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Juicy, zesty, and full of flavor, these Grilled Margarita Chicken Breasts are perfect for summer cookouts or easy weeknight dinners!
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If you’re anything like me, warm weather means it’s grilling season – and that means it’s time to bring out the bright, bold flavors. This Margarita Chicken recipe is one of my go-to meals when I want something easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to please. The first time I made this was during a backyard cookout with friends, and we ended up making it two weekends in a row because everyone kept asking for it. It’s become one of my favorite ways to make chicken when I don’t feel like fussing with a long list of ingredients.
This Grilled Margarita Chicken recipe uses a quick marinade made with Margarita mix to give the chicken a tangy, citrusy flavor. It’s perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight meals, or anytime you want a no-stress dish that delivers.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with only 5 ingredients
- Quick to prep and cook
- Great for BBQs or meal prep
- Juicy, flavorful chicken with a zesty twist
- Easy to customize with spice or citrus
🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions
- chicken breasts – substitute with boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness
- onion powder – swap with garlic powder for a deeper flavor
- black pepper – try lemon pepper for a zesty twist
- Margarita mix – use any store-bought or homemade version; flavored mixes like mango or strawberry also work well
✨ Variations
- Add chili powder or paprika to the seasoning for extra flavor and color
- Grill pineapple rings alongside the chicken for a tropical combo
- Slice the chicken and serve it in tacos with slaw and lime crema
- Top with shredded cheese or fresh cilantro
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🔥 Tips
- Cut thick chicken breasts in half for even cooking
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, but no more than 8 hours
- Always rest the grilled chicken for 5 minutes before slicing
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F internal temp)
❓ FAQs
Yes! Use ½ cup lime juice, ¼ cup orange juice, and two tablespoons honey for a DIY marinade.
Thaw it first. The marinade won’t absorb properly into frozen chicken.
No – but you can add chili powder or hot sauce to bring some heat.
Yes, chicken tenders work great and cook even faster. Drumsticks work too, just adjust the grill time until the internal temp reaches 165°F.
Any non-alcoholic Margarita mix will work. You can also use a flavored version like mango, strawberry, or watermelon for a fun twist.
Yes, this recipe uses the non-alcoholic kind. If you’re using an alcoholic mix, make sure the alcohol cooks off completely during grilling.
You can season the chicken and refrigerate it overnight, but wait to add the Margarita mix until 1 to 2 hours before grilling to avoid a mushy texture.
Yes, brushing the grill with oil before adding the chicken helps prevent sticking and gives you better grill marks.
Definitely. It works great with shrimp, pork chops, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Use a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when the internal temperature hits 165°F in the thickest part.
Corn salad, Mexican rice, grilled veggies, or even a tropical fruit salsa are perfect pairings.
✅ How to Add Tequila to Margarita Chicken
Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of silver or blanco tequila to the marinade with the Margarita mix. This will enhance the citrusy flavor and give the chicken a more authentic Margarita-style taste.
🔥 Important Tips
- Alcohol content: Most of the alcohol will cook off on the grill, but if you’re serving kids or avoiding alcohol, stick to non-alcoholic Margarita mix only.
- Don’t overdo it: Too much tequila can overpower the dish or make the chicken mushy if left in the marinade for too long.
- Marinate time: Stick to 1 to 2 hours max when using alcohol in the marinade.
🌀 Optional Variation
- If using tequila, you might also want to add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a pinch of chili powder to balance the flavors.
🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
Chicken and Turkey
Margarita Chicken Tacos
Air Fryer
Air Fryer Margarita Chicken
Chicken and Turkey
Grilled Chicken Marinade
Grilled Margarita Chicken Breasts
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Equipment
- gas grill or grill pan
- grill-safe thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (about 2 large or 4 medium)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup Margarita mix, (without alcohol)
Instructions
- If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half lengthwise for even cooking.
- Season both sides with onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken in a large zip-top bag.
- Pour in the Margarita mix, press out excess air, and seal the bag. Turn to coat the chicken well.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 425°F).
- Grill chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
🥡 STORAGE
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.♨️ REHEATING
- Microwave: Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until it is warmed through.
- Skillet: Warm over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place the chicken in a baking dish with a small amount of broth or water, cover with foil, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes.
❄️ FREEZING
Freeze cooked chicken in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
- Slice thick chicken breasts in half for even cooking.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling for juicier meat.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour but no more than 8 hours to avoid a mushy texture.
🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS
- Stovetop: Sear in a grill pan over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Oven: Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
♻️ LEFTOVERS
Slice and use in wraps, salads, fried rice, or sandwiches. Also great in tacos or burrito bowls.Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
