Margarita-Braised Chicken Thighs

December 21st, 2011

This is going to be just a quick post.  We are with our family in North Carolina getting ready for Christmas.  We took Rachel to a huge Mall today.  Santa was there, but she chose not to sit on his lap or talk to him.  She said he already knew what she wanted . . . . I love the mind of a five year old.

This chicken is easy and delicious.  It was one of the quick meals I prepared before we left Florida.  The tropical fruit, lime juice, tequilla and orange juice give it a festive air.  Enjoy the holidays.

MARGARITA-BRAISED CHICKEN THIGHS

1/2 cup flour
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoon garlic powder
8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
Cooking spray
1 cup thinly sliced onion
5 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup dried tropical fruit
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup tequila
1 lime, thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Combine first 3 ingredients in a small baking dish.  Sprinkle chicken with salt; dredge chicken in flour mixture.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add chicken to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until lightly browned.  Transfer chicken to an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.  Add onion to pan; cook 3 minutes.  Add garlic,and saute 1 minute.

Combine fruit, juice, and tequila in a microwave-safe dish, and microwave at HIGH 2 minutes.  Pour fruit mixture into pan; bring to a boil, scraping pan to loosen browned bits.  Cook 1 minute.  Pour onion mixture over chicken; top with lime slices.  Bake at 400 degrees F. for 20 minutes or until chicken is done.

Printable recipe

7 responses to “Margarita-Braised Chicken Thighs”

  1. bellini says:

    Have a wonderful holiday season Penny. It sounds like it is off to a good start. There is nothing like the wonder of children to get you in the holiday mood!

  2. Rita says:

    I started cooking with chicken thighs this year and what a revelation; always tasty and juice; great recipe.
    Rachel is very wise for a 5 year old. Wishing you and your family Merry Christmas; enjoy your holidays.
    Rita

  3. Susan says:

    We have been eating more chicken thighs. Much preferred over the tasteless breasts. This looks so good. Enjoy your Christmas with family. Drive safely home.

  4. I think all of us parents have the crying child with Santa photos. They are my favorites, but probably best to just talk to Santa from afar sometimes. The dish looks fantastic! Sounds very summery (as we are getting our first taste of freezing rain for the year). Sure wish chicken thighs went on sale as often as chicken breasts.

    And beautiful photos!

    Happy Holidays and enjoy the family time!

  5. That sounds wonderful! Enjoy your time with your family. Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year Penny
    xo
    Penny

  6. This sounds delicious and makes me think of a recipe I used to make “Martini Chicken” – the sauce is finger licking good. Have to remember to post that some day soon – i.e. after the holidays….

  7. Big Dude says:

    You had me at margarita – this sounds delicious.

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