Tequila Lime Chicken Thighs on Traeger Grill

Tequila Lime Chicken Thighs: A Flavorful Journey

For those who crave a balance of sweet and spicy flavors, Tequila Lime Chicken Thighs are the perfect culinary adventure. This recipe, inspired by traditional BBQ techniques and enhanced with a zesty twist, promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients for a Culinary Delight:

1. Main Ingredients:

   • 3 tablespoons of freshly chopped cilantro
   • 2 teaspoons of ancho chile powder
   • 2 teaspoons of sugar
   • 1.5 teaspoons of granulated garlic
   • 1.5 teaspoons of ground cumin
   • 1.5 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper
   • 1 teaspoon of chili powder
   • 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt
   • 12 bone-in chicken thighs (skin removed)
   • 1.5 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil

2. For the Glaze:

   • 4 tablespoons of honey
   • 4 tablespoons of pineapple juice
   • 3 tablespoons of tequila
   • 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
   • 1.5 tablespoons of hot sauce
   • 1.5 tablespoons of unsalted butter
   • 1.5 tablespoons of fresh lime juice

Preparation Steps:

1. Preheat the Grill:

   • Set your Traeger grill to 375°F and preheat it with the lid closed for about 15 minutes.

2. Prepare the Dry Rub:

   • In a large bowl, combine cilantro, ancho chile powder, sugar, granulated garlic, cumin, black pepper, chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
   • Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss them in the dry rub. Drizzle with olive oil and toss again to ensure an even coating.

3. Grill the Chicken:

   • Place the chicken thighs directly on the grill grates, meat-side down. Insert a probe horizontally into the center of one thigh to monitor the temperature.
   • Close the lid and cook for 15 minutes.

4. Make the Glaze:

   • In a small saucepan, combine honey, pineapple juice, tequila, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, butter, and lime juice.
   • Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until the mixture thickens and reduces by about one third (approximately 3 minutes). Remove from heat and keep warm.

5. Glaze and Finish:

   • Brush the chicken with the glaze, flip the thighs, and brush the other side.
   • Close the lid and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 10 more minutes).

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Remove the chicken from the grill and serve immediately. Enjoy the flavorful combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes that this dish offers.

Tips for the Best Results:

• Ingredient Quality: Use fresh ingredients, especially for cilantro and lime juice, to ensure the best flavor.
• Grill Temperature: Maintaining the correct grill temperature is crucial for even cooking and achieving the perfect glaze consistency.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair these chicken thighs with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables to balance the heat with refreshing, light sides.

Tequila Lime Chicken Thighs are not just a meal but an experience. The harmony of spices, the sweetness of honey, and the zestiness of tequila and lime come together to create a dish that's both exciting and satisfying. Whether for a family dinner or a BBQ party, this recipe is sure to be a hit.