Tequila-Lime Chicken Skewers with Charred Corn Salad

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken marinated in tequila and lime, grilled on skewers and served with a smoky charred corn salad for a vibrant meal. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs tequila, lime juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup tequila, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts to the marinade, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning until cooked through and slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, char 2 cups fresh corn kernels in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until blackened spots appear.
  6. Step 6: In a bowl, combine charred corn, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1 minced small jalapeño, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Toss well.
  7. Step 7: Serve the tequila-lime chicken skewers hot alongside the smoky charred corn salad.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tequila-Lime Chicken Skewers with Charred Corn Salad take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Tequila-Lime Chicken Skewers with Charred Corn Salad?

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 Tequila-Lime Chicken Skewers with Charred Corn Salad?

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 Tequila-Lime Chicken Skewers with Charred Corn Salad 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 Tequila-Lime Chicken Skewers with Charred Corn Salad?

Mexican chicken 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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