Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos

These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are a delicious fusion of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors wrapped in a warm tortilla. Juicy, seasoned chicken is cooked to perfection, then tossed in a rich garlic butter honey BBQ sauce that adds irresistible depth and flavor. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering, these tacos are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Flavors – Smoky BBQ, sweet honey, and savory garlic butter make these tacos rich and flavorful.
• Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable – Use your favorite toppings and tortillas to make it your own.
• Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love.

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
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp honey

For the BBQ Glaze:

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

For the Tacos:

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• ½ cup shredded lettuce
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges, for serving

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1. In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken.

2. Cook the Chicken:

1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side (or until fully cooked).
3. Once cooked, remove from the pan and let rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

1. In the same pan, melt 4 tbsp butter over low heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in 2 tbsp honey and mix well.

4. Prepare the BBQ Glaze:

1. In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Pour the BBQ glaze into the garlic butter mixture, stirring until fully combined.

5. Coat the Chicken:

1. Add the sliced or shredded chicken back into the skillet.
2. Toss until fully coated in the garlic butter honey BBQ sauce.

6. Assemble the Tacos:

1. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
2. Fill each tortilla with the BBQ chicken mixture.
3. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, crumbled cheese, and fresh cilantro.
4. Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 (makes about 8 tacos)

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ glaze.
• Cheesy Twist: Melt shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top of the tacos.
• Crispy Chicken Option: Bread the chicken in panko breadcrumbs before frying for extra crunch.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken over lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with grilled mushrooms, tofu, or jackfruit.

Storage and Reheating

Storage:

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Keep tortillas and toppings separate for the best texture.

Reheating:

• Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
• If using a microwave, heat in 30-second intervals to prevent drying out.

Freezing:

• Freeze the cooked chicken (without toppings) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Just shred the chicken and toss it in the garlic butter honey BBQ sauce.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Use your favorite brand—whether it’s smoky, sweet, or spicy. Homemade BBQ sauce works great too!

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Absolutely! Grill the chicken over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.

What toppings go well with these tacos?

Try avocado slices, pickled onions, or a drizzle of ranch or chipotle mayo.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, just omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Are flour or corn tortillas better?

It depends on preference—flour tortillas are softer, while corn tortillas add a more traditional flavor.

How do I make these tacos spicier?

Add extra chili powder, jalapeños, or drizzle with hot sauce.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.

What side dishes go well with these tacos?

Try Mexican street corn, guacamole, black beans, or a simple slaw.

Can I double the sauce for extra flavor?

Yes! If you love extra sauce, make a double batch and drizzle over the tacos.

Conclusion

These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors wrapped in a warm tortilla. Quick to make and packed with bold flavors, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a taco night, meal prepping, or just looking for a new favorite recipe, these tacos will not disappoint.

Try them today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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