Chili’s Margarita Grilled Chicken (Copycat)

Margarita Grilled Chicken is one of the. most popular items on Chilis menu.

This copycat recipe uses tequila and and lime juice in the marinade to mimic the flavors of the original. If you follow the weight watchers program this margarita grilled chicken comes in at 1 point per chicken breast.

This leaves you plenty of room to add the sides you prefer. I served it with Mexican rice and black beans, topped with a corn and tomato pico de gallo (You can find the pico recipe in the post below).

I hope you enjoy this recipe, and please let me know if you pair it with anything interesting down in the comments, I’m always looking for new combinations!

And if you are as obsessed with copycat recipes as I am, be sure to check out my collection of the best copycat recipes from around the web.

Why you should try this recipe

This Margarita Grilled Chicken (Chili’s) is really healthy, it is packed with protein and comes in at less than 200 calories per serving.

It is also really easy to make. Just marinate the chicken breasts in a Ziploc bag, allowing for the preparation of multiple portions.

As for the marinade, we will make a few adjustments to the classic Margarita mix. First, we will use a small portion of white tequila solely for flavoring. The citrusy touch will be enhanced with lime zest and a generous amount of lime juice. To achieve the drink’s characteristic sweetness, a pinch of stevia will be added.

Servings: 2

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Rest time: 2 hours

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 150g each)
• 1 fl oz white tequila, 30 ml
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon of Stevia powder, 2 g.
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Salt to taste

Optional Accompaniments:

• Pico de Gallo (see recipe below)
• Mexican rice or mexican cauliflower rice
• Black beans

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the white tequila, garlic powder, black pepper, stevia powder, lemon zest, lime juice. Stir well to create the marinade.

2. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it is evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.

5. Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.

6. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.

Serve the Margarita Grilled Chicken with optional accompaniments: Pico de Gallo, Mexican cauliflower rice, and black beans.

Optional Pico de Gallo Recipe: Ingredients:

• 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
• 2 tablespoons of corn
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño pepper, corn, and fresh cilantro.
2. Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper.
3. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Allow the Pico de Gallo to sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Enjoy your flavorful Margarita Grilled Chicken with the delicious optional accompaniments!

Variations and Substitutions

1. Salmon Variation: Swap out the chicken breast for salmon fillets. The citrus marinade works wonderfully with salmon, imparting a fabulous flavor to the fish.

2. Orange Twist: Add a subtle variation by incorporating orange juice and orange zest instead of lime. The tangy and vibrant notes of orange complement the dish beautifully.

3. Mexican Cauliflower Rice: Serve the recipe with Mexican rice, but instead of traditional rice, use sautéed cauliflower rice mixed with tomato paste, as we did in the Fiesta Lime Chicken recipe (I still haven’t found this recipe published on the page). This option provides a low-carb alternative packed with flavor.

4. Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a touch of chili powder or red pepper flakes to the marinade. It will give the dish a delicious spicy twist.

Tips and Tricks Section for Margarita Grilled Chicken

1. Marinating Time: A basic trick for great chicken (and applicable to various cooking methods) is to marinate it for a minimum of two hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and enhances its taste.

2. Draining Before Grilling: Prior to placing the chicken breast fillets on the grill, drain them slightly. This helps remove excess marinade, preventing flare-ups and ensuring even cooking.

3. Hot Grill for Searing: Ensure that the grill is fully heated before grilling the chicken. A hot grill allows for proper searing, resulting in a deliciously caramelized exterior and juicy interior.

4. Quick Accompaniments: For convenient side dishes, you can use canned black bean soup, which speeds up the recipe preparation. Simply drain some of the liquid from the beans, season them with a touch of cumin, and they’ll turn out perfect.

Related Recipes

Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice Copycat Recipe