Tequila has quite a reputation, and so does my Grilled Tequila Lime Chicken since I first started serving it.

For most people, tequila it’s probably best known for those little shots that, when overindulged, can lead to lowered inhibitions, questionable decisions, and a morning you’d rather forget. Yep, I’ve been a witness to that scenario.

For me, tequila has another side that’s far more enjoyable. It’s a wonderful ingredient to use in cooking, especially when paired with fresh citrus, honey, and a little spice. And that’s exactly how this Grilled Tequila Lime Chicken came about.

It all started when I decided to recreate a fiesta-style chili lime chicken dish I’d enjoyed at a local restaurant. I loved the combination of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors and thought it would make a delicious family dinner.

Well, my first attempt to duplicate the restaurant’s recipe was a complete failure. But sometimes kitchen failures turn into something even better. I ended up combining bone-in chicken thighs with tequila, lime juice, honey, taco seasoning, and a little jalapeño pepper sauce. Everything went into a large zip-top bag, which I gently massaged to combine the ingredients and coat the chicken.

Sure, I could have whisked the marinade separately in a bowl first, but who has time for that!?

After a few hours in the refrigerator, the chicken went onto a hot grill. I brushed it with a simple honey lime glaze as it finished cooking, creating a delicious combination of citrus, sweetness, and smoky grilled flavor. Oh my, did this turn out good.

The grilled tequila lime chicken was tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. The glaze added just enough sweetness to balance the tangy lime and subtle heat from the jalapeño sauce. My husband enjoyed it so much that he asked me to make it again the following week. That’s always a good sign.

While I’m not recommending tequila as a cure for life’s problems, I can certainly recommend putting a little of it to work in your kitchen. This recipe is an excellent place to start.

¡Salud!

Why You’ll LOVE Grilled Tequila Lime Chicken

Sweet, tangy, and savory. Tequila, lime juice, honey, and seasonings create a delicious combination of flavors.
Tender and juicy. Bone-in chicken thighs stay moist and flavorful as they cook on the grill.
Easy preparation. Just combine the marinade ingredients, add the chicken, and refrigerate until you’re ready to grill indoors or even in the kitchen.
Delicious honey lime glaze. A simple two-ingredient glaze adds a beautiful finish and another layer of flavor.
Perfect for entertaining. A terrific alternative to burgers and hot dogs for summer barbecues, family gatherings, and casual dinners.

What You’ll Need

Chicken thighs – I prefer bone-in, skin-on thighs because they stay juicy and develop delicious flavor on the grill. Boneless thighs or chicken breasts also work.
Tequila – Adds a distinctive flavor that complements the lime and spices. I recommend blanco or silver tequila.
Lime juice – Brings bright, tangy flavor to both the marinade and glaze. Freshly squeezed is my preference.
Honey – Balances the tart lime juice and savory seasonings while creating a beautiful glaze as the chicken finishes cooking.
Jalapeño pepper sauce – Adds a mild, zesty kick. I use Tabasco Brand Green Jalapeño Pepper Sauce.
Taco seasoning – Provides a flavorful blend of spices. Spice Islands Premium Taco Seasoning is my preferred choice.

Recipe Tips

Choose your chicken. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are my first choice for this recipe because they’re flavorful and forgiving on the grill. Boneless thighs and chicken breasts work, too, but cooking times will vary.

Give the marinade time to work. Refrigerate the chicken in the tequila lime marinade for approximately 3 to 4 hours. The lime juice is quite acidic, so I don’t recommend marinating overnight because it can affect the chicken’s texture.

Keep the glaze separate. The honey lime glaze should be prepared separately from the raw chicken marinade. Never use marinade that’s been in contact with raw chicken as a finishing sauce unless it has been brought to a full boil first.

Watch the honey on the grill. Honey contains natural sugars that can burn over high heat. I recommend grilling the chicken until nearly cooked, then brushing it with the glaze during the final few minutes.

Use two heat zones. Start the chicken over medium heat to develop a nicely browned exterior, then move it to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking without burning the skin or glaze.

Check for doneness. Use a digital meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken without touching the bone. Grilled tequila lime chicken is safe to eat at 165°F, although thighs often become more tender when cooked to approximately 175–185°F.

Try a nonalcoholic substitute. If you’d rather skip the tequila, pineapple juice or orange juice makes a delicious alternative. While flavor will be sweeter and fruitier, it still pairs beautifully with lime and the seasonings.

Make it indoors. A cast iron grill pan or skillet works well when outdoor grilling isn’t an option. Brown the chicken on the stovetop, then finish cooking in a 425°F oven until it reaches a safe internal temperature.

Make extra for leftovers. Remove leftover chicken from the bone and use it in salads, tacos, quesadillas, or nachos. It’s a delicious way to turn one dinner into another.

