A savory spin on a classic summer cocktail, the Tequila Sunrise, this Chicken with Cherry-Orange Salsa is succulent, sweet and the perfect summer meal!
Hello there, friends! How’s it going?
I had a major uh-oh yesterday. I accidentally hit publish on a blog post that isn’t supposed to go live until next Thursday. So if you saw the half finished post, I apologize. Now do me a favor and erase those images and half written paragraphs from your mind until next week. Mmmm-kay? 😉
Other than that whoops, I’m fine… just sitting over here in the office at the SuBourbon Country Cottage thinking about how there is so much to love about summer.
The grilling, flowers, produce, fruit… the general and overall feeling this season brings. With so much to love, it’s a shame summer also has to bring heat and humidity.
Is it blazing hot yet where you are? It certainly is hotter than h-e-double-hockey-sticks here in N to the C… but, I’m trying to remind myself not to complain. Since we moved here from FL almost a year ago (<– time flies), I know it could be a lot hotter and the humidity much higher.
I think, general speaking, that is something we should all try to remind ourselves from time to time – things can always be worse.
Anyways, I’m completely off point. I am talented at that. 🙂
I digress.
Back to summer.
I already declared my undying love for all of summer’s fruit, and cherries are one of my favorite. I wish their season was longer though and lasted the entirety of summer. But, since it doesn’t, I knew I absolutely had to bring you a dish that featured cherries while they were still ripe for the picking.
And, me being… well, me, I figured I might as well add a bit of tequila. You know, for good measure. 😉
Tequila Sunrise Chicken with Cherry-Orange Salsa
This dish is a savory spin on a classic summer cocktail, the Tequila Sunrise. And this dish also happens to be legitimately delicious, my friends. <– Or is that kind of obvious?
Chicken + Tequila + Cherries + Oranges = No brainer
The chicken itself is succulent and tender with notes of citrusy tropical flavors and a hint of tequila. And the cherry-orange salsa is fresh, sweet and tart with a touch of spicy heat. While both the salsa and chicken are absolutely scrumptious on their own, the salsa enhances and mimics the flavors of the marinade used for the chicken and together they really shine.
The Notes:
- Disclaimer: I had every intention of showcasing this chicken grilled, but I opted to oven bake it for aesthetic purposes. The grill marks on the chicken with the salsa on top didn’t look as photogenic as the baked chicken. I have made this dish both ways, baked and grilled, and both taste delicious. I have included instructions for both methods in the recipe below.
- I didn’t quick brine my chicken because the marinade contains orange and lime juice which helps tenderize the chicken. I did, however, pound my chicken out to an even ¾’’ thickness to help it cook evenly and prevent it from drying out where the chicken was thinner. I highly recommend you do this. It takes 1 minute and really makes a difference where texture is concerned. Simply place the chicken in a large Ziploc bag and give it a few whacks with a mallet until an even thickness is achieved. Just make sure you don’t pound it out too thin, you aren’t looking to make cutlets. 😉
- The salsa can be made in advance, but as with most things, it tastes best when served the day it is made.
- I served this dish with tri-colored couscous, which is pictured.
Grilled or oven-baked, this Tequila Sunrise Chicken with Cherry-Orange Salsa is a delicious combination of sweet and savory. Make this your next summer meal, your taste buds will thank you. Until next week friends, cheers – to a wonderful Father’s Day to all the dads out there!
-xoxo-
Cheyanne
*While I totally think you should make this dish for your dad on Father’s Day, if you want something a little more “manly” I compiled a round-up last year of Dude Approved Food. Check it out here.
Tequila Sunrise Chicken {with Cherry-Orange Salsa}
Ingredients
- Chicken:
- 4 Skinless Boneless Chicken Breasts – lightly pounded to even thickness*
- ½ Cup Tequila
- ¾ Cup Orange Juice
- ¼ Cup Lime Juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 TBS Cilantro , packed
- 2 Green Onions – roughly chopped
- 3 TBS Grenadine
- 1 Jalapeno *
- 2 Cloves Garlic - peeled
- ½ tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Pepper
- Salsa:
- 1 Cup Cherries – stemmed, pitted and small dice (about 5-6 ounces)
- ½ Cup Oranges – peeled and small diced
- 1/3 Cup Red Onion – finely diced
- ½ small Jalapeno – stemmed, seeded and finely diced
- 1 heaping TBS Fresh Cilantro - minced
- ½ Lime – juice and zest
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- Glaze:
- 1/3 Cup Honey
- 1 TBS Lime Juice
Instructions
- For the Marinade: Place all ingredients, except chicken breast, in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Pulse until combined and well blended. Transfer marinade to a Ziploc bag and add in chicken. Seal and place in refrigerator overnight, turning often.
