Recipes from the Collection of Mark and Danielle Hughes

BBQ Tequila-lime chicken tacos with charred limes

Serves 4

For marinade:
Minced zest and juice of 2 medium to large limes
1/4 cup tequila
1 tablespoon Triple Sec or other orange-flavored liqueur
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons ground dried green chile or green chile seasoning or 1 tablespoon minced pickled jalapeño
1/2 teaspoon salt
 
For chicken:
4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded 1/4-inch thick
3 to 4 medium limes, sliced into 4 wedges each
Few tablespoons tequila
Vegetable oil
 
For sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried green chile or green chile seasoning or minced pickled jalapeño to taste
 
To serve:
12 corn tortillas, plus a few extras in case of tears

At least 1 hour ahead, or the night before you plan to grill, prepare marinade. Combine marinade ingredients in a small bowl. Place chicken breasts in a zippered plastic bag and pour in marinade. Seal bag and toss back and forth to coat chicken. Refrigerate.

Up to 1 hour ahead, place lime sections on a plate, sprinkle with tequila and rub lightly with oil. Let sit at room temperature.

Prepare sauce by stirring sauce ingredients together in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.

When ready to grill, drain chicken and discard marinade. Let sit uncovered at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Fire up grill, bringing heat to medium (4 to 5 seconds with the hand test).

Grill chicken uncovered for 6-8 minutes total. Turn onto each side twice, rotating breasts each time to get crisscross grill marks. Chicken is done when it is white throughout but still juicy. Grill limes alongside chicken, turning from time to time so they soften and develop a bit of char. Remove them as ready. Warm tortillas on edge of grill, then wrap in a dish towel or foil to keep warm.

Working quickly, pull chicken into thin shreds and pile on a platter. Surround with limes, and set bowl of sauce on platter or alongside. Place wrapped tortillas in a basket. Serve immediately, encouraging diners to fill and fold tortillas. Drizzle with sauce, squeeze on warm lime juice, and enjoy.

Per serving: 652 calories, 32g protein, 36g fat (8g saturated), 45g carbohydrate, 511mg sodium, 95mg cholesterol, 4g dietary fiber.

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