Zesty Margarita Grilled Chicken with Black Beans
Enjoy a delightful weekend meal with our Zesty Margarita Grilled Chicken! Marinated in a tangy margarita mix, this succulent chicken is perfect for warm evenings. This no-fuss recipe allows you to marinate the chicken while you tackle other weekend tasks. Grill it to perfection and serve it over a bed of hearty black beans, paired with Mexican rice and refreshing Pico de Gallo for a satisfying feast that's just as good as dining out, but far more budget-friendly!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (Trimmed and patted dry)
liquid margarita mix
1 cup (For marinating)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a bowl, pour the margarita mix over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
2
Once marinated, remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
3
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a George Foreman grill, preheat according to the manufacturer's instructions.
4
Drain the excess marinade and generously dust both sides of the chicken breasts with fresh ground black pepper.
5
Grill the chicken on the prepared grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken has nice grill marks.
6
If you don't have a grill, heat an iron skillet over medium-high heat and spray it lightly with cooking oil. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until cooked through.
7
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
8
To serve, place each chicken breast atop a generous portion of black beans and pair with a side of Mexican rice and fresh Pico de Gallo.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Margarita Grilled Chicken with Black Beans?
It is a flavorful weekend meal featuring chicken breasts marinated in margarita mix, grilled, and served over black beans with Mexican rice and Pico de Gallo.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You should marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for a deeper flavor profile.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The recipe requires four main ingredients: boneless skinless chicken breasts, liquid margarita mix, garlic powder, and fresh ground black pepper.
What is the best way to cook the chicken if I don't have an outdoor grill?
You can use an iron skillet over medium-high heat, lightly sprayed with cooking oil, and cook for 5-6 minutes per side.
To what internal temperature should the chicken be cooked?
The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I use a George Foreman grill for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a George Foreman grill by preheating it according to the manufacturer's instructions before grilling.
How should the chicken be prepared before marinating?
The chicken breasts should be trimmed of excess fat and patted dry before being submerged in the margarita mix.
What sides are recommended for this dish?
It is best served over hearty black beans and paired with Mexican rice and refreshing Pico de Gallo.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be a budget-friendly alternative to dining out while providing a satisfying feast.
Should the chicken be at room temperature before grilling?
Yes, it is recommended to let the marinated chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing it on the grill.
What seasonings are added after marinating?
After draining the excess marinade, you should generously dust both sides of the chicken with fresh ground black pepper and garlic powder.
How long does it take to grill the chicken?
On a medium-high grill, it typically takes about 3-4 minutes on each side to cook the chicken through.
Should I let the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing helps retain its juices and succulent texture.
How many chicken breasts are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Is this recipe considered difficult to make?
No, it is described as an easy, no-fuss recipe that allows you to multitask while the chicken marinates.
What type of margarita mix should I use?
The recipe specifies using liquid margarita mix as the primary marinating agent.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include grilled chicken, margarita chicken, easy recipe, weekend meal, budget-friendly, and Mexican cuisine.
Does the recipe include instructions for the black beans?
The recipe provides serving suggestions to place the chicken atop black beans, though the focus is on the chicken preparation.
Can this be a weeknight meal?
While recommended as a delightful weekend meal, its ease makes it suitable for any night if you have time for the 2-hour marinade.
Is the garlic powder used in the marinade?
The instructions suggest dusting the chicken with seasoning after draining the marinade, though it is one of the four key ingredients.
Do I need to grease the grill?
While not explicitly required for an outdoor grill, the skillet method suggests a light spray of cooking oil.
What gives the chicken its zesty flavor?
The tangy margarita mix combined with fresh ground black pepper and garlic powder creates the zesty profile.
Can I use chicken with skin and bones?
The recipe is specifically designed for boneless skinless breasts, which cook faster and absorb the marinade efficiently.
Is the Pico de Gallo cooked?
No, Pico de Gallo is typically a fresh, raw salsa served as a refreshing side to balance the grilled meat.
How do I know the grill is hot enough?
You should preheat it to medium-high heat to ensure you get nice grill marks and even cooking.
Can I reuse the marinade?
No, you should drain and discard the excess marinade that has touched raw chicken for safety.
What is the texture of the finished chicken?
When prepared according to instructions, the chicken should be succulent and juicy.
Is this a Mexican-inspired dish?
Yes, the use of margarita mix, black beans, Mexican rice, and Pico de Gallo places it in the Mexican cuisine category.
Can I make this for a large group?
Yes, simply scale the ingredients (chicken breasts and margarita mix) proportionally for the number of guests.
How should I serve the dish for the best presentation?
Place each chicken breast on a generous portion of black beans with the rice and Pico de Gallo on the side for a restaurant-style look.