- For the Salsa: Place all ingredients in a large bowl and toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust for seasoning.
- Mix Glaze: Mix together honey and lime juice in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Preheat Oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Remove chicken from marinade and discard. Brush chicken lightly with oil and season to taste with salt and pepper. Place chicken breasts in baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken registers 160 degrees F on an instant read thermometer. Remove chicken from oven and brush with glaze. Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve chicken breasts with salsa and enjoy!
Notes
*For a mild salsa, remove seeds and ribs from jalapeno.
*Salsa can be made ahead and stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
*To Grill Chicken:
1. Prepare Grill: Light one chimney full of charcoal and arrange on one side of grill. Cover and let grill preheat for at least 5 minutes. Clean and oil grates.
For gas grill – set half the burners to medium-high setting. Cover and preheat 10 minutes.
2. Grill Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and discard. Brush chicken lightly with oil and season to taste with salt and pepper. Place chicken (skin removed side down) over the hot side of grill and cook until well browned, about 4-5 minutes. Flip over and continue to cook until chicken registers 160 degrees F on an instant read thermometer, brushing with glaze during last minute of cooking. If second side is browning before it registers 150 degrees, move chicken to cool side of grill, cover and let cook until chicken reaches proper temperature. Remove chicken breasts from grill and let rest for 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition
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I love a good fruit salsa, but the cherry sealed it for me and then on that grenadine tequila infused chicken. hold me back. Delicious!
I can’t wait for the cherries in our garden to ripen, they are still green and tiny, no wonder with the weather we’ve been “enjoying” lately. I would love to have this salsa!
You always have the most irritable flavor combos!! I am having company next week so I came over to see what new recipes you have and I love this! I can’t wait to make it!! 🙂
No worries girl, I’ve hit publish before I’ve meant to as well 😉 As with all of your incredible recipes, your combination of flavors always impresses! First of all, tequila…. uh, yeah! But then I love the citrus marinade, the cherry salsa (I’ve been eating cherries like they’ve been going out of style), and the slices of jalapeno for some heat – totally awesome!
I can’t believe I haven’t eaten any summer cherries yet! I keep seeing them at the store and forget to buy them! That will be on my to-do list for tomorrow 🙂 I love pairing sweet and savory together and this fruit salsa looks so refreshing on top of that chicken!
Love that you turned one of my favorite cocktails into a healthy and delicious summer meal. Beautiful pics!
Just consider your prepost as a little preview! I did that once and am always worried it will happen again! This chicken looks lovely! A perfect summer dinner. Hope your weekend has been beautiful!
Ummm, I really, really like Tequila Sunrises so I’m pretty sure I’m going to like this dish 😉 A little tequila for the chicken, a little tequila for me…heeheeheehee If you’re too hot where you are, come visit me and Boston. Also, I’ve totally hit publish on a half-assed, I mean half-finished post. lol! 🙂
BTW, your photos look killer girl! Love, love, love
It is flipping hot here! It’s been upper 80s, low 90s for about a week. It’s a little early for Minnesota. I’ve been wearing a lot of maxi dresses.
You pretty much had me at tequila sunrise. You always have the most rockin’ chicken recipes.
I just love the idea of cherry salsa! Beautiful post and lovely recipe. Perfect for summer 🙂
That salsa! What an awesome flavor combination.
i am on a tequila bender these days! i’ve been using it in all of my marinades and cocktails. it’s definitely my summertime muse. and i’ve been snacking on cherries all day long too. it’s like you were speaking directly to me when i saw this post. this is a MUST make for sure. looks outrageous. PINNED!
Weather is pretty cold here. I am absolutely with you in this SUMMER thing. What an ah-mazing flavor combination is going on here!! That cherry salsa is brilliant. And Tequila sunrise chicken + cherry orange salsa? Looks so dreamy, bright and delicious, Cheyanne. Cheers girl! <3
Girl, I’ve done the same thing . . hitting publish when a post was still a draft .. no worries!!! ok, I love that you were inspired by a cocktail to make this recipe! that is brilliant!!!!! and this cherry orange salsa is fabulous!!!! happy weekend, my friend!
