Copycat Chili's Margarita Grilled Chicken

Name: Copycat Chili's Margarita Grilled Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 240 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 255 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless raw chicken breast tenders; 1/2 bottle Margarita Mix; 2 tsp coarse sea salt; 1 tomato (small dice); 1/4 onion (small dice); 1/2 jalapeno (seeded, small dice); 1 lime; 1 tsp salt; 1 tbsp cilantro; 1/4 cup Santa Fe Tortilla Strips; Spanish Rice; Black Beans

Chili’s Margarita Grilled Chicken is one of my favorite dishes – lime-infused grilled chicken served on top of Spanish rice and black beans – topped with fresh made pico de gallo! It’s such a refreshing summer dish – I loved it. And – the pico took three minutes to make!

When I go to Chili’s – that skillet of queso is typically calling my name – followed closely by this Margarita Chicken. It’s made easy at home with just a big ol’ bottle of Margarita Mix – from there – it’s done in minutes!

Table Of Contents

What’s in Chili’s Margarita Grilled Chicken?
How do you make Margarita Grilled Chicken?
Tips, Tricks and FAQs
What to serve with Margarita Grilled Chicken?
Other delicious copycat restaurant recipes
Copycat Chili’s Margarita Grilled Chicken Recipe

What’s in Chili’s Margarita Grilled Chicken?

The chicken is super simple – all you need is:

Chicken breast tenders
Margarita Mix – any brand of ready-made will do
Salt
You can throw in tequila but I didn’t see the need

I have other recipes for Spanish Rice and Chipotle’s Black Beans that I used for the base of the dish. The only other thing you need is pico de gallo and I had everything in the kitchen so I just made it up quick. Here’s what you need:

Tomato
Onion
Jalapeno
Lime
Cilantro
Salt

How do you make Margarita Grilled Chicken?

In a glass bowl, add chicken tenders, margarita mix and salt. Stir so tenders are coated. Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.
While chicken is marinating, make your Pico de Gallo:
In a bowl, mix together tomato, onion, jalapeno, salt, cilantro and juice from one lime
Stir pico. Cover bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
If making beans & spanish rice – make this about 20-30 minutes before you want to eat. The chicken takes less than 10 minutes to cook.
After marinating, heat grill pan (or grill or air fryer) to medium high and spray heavily with non-stick cooking spray
When skillet is heated, add half chicken tenders to grill pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Turn on your exhaust fan – trust me.
Reduce heat to medium low and cook rest of chicken tenders.
When chicken is done, prepare your bowls. Place the spanish rice in the middle of the bowl. Surround the edges with black beans. Stack 3-4 chicken tenders on top like a teepee.
Top chicken tenders with pico de gallo and tortilla strips.

Tips, Tricks and FAQs

Does Margarita Grilled Chicken have alcohol?

Nope – but you can add tequila to the marinade if you like. I say – save it for the dinner drink!

Can I marinate this overnight?

No – the acidity will start to “cook” the chicken (like ceviche) – so 2-4 hours is good. And trust me – when you bite into the chicken – you’ll taste the margarita!

Is Margarita Grilled Chicken spicy?

No – not at all! You could add pepper flakes to the marinade if you like!

How do I cook the chicken without a grill pan?

You can cook the chicken however you like – I would say stove top is probably my least favorite way – because it can dry out very quickly. My preference is the air fryer (10 min at 350 for tenders) – but if you like those grill marks – you can use your grill pan. You could also pan fry or bake.

What to serve with Margarita Grilled Chicken?

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