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:
- Season the chicken – In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
- 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:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, BBQ sauce, lime juice, and hot sauce (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sliced chicken back to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sauce.
Assembling the Tacos:
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Fill each tortilla with a portion of the garlic butter honey BBQ chicken.
- Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheese, and cilantro.
- 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
Print
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
- 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
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:
- In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper until fully coated.
- 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).
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or shred.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, BBQ sauce, lemon juice, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
3. Assemble the Tacos:
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Fill each tortilla with the garlic butter honey BBQ chicken.
- Top with shredded cheese, lettuce or cabbage, red onion, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro.
- 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