Description
This Tequila Lime Chicken recipe features tender, marinated chicken breasts infused with a zesty blend of tequila, fresh lime and orange juice, garlic, and spices. Grilled to perfection and topped with ranch dressing and melty Colby Jack cheese, it offers a vibrant and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it with rice and pico de gallo for a complete Mexican-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade and Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup tequila (Camarena recommended)
- 3/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Mrs. Dash Fiesta Lime Seasoning Blend (or substitute: 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt)
- 1 teaspoon fresh black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Topping
- 4 slices ultra-thin Colby Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup Lite Three-Cheese Ranch dressing (Kraft recommended)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine tequila, fresh lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, Fiesta Lime seasoning blend, black pepper, and chopped cilantro to create the marinade. Divide the chicken breasts evenly into two large gallon-sized ziplock bags (two pieces per bag). Pour the marinade over the chicken in each bag, seal tightly, and refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours to allow the flavors to fully infuse.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade bags, discarding the marinade. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for approximately 8 to 10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
- Add Ranch and Cheese: While the chicken is still on the grill, liberally brush each piece with Lite Three-Cheese Ranch dressing. Then, place a slice of ultra-thin Colby Jack cheese on top of each piece. Allow the cheese to melt completely over the chicken before removing from the grill.
- Serve: Plate the tequila lime chicken and serve garnished with fresh lime slices. Complement the dish with sides like cooked rice and fresh pico de gallo for a vibrant and satisfying meal.
Notes
- If you don’t have Mrs. Dash Fiesta Lime Seasoning, substitute with a blend of 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp salt.
- Use ultra-thin slices of Colby Jack cheese for faster melting on the grill.
- Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the depth of flavor but 6 hours minimum is sufficient.
- Ensure the grill is preheated to medium-high to achieve proper searing and grill marks.
- Discard the marinade used for soaking chicken to avoid any risk of contamination.