It’s been in the 90s here and – don’t hate me- but I’ve been kinda loving it! I have a small-mini charcoal grill and this has been perfect grilling weather – and, Cheaynne, I gotta say “Chicken + Tequila + Cherries + Oranges = No brainer” as in no way my brain would have put those ingredients together – and am thinking now that you have, I so need to as your chicken looks so succulent, so delicious!
I hope it cools down – just over your suburban abode and y’all have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
What an awesome flavor combination! I think this is the first cherry salsa I’ve ever seen — how is that?! Genius! And I have totally accidentally published blog posts early, or scheduled my social media posts for a day early before the post is live and get people complaining that they can’t get the recipe…. Oi! Luckily people forgive pretty quickly when there’s good food involved 😉
It’s cooled off here which I’m fine with, because I can’t tolerate the heat too much as I get older — I get cranky! And I love that you did a tequila sunrise chicken — why stop at just tequila? 🙂 I’m a firm believer in pounding the chicken out to even thickness too so it cooks so evenly, and yours looks so juicy! And that salsa couldn’t be prettier — gorgeous dish!
Wowie Cheyanne, this chicken dish looks soooo beautiful! I love the cherry orange salsa on top – it looks so amazing, and sounds incredible! Such a perfect summer dish, with so many delicious flavours. Beautiful photos too! Pinned! <3
Thank you so much, Harriet! The salsa is really delicious! Cheers to a beautiful weekend, friend! <3
Yep – been there, done that! I would like to meet the blogger who’s never made that mistake! Ohhhh – this chicken! So pretty, so summer, so bright, so flavorful! I’m imagining a nice game of bocce in the backyard and this meal on the patio with some good friends! Done!
See that…I hit publish before I was done! Wanted to also tell you to have a lovely weekend, my friend! Try to stay cool!! Cheers! xoxo
Hahahaha! Well you are too cute when you make mistakes, Annie! Unfortunately when I make a mistake it just looks sloppy!! 😉 Thank you for the kind comment and support, you really are the best!! I hope you have a lovely weekend as well, dear friend! Cheers! xoxo
This dish looks awesome! Love the cherry salsa and the chicken looks so delicious! No worries, I did not see the post, but I’ve done that, too 🙂 Pinning! Have a great weekend!
Thank you so much, Mira!! I hope you have a great rest of the week and weekend!! And I certainly hope you and the little bun in the oven are taking it easy!! Cheers, girlfriend! <3
I love to know that I am not the only clumsy one around here!!!!! And I am with you there is just something about summer!! that changes everything!! this looks seriously delish!! hugs girl!
Hahaha. Nope I am queen of clumsy, girl! 😉 Thank you for the kind comment, G! Cheers!! <3
Love cherries any way I can get them. What a great way to use them Think I will have this chicken with a real tequila sunrise!
Oh I agree… cherries ALL the ways! 😉 Thanks for the comment! Cheers!
What a great dish! Loving all the flavours and the salsa! Perfection 🙂
Thanks, Jennifer! Cheers!
I just bought a very large bag of gorgeous cherries on sale yesterday, Cheyanne, with plans to make a cherry chicken salad. Now I gotta try this too. So many great flavors going here my friend. And the tequila. YUM! Perfect gourmet summer dish, you nailed it. Cherry salsa perfection. Wishing you and yours a beautiful weekend and sorry you’re not still at the beach. And sorry I’m not at the beach too. XO
Ohhhh cherries on sale are the best! It doesn’t happen often, but when it does I buy too many. 😉 Thank you so much for the kind comment, dear! I’m sorry both of us aren’t at the beach too! I SO wish I lived there… one day. 😉 Cheers sweetie! xoxo
Oh dude, with that uh-oh! Girl, I have nightmares about that all the time. Lol. Let me just tell you, I didn’t see a thing! 😉 Let’s just play it cool.
