These Tequila Lime Chicken Kabobs are packed with bright, bold flavors from a tequila-and-citrus marinade. Garnished with lime and fresh pineapple, they’re grilled until juicy and slightly charred—perfect for a backyard fiesta.
Keep the celebration going with these Tequila Lime Chicken Kabobs, an ideal addition to any Cinco de Mayo menu.
Start your gathering with chips, salsa, and guacamole, then add these kabobs for a satisfying main dish. They work beautifully alongside margaritas or as the star of a taco salad or nacho bar.
Tequila naturally complements citrus, and citrus pairs wonderfully with chicken. These kabobs begin by marinating chicken in a mixture of tequila, lime juice, garlic, honey, oil, and warm spices. For best results, marinate for several hours or overnight so the flavors fully penetrate the meat, though an hour will still add noticeable flavor.
After marinating, thread the chicken onto skewers along with pineapple cubes and thin lime slices. The pineapple adds a touch of sweetness that balances the tangy lime and tequila; you can also include red bell pepper or red onion for color and texture.
Kabobs are convenient for entertaining because you can assemble them ahead of time and grill them quickly when guests arrive. A few minutes over a medium-high grill delivers caramelized edges and juicy chicken. Grilling also adds an appealing smoky aroma that enhances the party atmosphere.
Serve these kabobs in several ways: let guests build their own taco salads, set up a taco or nacho bar with chips and salsas, or plate the kabobs with rice, beans, and Mexican-style corn on the cob. Any of these options makes for a festive, crowd-pleasing meal.
How to Make
These kabobs begin with a simple, flavorful marinade that you can whisk together in minutes. Marinate the chicken to let the tequila and lime tenderize and flavor the meat, then skewer with fruit and lime slices and grill until cooked through.
If you like kabobs, you’ll love these recipes too:
- Antipasto Kabobs
- Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
- Dessert Kabobs
Grilling in spring is a joy, and these tequila-lime kabobs make it easy to host a relaxed, flavorful gathering. The combination of citrus, honey, and tequila yields juicy, slightly caramelized chicken with a bright finish.
Pair these kabobs with your favorite cocktails and finish the menu with a fun dessert for a complete fiesta.
Recipe summary and details are below.
Tequila Lime Chicken Kabobs
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/4 cup tequila
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 10 minutes before preparing kabobs
- 2 limes, sliced
- 2 cups fresh pineapple, cubed
- Additional salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk together garlic, lime juice, tequila, oil, honey, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed chicken and toss to coat.
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Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
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Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
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Remove chicken from the marinade. Thread chicken onto the soaked skewers, alternating with lime slices and pineapple cubes.
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Season the skewers with additional salt and pepper to taste.
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Grill the kabobs for about 8 minutes, turning as needed, until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
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Remove from the grill and serve immediately.