Tequila-Lime Chicken Thighs

Tequila-Lime Chicken Thighs

4 servings
With a sauce inspired by the classic cocktail, these tequila-lime chicken thighs are the easy weeknight dinner you should make when craving a marg.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 c. fresh orange juice

    from about 3 navel oranges

  • 3/4 c. tequila
  • 1/2 c. fresh lime juice

    plus lime slices for serving, from about 6 limes

  • 3 cloves garlic

    finely chopped

  • 1 tbsp. chili powder
  • 8 boneless

    skinless chicken thighs, about 2 1/2 lb. total

  • Kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 c. honey
  • 3 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • Cooked white rice

    chopped fresh cilantro leaves and/or sliced scallions, and thinly sliced jalapeños, for serving, optional

Directions

  1. 1

    In a large baking dish or bowl, combine orange juice, tequila, lime juice, garlic, and chili powder. Add chicken and marinate at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate up to 2 hours.

  2. 2

    Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess marinade drip back into dish; reserve marinade. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and wipe off garlic pieces; season chicken all over with salt.

  3. 3

    In a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Working in batches, cook chicken, turning occasionally and reducing heat to medium if bottom of pan is darkening too fast, until cooked through and lightly charred on both sides, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate.

  4. 4

    Add reserved marinade and honey to skillet. Bring to a boil, stirring and scraping up brown bits on bottom of pan, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Strain sauce through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium heatproof bowl or liquid measuring cup; discard solids.

  5. 5

    Return sauce to skillet. Add butter and cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until butter is melted, about 2 minutes; season with salt. Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over.

  6. 6

    Spoon rice onto a platter (if using). Arrange chicken over. Top with lime slices, cilantro, and jalapeño.

Tequila-Lime Chicken Thighs

Tequila-Lime Chicken Thighs

55 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Looking for an easy weeknight meal with a vibrant twist? These Tequila-Lime Chicken Thighs bring all the zesty, bright flavors of your favorite margarita straight to your dinner table.

The secret to this show-stopping dish lies in its incredibly flavorful sauce, inspired by the classic cocktail. It’s a masterful blend of fresh orange and lime juices, balanced with a generous pour of tequila, savory garlic, a hint of chili powder, and the mellow sweetness of honey and butter. This unique combination infuses the chicken with an irresistible depth that’s far beyond your average marinade.

Prepare for tender, juicy boneless, skinless chicken thighs enveloped in a glossy, rich sauce. Each bite offers a delightful burst of citrus, a savory warmth from the spices, and a subtle hint of the tequila's unique character. The honey and butter create a beautiful sheen and round out the flavors, ensuring a dish that’s both vibrant and comforting. This recipe promises an effortless yet impressive centerpiece for any dinner.

While fantastic on its own, this dish welcomes personal touches to enhance your meal. Consider serving it alongside cooked white rice to soak up every drop of that incredible sauce. For added freshness and a pop of color, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro leaves or sliced scallions. If you enjoy a bit of heat, thinly sliced jalapeños make a wonderful addition.

Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a lively gathering with friends, these Tequila-Lime Chicken Thighs are sure to be a hit. Serve them hot, garnished with extra fresh lime slices for an elegant finish.

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