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Tequila Lime Chicken

DifficultyEasy

Servings3-4

Prep Time1 hour

Cook Time20 minutes

Total Time1 hour30 minutes

Reminiscent of Friday nights at Applebee’s in my youth, this tequila and lime marinated chicken has a helping of nostalgia, too.

Ingredients

For the Chicken :

  • 4-5 (about 1.5-1.75 lbs.) Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
  • 3 T. Fresh Lime Juice
  • 2 T. Tequila
  • 1 Clove Garlic, grated or pressed
  • 1 T. Olive Oil
  • 1 T. Honey
  • 1 1/4 t. Kosher Salt
  • 1 t. Chili Powder
  • 1/2 t. Cumin
  • 1/4 t. Coriander
  • 1/4 t. Oregano
  • Pinch Cayenne
  • 4-5 Slices Colby Jack Cheese

Mexi-Ranch:

  • 1/2 C. Ranch Dressing
  • 2 T. Salsa
  • 2 t. Lime Juice
  • Salt, to taste

To Serve:

  • Tortilla Strips
  • Pico de Gallo
  • Cilantro, chopped
  • Lime Wedges
  • Mexican Rice

Instructions

Make the Marinade

  • 1

    In a measuring cup, combine the lime juice, tequila, soy sauce, olive oil, honey, chili powder, cumin, salt, coriander, and cayenne. Whisk to combine.

  • 2

    In a zipper bag, add the chicken. Pour the marinade into the bag. Close the bag and squish the ingredients together so the chicken is fully coated. Marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour.

Make the Mexi-Ranch

  • 1

    In a small bowl combine the ranch, salsa, lime, and salt. Whisk to combine. Set aside.

For the Chicken

  • 1

    Preheat the broiler. Set a cooking rack at the highest level. 

  • 2

    Line a baking sheet with foil. Set a cooking rack on top. Spray it with non-stick spray. Set aside.

  • 3

    Place the chicken pretty side up on the rack and place under the broiler. Broil for 7 minutes, remove from the oven and broil for an additional 7 minutes.

  • 4

    Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Turn the chicken to the pretty side up once again. Top the chicken with a generous spoonful of the Mexi-ranch and top it with the cheese. Return it to the broiler for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown. The chicken is done with it reaches 165 degrees.

To Serve

  • 1

    Scatter some tortilla strips on the plate. Place the finished chicken on top. Spoon pico de Gallo over the chicken, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro, and with a wedge of lime. Serve alongside a spoonful of Mexican rice. Have a margarita while you’re at it too. Enjoy!

Notes

You can substitute any cheese you like. Pepper Jack also works nicely here.

Whip up my easy Winter Pico de Gallo or use store bought to save a step.

Pre-made Tortilla Strips can usually be found in the salad dressing section.

Alternatively, you can grill the chicken instead. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

The original Applebee’s dish uses chicken breasts. Boneless skinless thighs are more flavorful and forgiving.