How to Serve Grilled Tequila Lime Chicken

I especially enjoy serving this chicken at backyard barbecues. It’s a delicious alternative to the usual burgers and hot dogs, and most of the preparation can be done ahead of time.
Sweet Fiesta Grilled Corn on the Cob or a bowl of Cajun Corn complements the tangy lime glaze and smoky chicken.
Serve alongside some fresh Authentic Tableside Guacamole with tortilla chips for a delicious Mexican-inspired dinner.
A colorful, refreshing side like Corn & Black Bean Salsa balances the sweet and savory chicken.
Serve the chicken over fluffy rice seasoned with cilantro and lime for an easy, satisfying meal.
A chilled pasta salad or small side salad makes a wonderful contrast to the warm grilled chicken.
For leftovers, remove the meat from the bone and add it to nachos or a fresh green salad. A little extra lime juice makes a wonderful finishing touch. You could also remove cooked chicken from the bone and use it to make tacos, burrito bowls, or a flavorful salad.

Food and Drink Pairing Recommendations at Zigeze

Drink Pairings

The sweet honey glaze, tangy lime, tequila, and mild jalapeño heat pair especially well with refreshing drinks that balance the bold flavors. For backyard gatherings, I like offering margaritas, beer, and a refreshing nonalcoholic option so everyone has something to enjoy.

Here are some of my favorites:

Lolea No.1 Red Sangria — Agalima Margarita Mix

FAQs

Tequila adds a distinctive flavor to the marinade, especially when combined with lime juice, honey, and seasonings. The acidity from the lime juice helps change the texture of the chicken’s surface, while the tequila contributes flavor.

Absolutely! Pineapple juice or orange juice makes an easy substitute. The flavor will be a little sweeter and fruitier, but both work nicely with the honey, lime juice, and taco seasoning.

Apply most of the glaze during the final few minutes of cooking rather than at the beginning. Honey browns quickly over direct heat, so use moderate heat and move the chicken away from flames if the glaze starts to darken too much.

Yes. Preheat your oven to 425°F, then heat a little oil in an oven-safe cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken skin-side down, turn it over, and transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast until the chicken is nearly done, then brush with the honey lime glaze and continue cooking until it reaches a safe internal temperature.

Not necessarily. Cooking reduces the amount of alcohol, but some may remain depending on cooking time and method. If you’re avoiding alcohol entirely, use pineapple or orange juice instead of tequila.

Yes. Mix the marinade in advance and refrigerate it separately, then add the chicken approximately 3 to 4 hours before grilling. You can also prepare the honey lime glaze ahead and refrigerate it until needed.

Refrigerate the chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Store for 3–4 days and reheat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Yes. Allow the cooked chicken to cool, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. For the best quality, use within approximately 2 to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Grilled Tequila Lime Chicken

Recipe byAnnette (•‿•)

This Grilled Tequila Lime Chicken is marinated in tequila, lime juice, honey, and savory seasonings, then grilled and finished with a sweet, tangy honey lime glaze. Juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, they're perfect for family dinners and summer barbecues.

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Prep Time:5

Cook Time:40

Marinating Time:4

Total Time:4 45

Course: Condiments, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Latin American, Mexican

Servings:

Calories: 654cal

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

2 pounds chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on
1 cup tequila
1 cup lime juice
1 cup honey
2 tablespoons Tabasco Green Jalapeño Pepper Sauce
3 tablespoons Spice Islands Premium Taco Seasoning

Honey Lime Glaze

¼ cup honey
¼ cup lime juice

Optional Garnish

Freshly chopped cilantro
Lime wedges

Instructions

Place the chicken thighs, tequila, lime juice, honey, jalapeño pepper sauce, and taco seasoning in a large zip-top food storage bag. Seal tightly and gently massage the bag until the ingredients are combined and the chicken is evenly coated.
Place the bag in a dish and refrigerate for at least 3 to 4 hours.
Preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat, approximately 350–400°F. Prepare a cooler indirect-heat area for finishing the chicken.
In a small bowl, stir together the ¼ cup honey and ¼ cup lime juice until well combined. Set aside.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Discard the used marinade. Place the chicken on the grill skin-side down and cook for approximately 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly browned. Turn and cook the other side for another 5 to 7 minutes.
Move the chicken to indirect heat and close the grill lid. Continue cooking, turning occasionally, until nearly done. Bone-in thighs may require approximately 30 to 40 minutes total, depending on their size and grill temperature.
During the final 5 to 8 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken with the prepared honey lime glaze, turning as needed to coat both sides. Watch carefully to prevent the honey from burning.
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken without touching the bone. Cook until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.
Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and allow it to rest for approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or lime wedges, if desired.