken wings from the marinade and shake to remove excess moisture. Blot wings dry with paper towel. Discard the remaining marinade.
• Fry chicken wings in batches in hot oil until golden brown on the outside and no longer pink on the inside, 10 to 15 minutes per batch. Drain on a wire baking rack.
• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir chili sauce into the melted butter until the color is consistent; pour into a large stainless steel bowl. Add chicken wings and toss to coat in the sauce.

PRESSURE-COOKER TEQUILA SALSA CHICKEN

Steps:

• Sprinkle taco seasoning over chicken breasts; place in a 6-qt. electric pressure cooker. Combine salsa and tequila; pour over chicken. Lock lid; close pressure-release valve. Adjust to pressure-cook on high for 6 minutes. Quick-release pressure. A thermometer inserted in chicken should read at least 165°. , Remove chicken. When cool enough to handle, shred meat with 2 forks; return to pressure cooker. Serve with rice and desired toppings.

APPLEBEE'S TEQUILA LIME CHICKEN

Steps:

• To prepare chicken, pour lime juice and tequila into a sealable plastic bag.
• Place chicken in the bag and place in refrigerator.
• Marinate chicken overnight or up to 6 hours.
• To prepare salsa ranch dressing, in a small bowl mix salsa and ranch dressing.
• Remove chicken from marinade and grill over medium heat 10-15 minutes or until thoroughly cooked.
• To assemble: Scatter tortilla chips on an oven-safe plate. Place shredded chicken on top of tortilla chips. Pour salsa ranch dressing over chicken. Cover with the shredded Cheddar jack cheese. Place chicken under the broiler until cheese is melted. Be careful, plate will be hot!
• Serve with pico de gallo and Spanish rice on the side.

GRILLED TEQUILA-LIME CHICKEN FAJITAS

Steps:

• Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag; douse with 3/4 cups marinade. Refrigerate 8 hours to overnight.
• Combine the remaining 3/4 cups marinade, onion, mushrooms, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper in another resealable plastic bag. Marinate for 1 to 2 hours.
• Preheat grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Thread the onions, mushrooms, red bell peppers, and green bell peppers onto skewers. Place on the grill; cook until vegetables are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
• Place chicken breasts onto the grill and cook until no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 10 to 15 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
• Slice cooked chicken; serve alongside skewers.

TEQUILA LIME CHICKEN

Steps:

• 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.
• 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 skin-side down 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.

ROTISSERIE FREE RANGE CHICKEN WITH TEQUILA AND GRAPEFRUIT-CILANTRO MOJO, TOSTONES, AND GARLIC WHIPPED POTATOES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
• Prepare the chicken by removing the insides, washing it well, and placing it in a large baking pan or on a rotisserie. Lightly oil the chicken and roast until the juices run clear.
• To prepare the mojo: peel and segment the grapefruit and place in a bowl. Add the red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and tequila, and let the mixture marinate for 2 hours in the refrigerator.
• Peel and dice the potatoes, and cook in salted boiling water until tender. Drain the potatoes, add the heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and mash until smooth.
• To make the tostones, peel and slice each plantain approximately 2-inches thick. In a deep skillet, heat the oil to 375 degrees F. Place the plantains in the oil and cook until both sides are slightly brown. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel. Once they have cooled, using a rolling pin, mash them until they are 1/4-inch thick. Return them to the hot oil and cook until golden brown. Season with salt while still hot.
• To serve, place the mashed potatoes in the center of the plate, add the chicken on top, a spoonful of the grapefruit mojo, and decorate with a few tostones chips.

TEQUILA-LIME CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

Steps:

• Combine tequila, lime juice, honey, salt, pepper, chicken, and oil in a large resealable bag. Place in a baking dish and let stand at room temperature, turning bag occasionally, 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip back into bag; pat dry. Reserve marinade. Place chicken on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake until cooked through and golden brown, about 40 minutes.
• Meanwhile, transfer marinade to a saucepan and boil over medium-high heat until thickened and reduced to 1/3 cup, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer chicken to a serving platter and immediately brush with glaze. Serve warm or room temperature, with clementine wedges.