You ever see a recipe photo and think “I REALLY need to make that!” and the thought just consumes you until you make the recipe? That is what I encountered after coming across the July issue of Cooking Light and their recipe for Grilled Chicken Thighs with Ancho Tequila Glaze. The photo just mocked me every time I passed it in the living room, in a store glaring at me from the newsstand and, eventually, when it was on my desk like “Aly – for the love of all things holy – MAKE. ME.”
Last week, I broke out my new favorite grill pan and it was on. I do not need much convincing when it comes to cooking with tequila (or rum for that matter), but I was smart – I didn’t turn on the gas stove until I had all the glaze ingredients in the saucepan and cautiously brought the mixture to a boil. After a near-miss inferno with the short rib enchiladas, I learned my lesson. I also went out and bought a fire extinguisher for the kitchen. I was not cooking with tequila until I was fully prepared. I have no desire to channel my inner Fire Marshall Bill, ya know. Also, to bump up the garlic flavor, I added some Mojo de Ajo in place of the Olive Oil and that was a nice touch.
This recipe was SOOO good – and, if there are any leftovers, this scrumptious chicken is perfect for tacos or quesadillas, for a killer pizza topping or even for soup. I served it with my Roasted Corn, Tomato and Black Bean Salad and it was the perfect way to bring in the 4th of July.
Now I have to ask you – what is YOUR favorite Grilling Recipe? Also – have you ever had a “near miss inferno” issue in the kitchen or do you keep your fire extinguisher at the ready.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ancho chile powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (or Mojo de Ajo)
- 4 tablespoons agave syrup
- 3 tablespoons tequila
- 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon hot sauce (depending on how hot you like it. Remember, I'm a wuss).
- 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
- Zest and juice of one lime
- Lime wedges for serving
Directions
- In a bowl, combine the ancho chile, sugar, cumin, salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss.
- Add the olive oil to the bowl and toss the spice-coated chicken with it so that everything is well coated. Set aside.
- In a heavy bottomed saucepan, add the agave syrup, tequila, hot sauce, butter and the zest and juice of the lime and combine.
- Bring to a boil and cook until it is thickened and reduced to about 1/2 cup. Keep warm.
- Over a preheated grill pan (or grill) that has been lightly coated with cooking spray (if needed), add the spiced rubbed chicken. Grill for about 5-7 minutes and then flip the chicken, cooking for an additional 4 minutes or so.
- Coat the grilled chicken with some of the agave tequila glaze and cook for a few minutes longer, until it is nicely caramelized.
- Serve with the lime wedges and the remaining agave tequila glaze.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Adapted from Cooking Light, July 2012 Issue
Gather the Ingredients
Making the Ancho Chile Spice Rub
Adding some Mojo de Ajo to the mix
Spiced Rubbed Chicken On The Grill
Letting the Agave Tequila Glaze Come to a Furious Bubble
Adding the Agave Tequila Glaze to the caramelized spiced chicken thighs
Ancho Tequila Chicken
[FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. My opinions, as always, are 100% my own]
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Twitter: creativculinary
says:
This sounds great; I’m all for cooking with booze!
My worst kitchen disaster did not involve a fire thankfully. I had put dinner on the stove; thought I turned it to low when I went to run my daughter to soccer practice. I came home to a house filled with smoke and alarms going off. Guess I hadn’t turned it down after all! Took weeks to get the walls, carpets, curtains…EVERYTHING cleaned to get rid of the smell of smoke. Smoke with protein is the worst. Lucky me.
Barbara | Creative Culinary recently posted..Blueberry Nutmeg Cake and a ‘Ripe’ Cookbook #Giveaway
Oh NO! Thankfully there was no fire but dang, smoke smell can be the worst!!! So glad that your house was okay!
Twitter: NevrEnoughThyme
says:
Oh, my gosh that looks divine! I’m all for anything involving chile, garlic, and lime.
Lana recently posted..Pickled Baby Beets with Herbed Goat Cheese and Kumquats
It is over the moon good Lana – you would love it!
That does look scrumptious! I’d love to try cooking this! Thanks for sharing the recipe for the Grilled Ancho Tequila Chicken. I’d sure be as cautious as you when I start making these babies!