Tequila-Lime Marinated Chicken Tacos with Pickled Red Onion
Soft corn tortillas filled with tequila-lime marinated grilled chicken, topped with tangy pickled red onions and fresh cilantro. This Mexican-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 90 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, aged Corralejo tequila, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup aged Corralejo tequila
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 small, thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 medium avocado avocado slices
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup aged Corralejo tequila, 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs and coat well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare pickled red onions by combining 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Heat until sugar dissolves, then pour over 1 thinly sliced small red onion in a jar. Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 4: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
- Step 6: Assemble tacos by dividing sliced chicken evenly among tortillas, topping with pickled red onion, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and slices from 1 medium avocado. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tequila-Lime Marinated Chicken Tacos with Pickled Red Onion take to make?
Total time is about 90 minutes (75 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 Marinated Chicken Tacos with Pickled Red Onion?
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 aged corralejo tequila from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tequila-Lime Marinated Chicken Tacos with Pickled Red Onion?
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 Marinated Chicken Tacos with Pickled Red Onion 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 Marinated Chicken Tacos with Pickled Red Onion?
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.
