This marinade is also good with flank steak and grilled fish.
Ingredients
- 2 (1-ounce) packages cilantro leaves
- 5 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 shallot, roughly chopped
- 1/2 serrano pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted cumin seeds
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup tequila
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 chicken leg quarters (or 6 pieces chicken thighs and legs, bone-in and skin-on)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh cilantro sprigs, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Directions
Combine the first 10 ingredients in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Place the chicken pieces in a baking dish or zip-top plastic bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Marinate for 2 hours, or up 4 hours, turning occasionally to coat.
Preheat the grill to medium.
Remove meat from marinade, discarding the marinade, and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Lightly season the chicken pieces with additional salt and pepper on both sides. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes on the first side. Turn and cook an additional 8 to 10 minutes. Turn chicken, as needed to keep from burning and to get grill marks until chicken is cooked through and tender, about 25 to 30 minutes total for thighs and legs and 35 to 40 minutes for chicken leg quarters. (An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken should register 165 degrees F, when fully cooked through.)
Remove chicken from the grill and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish chicken with fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges before serving.
Photo: Cilantro-Tequila Grilled Chicken Recipe
















Review This Recipe
You must be logged in to review this recipe.
or Sign Up to Review
Newest Ratings and Reviews
Read all 37 reviews
By casabrasilcafe
palm Harbor, fl
on March 26, 2013
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
I made the recipe with chicken breast. Awesome taste.
By caseykins86
Toledo, OH
on October 21, 2011
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
Very nice! Found a use for all the cilantro I have.
By lev96
Bala Cynwyd, PA
on June 10, 2010
Flag
Flag This Review?
Please provide the reason why you think this review is inappropriate.
or Cancel
Delicious, unique and flavorful grilled chicken. Other people have said they thought it lacked flavor, but the only reason I can imagine is the tequila doesn't come through strongly. If someone is expecting " tequila drunken" chicken, this isn't it. However, this is packed with flavor and the tequila adds a nice layer. Probably the best barbecued chicken I've had without having a sloppy sauce.
Read all 37 reviews