Margarita-Braised Chicken Thighs

June 22nd, 2017

Margarita-Braised Chicken Thighs

We have a weight loss contest going on in our household.  David and one of our New Year’s Eve gang friends, Barbara, have challenged each other to lose 15 pounds.  The first one to do so will get a monetary reward.  They both have been struggling since January 1st with a weigh-in each Monday.  They are both getting close.  It is down to just a few pounds each.  But they have decided to extend the contest to 20 pounds lost.  Needless to say, I have been challenged to put healthy low-fat food on the table.

Margarita-Glazed Chicken Thighs

Cooking Light came to the rescue with this Margarita-Braised Chicken Thighs recipe.  The spiced flour coating made the thighs crispy.  The tequila sauce, onions and tropical fruit added juiciness to the oven braised dish.  It was a real winner.  It was also quick and easy.  I served it with farro and broccolini.

Margarita-Glazed Chicken Thighs

We had this for dinner last night.  It may have done the trick, because David’s weigh-in this morning indicated 4 pounds to go to reach the 20 pound goal.  I hope no one gives Barbara this recipe.

MARGARITA-BRAISED CHICKEN THIGHS ( Cooking Light )

1/2 cup flour
1 Tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
8 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
Cooking Spray
1 cup thinly sliced onion (about 1 medium)
5 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup tropical dried fruit (I used a combination of cranberries and pineapple)
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup tequila
1 lime, thinly sliced

Preheat the 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 a baking dish coated with cooking spray.  Add onion to pan; cook 3 minutes.  Add garlic, and sauté 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.  Yield: 4 servings.  350 Calories.

Printable Recipe

19 responses to “Margarita-Braised Chicken Thighs”

  1. Penny at Enjoying The Simple Things says:

    This sounds wonderful! Go David Go!

    • Penny says:

      I’m kind of rooting for both of them. They have had fun with this and have given each other inspiration. But the money would be nice. LOL.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Well Penny, the dish looks fabulous and 350 calories per serving is wonderful; however, I am allergic to Tequilla! Any suggestions for a substitute? Don’t count me out of the race yet! I am still working hard to best Dave to the finish line! Barbara

    • Penny says:

      You can substitute full fat coconut milk Barbara. Hardly any calories. Hope it works !

      • David says:

        Coconut milk for tequilla? No, no, no, Barbara. Substitute vodka or rum to keep the alcohol theme going, and the 350 calories is for 2 thighs…you are probably only going to eat one….so only 175 calories. This dish is already in the My Fitness Pal database with a serving size of 1 thigh. How convenient is that?

  3. pondside says:

    Well done David and friend!
    This looks delicious, Penny. I will give it a try, as it looks like the sort of dish that might get a spot on my summer-favourites list. Last year I tried Ms Toody Goo Shoes’ Rosemary Fig Chicken. This sounds like a good addition!

  4. Monique says:

    Hahaha re Barbara and the recipe! Looks good and congrats on the weight loss!!

  5. Anonymous says:

    Penny, Dave and I will really have to write a book when this competition is over!

  6. Madonna says:

    This sounds delicious.

    I am so glad for David, but I am a little frustrated at how hard it is for women to drop a few pounds.

    • Penny says:

      That’s why I mentioned the tortoise and the hare. David started out like gangbusters and lost weight quickly. Barbara plodded along. But he faltered, while she steadily lost. Now they are both within 3 pounds of their goal. Should know who the winner is soon. Thanks Madonna.

  7. Chris says:

    Absolutely brilliant! I love tequilla and chicken together. Such bright flavors in this, I love it!

  8. Susan says:

    What a fun way to set weight loss goals! Good luck to both David and Barbara. I love chicken thighs and this recipe sounds like a winner!

    • Penny says:

      Thanks for the encouragement Susan. They both have reached their goals. Still waiting for Barbara to weigh in this Monday.

  9. mimi rippee says:

    This sounds wonderful. The fruit part is interesting! I like the chicken coating, too. Fun!

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