Spiced Tequila Citrus Chicken Tacos

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken marinated in a spiced tequila and citrus blend, grilled and served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings. This mexican ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, tequila, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup tequila, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk to blend.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is nicely charred.
  4. Step 4: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet for 30 seconds each side until pliable.
  6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by dividing sliced chicken among tortillas, topping with 1/2 small thinly sliced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and slices of 1 avocado.
  7. Step 7: Serve with 1/4 cup sour cream drizzled on top and lime wedges for squeezing over the tacos.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Tequila Citrus Chicken Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spiced Tequila Citrus Chicken Tacos?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tequila from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Tequila Citrus Chicken Tacos?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spiced Tequila Citrus Chicken Tacos for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spiced Tequila Citrus Chicken Tacos?

Mexican mexican like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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