Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos | Plated Magic

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos

Short Description

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are a mouthwatering fusion of sweet, smoky, and buttery flavors wrapped in warm tortillas. Juicy, seasoned chicken is cooked to perfection, coated in a rich garlic butter honey BBQ sauce, and topped with fresh toppings for the ultimate taco experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Sweet & Smoky Flavor – The perfect balance of garlic, honey, and BBQ sauce.
  • Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick cooking.
  • Versatile – Great for tacos, bowls, or even salads.
  • Customizable – Add your favorite toppings for extra flavor.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for weeknight dinners or taco nights.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1/3 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for extra spice)

For the Tacos:

  • 8 small tortillas (flour or corn)
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
  • Lime wedges for serving

Directions

Cooking the Chicken:

  1. Season the chicken – In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
  2. Cook the chicken – Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F/75°C). Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Making the Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Sauce:

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in honey, BBQ sauce, lime juice, and hot sauce (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add the sliced chicken back to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sauce.

Assembling the Tacos:

  1. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
  2. Fill each tortilla with a portion of the garlic butter honey BBQ chicken.
  3. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheese, and cilantro.
  4. Add sliced avocado if desired and serve with lime wedges.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4 (8 tacos)
  • Preparation time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking time: 20 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Kick – Add more chili powder or a drizzle of sriracha.
  • Low-Carb Version – Serve the chicken in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
  • Extra Smoky – Use smoked paprika and a smoky BBQ sauce.
  • Grilled Chicken Option – Instead of pan-frying, grill the chicken for added flavor.
  • Cheesy Twist – Add a layer of melted cheese to the tortillas before adding the chicken.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
  • Reheating:
    • Skillet: Warm in a pan over medium heat for 5 minutes.
    • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Yes, simply shred the chicken and toss it in the sauce for a quick meal.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

A smoky, honey-based BBQ sauce works best for this recipe.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, then toss in the sauce.

What toppings pair well with these tacos?

Coleslaw, pickled onions, sour cream, or jalapeños add great flavor.

How do I prevent my tortillas from breaking?

Warm them slightly before assembling to make them more flexible.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, store it in the fridge for up to a week and reheat before using.

What cheese works best for these tacos?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija cheese complement the flavors well.

Can I make these tacos dairy-free?

Yes, just skip the cheese and use dairy-free butter.

How do I keep the chicken moist?

Let it rest before slicing, and don’t overcook it.

Can I use beef or shrimp instead?

Yes, this sauce works well with both steak and shrimp.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are a delicious blend of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors wrapped in warm tortillas. Whether for taco night, a family dinner, or a gathering, these tacos are easy to make and packed with bold flavors. Try them today and enjoy a new favorite

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Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (8 tacos) 1x

Description

These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are a sweet, smoky, and savory twist on traditional tacos! Juicy, seasoned chicken is cooked to perfection, then tossed in a rich garlic butter honey BBQ sauce and served in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. Perfect for weeknight dinners, taco nights, or game day!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)

For the Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

For the Tacos:

  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco)
  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced
  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

. Cook the Chicken:

  1. In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper until fully coated.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 75°C).
  3. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or shred.

2. Make the Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Sauce:

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Stir in honey, BBQ sauce, lemon juice, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.

3. Assemble the Tacos:

  1. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
  2. Fill each tortilla with the garlic butter honey BBQ chicken.
  3. Top with shredded cheese, lettuce or cabbage, red onion, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro.
  4. Serve with lime wedges for extra zest!

Notes

  • Want it spicier? Add hot sauce or extra chili powder to the sauce.
  • Prefer grilled chicken? Marinate the chicken in the seasonings, then grill for 5-6 minutes per side before tossing in the sauce.
  • Make it a taco bowl! Serve the chicken over rice or salad instead of tortillas.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: main course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: american
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