Margarita Grilled Chicken and Corn on the Cob with Lime Butter

This recipe makes some seriously flavorful, moist chicken.  I made it last night for our 4th of July EVE celebration.  I made it all outside on the grill so that I didn’t heat up the house.  Give it a try.  You could start marinating the chicken this morning and grill it tonight when the sun begins to go down.
Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup gold tequila
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (5 to 6 limes)
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (2 oranges)
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tbsp minced fresh jalapeno pepper (1 pepper seeded)
• 1 tbsp minced fresh garlic (3 cloves)
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• chicken breasts

Directions:
One at a time place chicken breasts in a sturdy plastic bag and pound to 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.  You want the same thickness throughout the piece of meat. so that they cook evenly and quickly.  This way the chicken does not dry out.
To the bag, add tequila, lime juice, orange juice, chili powder, cumin, jalapeno, garlic, salt and pepper.  Place chicken in the bag and close securely.  Distribute marinade so that all meat is covered and place in the refrigerator for at least 6-8 hours or overnight.
Grill over medium heat about 5 minutes per side or until internal temperature is 165 degrees.  Brush with marinade a couple of times while grilling.
You could serve as meat for fajitas or just a meat course with vegetables and corn on the cob along side and black beans (recipe below).
Grilled Corn with Lime Butter

Ingredients:

• 1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley leaves
• 1/2 lime, zest and juice
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 1/4  teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 5  ears of corn, shucked and cleaned

Directions:
Rub each ear of corn with lime butter and wrap in foil.  Place on the grill for 15-20 minutes turning frequently.
Easy Black Beans
Ingredients:

• 1 large can black beans
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced fine
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp catsup

Directions:
In a medium pot, sauté onions in 2 tbsp butter until translucent.  Add in beans and spices and simmer for about an hour. 
Happy 4th of July everyone!