Tequila-Lime Marinated Grilled Chicken Skewers
Tender chicken skewers marinated in zesty lime juice and tequila, grilled to smoky perfection and perfect for summer gatherings. This Mexican-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 27 minutes, pairs chicken breast, tequila, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast
- 1/4 cup tequila
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 8 soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup tequila, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb chicken breast cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated chicken cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers evenly.
- Step 4: Place skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred at edges.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tequila-Lime Marinated 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 Marinated 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 chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tequila-Lime Marinated 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 Marinated 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 Marinated 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.
