Zesty Tequila-Lime Chicken Marinade
Elevate your grilling game with this Zesty Tequila-Lime Chicken Marinade, inspired by renowned chef Ina Garten. This vibrant marinade combines the refreshing zing of freshly squeezed lime and orange juices with the bold flavor of gold tequila, complemented by aromatic garlic and a touch of salt and pepper. Perfectly suited for marinating chicken breasts overnight, this recipe not only infuses the meat with a deliciously tangy flavor but also keeps it juicy and tender when grilled. Ideal for summer barbecues or any festive occasion, share this flavorful dish with friends and family to make every meal memorable.
4
Servings
210
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
gold tequila
1/2 cup (none)
freshly squeezed lime juice
1 cup (from 5 to 6 limes)
freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 cup (from 2 oranges)
minced fresh garlic
1 tablespoon (from 3 cloves)
kosher salt
2 teaspoons (none)
fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
chicken breasts
4 (boneless and skinless)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the gold tequila, freshly squeezed lime juice, freshly squeezed orange juice, minced garlic, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
2
Whisk the mixture until well combined, ensuring that the garlic and seasonings are evenly distributed.
3
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the top, ensuring the chicken is entirely coated.
4
Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
5
When ready to cook, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill or bake the chicken as desired until fully cooked.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
7g
Carbs
26g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Tequila-Lime Chicken Marinade?
It is a vibrant marinade inspired by Ina Garten that combines gold tequila, lime, orange juice, and garlic to create flavorful, juicy grilled chicken.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the renowned chef Ina Garten.
What type of tequila should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for gold tequila to provide a bold flavor profile.
How many limes do I need for the juice?
You will need 1 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice, which typically requires 5 to 6 limes.
How many oranges are required?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of orange juice, which is usually obtained from 2 oranges.
What kind of garlic is best for this marinade?
Freshly minced garlic is recommended, specifically about 1 tablespoon or 3 cloves.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is recommended for maximum flavor infusion.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
Each serving of this chicken contains approximately 210 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 26 grams of protein per serving.
Is this a low-fat chicken recipe?
Yes, it contains only 4 grams of fat per serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What kind of chicken cuts are recommended?
The recipe specifies 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, you can either grill or bake the chicken until it is fully cooked.
Should I reuse the marinade?
No, you should always discard the marinade after removing the raw chicken for food safety.
What are the primary flavors in this marinade?
The main flavors are zesty lime, sweet orange, bold gold tequila, and aromatic garlic.
What kind of salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of kosher salt.
Are there any carbohydrates in this marinade?
Yes, there are 7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer barbecue?
Absolutely, it is listed as an ideal choice for summer BBQs and festive occasions.
How do I prepare the marinade?
Whisk tequila, lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until well combined.
What is the best way to coat the chicken?
Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it until entirely coated.
Does this recipe include any fiber or sugar?
The recipe data indicates that fiber and sugar content are negligible or not specified.
Can I use silver tequila instead of gold?
While gold tequila is recommended for its specific flavor, silver tequila can be used as a substitute if necessary.
What makes the chicken tender in this recipe?
The acidic citrus juices in the marinade help to tenderize the chicken meat while it sits.
Is freshly ground pepper necessary?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper for the best flavor impact.
Can I marinate the chicken for more than 24 hours?
It is generally recommended not to exceed 24 hours as the citrus can eventually make the meat texture too soft.
Is this recipe considered 'easy'?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy marinade' with only 7 ingredients and a simple whisking process.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a mixing bowl, a whisk, and either a resealable bag or a shallow dish for marinating.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed (tequila, citrus, garlic, spices, and chicken), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How many ingredients are in the marinade?
There are 6 ingredients in the marinade itself, plus the chicken breasts, totaling 7 ingredients.
What should I do with the garlic bits in the marinade?
Ensure the minced garlic is evenly distributed when whisking so it coats the chicken thoroughly.