We’re heading into the sunny season, and if there’s one meal on our menu that truly marks the shift from spring to summer, it’s this one. Margarita Chicken is one of those dishes that just feels like warm weather. Don’t get me wrong—margaritas are a year-round vibe (no arguments here), but the bright flavors, the fresh ingredients, the way it all comes together—it’s the perfect way to ease into enjoying those longer, warmer days.

This meal has a lot going for it, but I wanted to highlight the elements that I think really make it shine. 

If you’ve been with us for a while, there’s a good chance you’ve tried our forbidden rice. But if you haven’t, you’re in for a treat. It’s not only stunning on the plate—creating a gorgeous contrast with the golden-seared chicken and bright mango salsa—it’s also one of my personal favorites flavor-wise. Black rice has a nuttier taste and a chewier texture than traditional white rice, so it holds up beautifully to the juicy chicken and toppings. It’s sturdy and seriously delicious. 

Next up: the mango salsa. It’s a colorful mix of mango, red bell pepper,  red onion, and just a touch of jalapeño for a subtle kick. It hits all the right notes—sweet, tangy, spicy—and adds such a pop of color and flavor to the dish. 

And of course, we can’t talk Margarita Chicken without talking about the margarita part. The tequila lime marinade is the heart of this meal. It infuses the chicken with citrusy brightness and just the right amount of depth from the tequila, resulting in incredibly juicy, flavorful chicken.  

If you have access to a grill, we definitely recommend using it to get those nice grill marks. But if you’re cooking inside, pan-searing works just as well. Just make sure you get a good sear on the outside to really lock in the flavor.

One quick note: because the marinade has agave in it, the chicken might naturally char a bit on the outside as it cooks, especially in a skillet. That’s normal and actually adds great flavor. If you do it inside, you just may have to adjust the temperature as you cook.

We’re featuring the Margarita Chicken meal on our May 5th menu, but if you want to try it at home, you’re in luck. We’re including the tequila lime marinade recipe below. It’s so easy to make, it honestly might become your go-to for chicken all summer long.