Tequila-Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a zesty tequila and lime mixture, perfect for summer barbecues or casual dinners. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs tequila, fresh lime juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 0.5 cup tequila
- 0.25 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 cup, chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 8, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 0.5 cup tequila, 0.25 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper until well combined.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs cubed boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, distributing pieces evenly.
- Step 4: Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges have a slight char.
- Step 5: Remove from grill and sprinkle with 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves before serving warm with lime wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tequila-Lime Grilled Chicken Skewers take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Grilled Chicken Skewers?
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 Grilled Chicken Skewers?
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 Grilled Chicken Skewers 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 Grilled Chicken Skewers?
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.
