Best 5 Grilled Citrusy Tequila Chicken Thighes Recipes

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Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of grilled citrusy tequila chicken thighs, a culinary symphony where succulent chicken meets the vibrant zest of citrus and the subtle warmth of tequila. This delectable dish promises a fiesta of flavors, perfect for a backyard barbecue or an intimate dinner gathering.

Savor the explosion of taste as the chicken, marinated in a tantalizing blend of citrus juices, tequila, garlic, and herbs, is grilled to perfection, resulting in a tender and juicy interior enveloped by a crispy, caramelized exterior. The delightful aroma of citrus and tequila infuses the air, beckoning you to take a bite.

Accompanying the chicken are three complementary recipes that elevate the dining experience. Prepare a refreshing and vibrant citrus salad, bursting with the sweetness of oranges and grapefruit, the tanginess of lime, and the aromatic freshness of mint. The salad's lightness provides a perfect balance to the richness of the chicken.

Elevate your grilled chicken with a creamy and flavorful avocado sauce, a delightful combination of ripe avocados, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of jalapeño for a subtle kick. The sauce adds a luscious richness to the chicken, enhancing its savory notes.

For a satisfying side dish, whip up a batch of roasted sweet potatoes, caramelized to perfection with a hint of cinnamon and honey. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs wonderfully with the citrusy chicken, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

GRILLED TEQUILA LIME CHICKEN



Grilled Tequila Lime Chicken image

Also known as "margarita chicken," this tequila lime chicken is loaded with bright Southwestern flavor.

Provided by Jennifer Segal

Categories     Dinner

Time 20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons tequila
1 tablespoon lime zest, from about 2 limes
4 cloves garlic, minced
1¼ teaspoons ground ancho chili pepper
½ teaspoon ground coriander
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
1¼ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons honey
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or about 2 pounds), pounded to an even ½-inch thickness
1 lime, sliced into wedges, for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Combine all of the ingredients except for the chicken breasts in a 1-gallon freezer bag. Close the bag and squish the marinade around to mix. Add the chicken breasts and massage the marinade into the meat until evenly coated. Seal the bag and place it in a bowl in the refrigerator (the bowl protects against leakage); marinate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  • Clean the grill and preheat to high. Lightly dip a wad of paper towels in vegetable oil and, using tongs, carefully rub over the grates several times until glossy and coated. (Alternatively, you can spray the grates with a non-flammable cooking spray.) Place the chicken breasts on the grill and spoon any remaining marinade from the bag over top. Grill, covered, for 2 to 3 minutes per side (turning only once). Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 chicken breast, Calories 399, Fat 16g, Carbohydrate 5g, Protein 51g, SaturatedFat 3g, Sugar 3g, Fiber 1g, Sodium 1015mg, Cholesterol 151mg

GRILLED CITRUS MARINATED CHICKEN THIGHS



Grilled Citrus Marinated Chicken Thighs image

Provided by Dave Lieberman

Categories     main-dish

Time 55m

Yield about 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 1/2 to 3 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on, trimmed of excess fat
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 to 1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 orange, zested and juiced
1 lime, zested and juiced
Few dashes cayenne pepper
10 sprigs fresh thyme

Steps:

  • Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. In a non-reactive baking dish large enough to hold all the chicken to marinate, whisk together the vegetable oil, citrus zests and juices, cayenne pepper and the thyme. Add the chicken thighs and turn to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to a couple hours in the refrigerator.
  • Preheat the grill. Remove the chicken from marinade and let excess drip back into dish. Place chicken on the hot grill, without overcrowding the pieces. Grill until fully cooked through, turning occasionally, about 15 minutes total, depending on how hot your grill is. Serve immediately.

TEQUILA CITRUS CHICKEN



Tequila Citrus Chicken image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time 8h35m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup gold tequila
1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lime juice (8 limes)
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (4 oranges)
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons seeded and minced jalapeno pepper (2 peppers)
2 tablespoons minced garlic (6 cloves)
4 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
3 whole (12 split) boneless chicken breasts, skin on
Olive oil, for brushing the grill

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.

GRILLED MEDITERRANEAN-INSPIRED CITRUS CHICKEN THIGHS



Grilled Mediterranean-Inspired Citrus Chicken Thighs image

Citrus/herb flavored chicken thighs. Serve with couscous or orzo and freshly steamed vegetables. I like to serve this with the Orzo with Parmesan and Basil recipe on this site by DODIEPAJER.

Provided by westcoastcook

Categories     Chicken Thighs

Time 45m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 6

¼ cup olive oil
2 medium lemons, juiced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
¼ teaspoon ground thyme
freshly ground black pepper to taste
½ pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Steps:

  • Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, and pepper together in a bowl and pour into a resealable plastic bag. Add chicken thighs, coat with the marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate.
  • Remove chicken thighs from the marinade and shake off excess. Discard the remaining marinade.
  • Cook until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 4 to 7 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 417.3 calories, Carbohydrate 11.8 g, Cholesterol 69.8 mg, Fat 35.3 g, Fiber 4.8 g, Protein 20.5 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 68.8 mg

TEQUILA-GLAZED GRILLED CHICKEN THIGHS



Tequila-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs image

Sticky-delicious chicken that will be a standout at a BBQ party. If you wish not to use tequila, you can substitute 1/3 cup pineapple juice.

Provided by weekend cooker

Categories     Chicken Thigh & Leg

Time 1h

Yield 6 chicken thighs, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

6 bone-in chicken thighs, skinned
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon dried chipotle powder
3/4 cup pineapple juice
1/3 cup tequila
1/4 cup honey
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons water
2 teaspoons grated lime rind
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Steps:

  • Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  • Combine the first 4 ingredients in a small bowl, and rub evenly over chicken.
  • Bring the pineapple juice, tequila, and honey to a boil in a small saucepan, and cook until reduced to 1/4 cup (about 10 minutes).
  • Combine cornstarch and 2 teaspoons water in a small bowl, and stir well.
  • Add cornstarch mixture to juice mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk.
  • Bring to a boil, and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  • Remove from heat, and stir in lime rind, lime juice, and red pepper.
  • Place chicken on grill rack coated with cooking spray, cover and grill in direct heat for 5 minutes on each side, basting occasionally with juice mixture.
  • Move chicken to indirect heat, cover and grill 5 minutes on each side, or until done, basting occasionally.

Tips:

- When marinating the chicken, use a glass or ceramic dish instead of metal, as metal can react with the acid in the marinade and alter the flavor of the chicken. - To ensure that the chicken cooks evenly, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) before removing it from the grill. - If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the chicken in a grill pan over medium heat. - Serve the chicken with your favorite sides, such as rice, beans, or grilled vegetables.

Conclusion:

This grilled citrusy tequila chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer cookout. The marinade infuses the chicken with a zesty, citrusy flavor, making it a refreshing and flavorful meal. The chicken is also very tender and juicy, thanks to the moistening effects of the marinade. Whether you're a seasoned griller or a beginner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So fire up your grill and give it a try!

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