Zesty Tequila Lime Grilled Chicken with Creamy Dressing
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this Zesty Tequila Lime Grilled Chicken recipe. Marinated in a lively blend of low-sodium teriyaki sauce, fresh lime juice, and a hint of tequila, this lower-fat dish is bursting with flavor. Topped with a creamy, spicy dressing and melted cheese, the chicken is served over a crunchy bed of crumbled corn chips, adding a delightful texture. Perfect for a casual gathering or a family meal, this recipe is sure to impress without the guilt.
4
Servings
275
Calories
28
Ingredients
Ingredients
water
1 cup (none)
low-sodium teriyaki sauce
1/3 cup (none)
fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
minced garlic
2 teaspoons (fresh or jarred)
liquid smoke
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon (none)
tequila
1/4 teaspoon (none)
low-fat mayonnaise
1/4 cup (none)
low-fat sour cream
1/4 cup (none)
milk
1 tablespoon (none)
minced tomatoes
2 teaspoons (fresh or canned)
white vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
minced canned jalapeno peppers
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
minced onion
1 teaspoon (fresh or dehydrated)
dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon (none)
hot sauce
1/4 teaspoon (none)
dried dill weed
1/8 teaspoon (none)
paprika
1/8 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
cumin
1/8 teaspoon (none)
chili powder
1/8 teaspoon (none)
additional salt
1/8 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1 dash (none)
garlic powder
1 dash (none)
boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (cut into breast fillets)
shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend
1 cup (none)
corn chips
2 cups (crumbled)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the water, low-sodium teriyaki sauce, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, liquid smoke, salt, ground ginger, and tequila until well combined.
2
Add the boneless skinless chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
3
While the chicken marinates, prepare the creamy dressing by mixing together the low-fat mayonnaise, low-fat sour cream, milk, minced tomatoes, white vinegar, minced jalapenos, minced onion, dried parsley, hot sauce, dill weed, paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, chili powder, and additional salt. Cover and cool in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
4
Preheat your grill over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill each breast for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
5
Once cooked, arrange the grilled chicken in a baking dish. Brush generously with the prepared creamy dressing and sprinkle with the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend.
6
Broil the chicken in the oven for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
7
Serve the cheesy tequila lime chicken on a bed of crumbled corn chips for an extra crunch. Pair with Spanish rice and your choice of pico de gallo or salsa for the full experience.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
18g
Carbs
21.25g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in the Zesty Tequila Lime Grilled Chicken?
The primary protein used is one pound of boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into fillets.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should be covered and refrigerated in the marinade for 2-3 hours to allow flavors to meld.
What are the main components of the chicken marinade?
The marinade consists of water, low-sodium teriyaki sauce, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, liquid smoke, salt, ground ginger, and tequila.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the cooked chicken?
The chicken should be grilled until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Is this recipe considered a low-fat option?
Yes, the recipe uses low-fat mayonnaise, low-fat sour cream, and skinless chicken breast to keep the fat content lower.
How many calories are in one serving of this dish?
Each serving contains 275 calories.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
A blend of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese is used to top the chicken.
How is the creamy dressing prepared?
It is made by mixing low-fat mayonnaise, low-fat sour cream, milk, minced tomatoes, white vinegar, jalapenos, onion, and various spices including cumin and chili powder.
What adds the crunch to this dish?
The chicken is served over a bed of 2 cups of crumbled corn chips for added texture.
How long should the chicken be grilled on each side?
The chicken should be grilled for 3-5 minutes per side over medium heat.
What is the final step before serving the chicken?
The final step is to broil the chicken in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Does the recipe actually contain tequila?
Yes, the marinade includes 1/4 teaspoon of tequila.
How much protein is provided per serving?
Each serving provides 21.25 grams of protein.
What are the suggested side dishes for this meal?
It is recommended to pair the chicken with Spanish rice and pico de gallo or salsa.
How much fat is in a single serving?
There are 12.5 grams of fat per serving.
What type of jalapenos should be used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of minced canned jalapeno peppers.
Are there any specific spices in the dressing?
Yes, the dressing includes dried parsley, dill weed, paprika, cayenne pepper, cumin, and chili powder.
Can I use fresh or dehydrated onions?
The recipe allows for either fresh or dehydrated minced onion.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 28 ingredients in total for this recipe.
What type of vinegar is required for the dressing?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 teaspoons of white vinegar.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 18 grams of carbohydrates.
Is liquid smoke necessary for this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke is used in the marinade to provide a smoky flavor profile.
How much fiber does this dish contain?
There are 2 grams of fiber per serving.
What kind of tomatoes should be used?
You can use either fresh or canned minced tomatoes for the dressing.
Should the dressing be refrigerated?
Yes, the dressing should be covered and cooled in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
What is the purpose of the ground ginger in the marinade?
Ground ginger adds a layer of spice and depth to the zesty lime and tequila marinade.
Is there milk in the dressing?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of milk is added to help achieve the creamy consistency of the dressing.
What type of teriyaki sauce is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for low-sodium teriyaki sauce.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be minced and can be either fresh or from a jar.