Citrus-tequila poached chicken

If you only associate tequila with boozy nights with friends, it’s time to change your perspective. Tequila is perfect in a bevy of cocktails, but also works great when cooking.

This is a quick marinade that’s best on chicken but delicious on fish too.

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Servings: 4


Ingredients:

  • 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 to 2 ounces blanco tequila
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted, ground
  • 2 avocados, peeled, pitted
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/2 cup chopped jicama, in 1/4-inch dice
  • 8 to 12 grape tomatoes, roughly chopped (should remain in good-size pieces)
  • Cilantro, chopped

Direction

  1. Put the chicken in a shallow dish or nonreactive pan. Whisk the orange juice, olive oil, tequila, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and cumin together in a measuring cup. Pour over the chicken. Allow to rest, 10 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, for the guacamole, put the remaining garlic and the lime juice in a small bowl. Add the avocado, mashing with a fork. Keep it coarse and chunky. Stir in the jicama and tomatoes. Season with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir in cilantro to taste.
  3. Transfer chicken and marinade to a large skillet; cook over medium heat until chicken is done, turning once, about 12 minutes. Serve chicken topped with generous portion of guacamole. (If you like, reduce the cooking liquid for a sauce, about 5 minutes.)