There is so, so much to love about the summer. Here in Maine, it’s nice and mild–in fact, it rained all week long! Lol. So there maybe the heat and humidity is kinda o-kay? 😉 Time sure does fly! And it sounds like you’re settling in so nicely in NC. 🙂
By the way, I totally just love that you turned a cocktail into a full meal–did I ever tell you how talented you are at turning one thing into another? 😉 Next up… how about pop tart ice cream?? Loving the cherry orange salsa! Two buckets for me, please. Hope you have an awesome weekend, my dear. Muah! xoxo
Lol, well you always play it cool.. so thank you for being YOU! 😉 It rained here for WEEKS preventing our vacay, so i feel your pain, Demeter!! I love NC, but one day I need to make my way up to your parts, I’ve always wanted to visit, but now I have the added incentive of visiting you!! Yay! Cocktails turned meals are where it’s at!! So glad you approve, dear! Pop tart ice cream sounds all sorts of amazing! You should copyright that before I steal it. hahahaha! Thanks for the love, lady! Cheers! MWAH! xoxo <3
I love an accidental publish! LOL! I’m sorry I missed that. N to the C definitely has it’s share of heat and humidity, but isn’t FL worse? Either way, summer is the best season ever and I love all the cherries, peaches, and other fantastic produce. I would like to sit on my patio and enjoy some of this delicious chicken grilled or baked. I would also like an additional Tequila Sunrise in a glass to go with it. 🙂
Hahaha.. YOU would love an accidental publish! 😉 FL is WAY worse when it comes to heat and humidity… which is why I said I know it can always be worse. Silly. Sitting on the patio with this dish is a great idea. And I totally ate this WITH a glass of Tequila Sunrise. Perfection. Thanks for the comment love, Rach! Cheers!
This is such a lovely summer recipe – love the tequila chicken paired with that cherry orange salsa – so many great fresh, fruity flavors all together!! And I’m with you on having some perspective that it could always be worse… so very true! Hope you have a wonderful weekend! XO
Perspective — it’s everything, right? Thank you so much for the comment, Kathryn! Now get back to your vacation, crazy! I’m honored you took time to comment!! You are the best! Cheers! XO
I totally agree, things could always be worse! It’s hot by me too, but as I get older, I come to appreciate the heat more because I just hate the cold (and snow) SO much! So bring on the hot and sticky weather! 🙂 This chicken looks amazing, Cheyanne! I love the name of it too…so fitting! And I think I could eat that salsa with a spoon. I love how fresh and flavorful it is. This is definitely my kind of summer meal! Pinned, of course!
Lol, that’s a great way to look at the weather, Gayle! Wish I could send you some of the heat, because I prefer the cold… BUT, we don’t get as cold here as you do! Grass is always greener, right? 😉 Thank you so much for the comment and pin, friend! Cheers!
No worries about hitting ‘post’ Cheyanne! I’ve often thought about that myself. The buttons are just to darn close! Oh well! Something for us to all look forward to anyway 😉 The weather is far from warm here yet. Definitely NOT short wearing weather. I have so many lovely Summer dresses that I wanna break out and it’s just not happening yet or I’ll freeze my little butt off, lol. I love the play on this classic cocktail! That cherry orange salsa looks amazing. The colours are just so pretty! I’ve never had anything like this before and looking forward to trying soon! Hey, and I just realized that you have a meal and drink all in one for #ThirstyThursday! Girl, you’re on the ball 😉 Pinned, of course! Have a lovely weekend! xo
The sad thing is I’ve done it before, but this time I didn’t notice until hours and a few comments later! Worst part is the writing was still in draft form… so it wasn’t completed AT.ALL. Oh well, I guess there are always worse things I could do! 😉 I’m sorry to hear you aren’t in summer dress weather yet! If I could send you some of our heat, I would!! Hopefully you will be wearing those cute summer dresses soon, Dawn! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you! Thank you so much for the sweet comment and pin, dear friend!! Cheers to a lovely rest of the week and weekend too you as well! xoxo
I like the way you think – it could definitely always be worse! That’s a much better way to look at this heat than my way (i.e. just complain complain complain to the husband!) haha So bad. But! It’s supposed to be gorgeous this weekend so I’m focusing on that right now!
Anywho! This chicken sounds delicious! And too fun with the tequila. I think I would also put that salsa on EVERYTHING.
Hahaha.. girl, I still find myself complaining too! I’m hoping this weekend is gorgeous and we both get to enjoy being outdoors! Thanks for the comment love, Ashley! This salsa IS good on all the things! Cheers!
Wow, what a flavorful dish Cheyanne! Chicken makes a regular appearance at our table, so I’m always looking for new ways to jazz it up. This recipe is just the ticket. I love, love, love cherries and honestly have never seen a cherry salsa. What a genius idea! I think I need to make that and cover everything in it! Thanks for sharing this one. Enjoy your weekend!
Chicken is a favorite around here too, Mary Ann! It’s so easy and takes on any flavor… gotta love that! Thank you for the comment love, friend! Cheers to you and a wonderful rest of the week and weekend!
So bright and beautiful! I would go for the baked version too since I don’t have a grill…
Glad I posted instructions for both grilled and baked then, Angie! Thank you for the comment, friend! Cheers!