Name: Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: PT-483833H39S
Cuisine: American-Mexican Fusion
Ingredients: For the Chicken:; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into strips); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; For the Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Sauce:; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tablespoons honey; 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce; 1 tablespoon lime juice; To Assemble the Tacos:; 8 small corn or flour tortillas; 1 cup shredded lettuce; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes; 1/4 cup diced red onion; Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped; Lime wedges, for serving; Optional: shredded cheese or avocado slices

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If you’re looking for a meal that’s both savory and sweet with a whole lot of flavor, these Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are about to rock your world. Picture this: tender chicken coated in a buttery, garlicky, and slightly sweet BBQ sauce, all tucked into warm, soft tortillas. Every bite is a perfect mix of smoky, sweet, and savory that’ll have you coming back for seconds (or thirds, no judgment here). These tacos are ridiculously easy to make but pack a punch in the flavor department. Trust me, they’re a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating a taco experience that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or serving them up for taco night with friends, these tacos are sure to satisfy. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

Versatile: Perfect for dinner, lunch, or even meal prepping for the week. You can easily customize the toppings too—avocado, fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, you name it!

Budget-Friendly: With just a handful of ingredients, you’re making something restaurant-worthy without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: The chicken cooks in a buttery sauce with BBQ and honey, creating the perfect flavor in no time. These tacos come together in just 30 minutes!

Customizable: Add toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime to really make them your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’ve got picky eaters or adventurous foodies, these tacos will please everyone at the table. They’re flavorful, easy to make, and impossible to resist.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering tacos:

Chicken Breasts: The juicy chicken breasts are the star of this dish, soaking up all the delicious garlic butter honey BBQ sauce.

Garlic Butter: The rich and savory garlic butter creates the base of the sauce that makes this dish so irresistible.

BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce to give that smoky, tangy kick. The BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the honey.

Honey: Adds the perfect balance of sweetness to the sauce, making the chicken extra tender and flavorful.

Taco Shells: Soft flour tortillas work best for these tacos, but you can also use corn tortillas if that’s your preference.

Optional Toppings: Fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and a squeeze of lime will take these tacos to the next level.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these flavorful chicken tacos:

Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the garlic butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the BBQ sauce and honey, mixing everything together to create a smooth, saucy mixture. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes to thicken slightly.

Shred the Chicken: While the sauce is simmering, use two forks to shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once shredded, add the chicken back into the skillet and stir it into the garlic butter honey BBQ sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to really soak into the chicken.

Warm the Taco Shells: While the chicken is absorbing all those delicious flavors, warm your taco shells in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. This step helps them become soft and pliable, perfect for filling.

Assemble the Tacos: Scoop the garlic butter honey BBQ chicken into the warm taco shells. Top with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve these tacos immediately with a side of chips, salsa, or even a light salad. Enjoy the sweet and savory goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Environ 450 kcal

(Note: The full nutrition breakdown is available in the recipe card below.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos

These tacos pair wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

Crispy Fries: Serve these tacos alongside crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for the ultimate comfort meal.

Coleslaw: A side of tangy, crunchy coleslaw makes a perfect match for the sweetness of the BBQ chicken.

Corn on the Cob: Grilled or roasted corn on the cob is an easy and delicious side that complements the flavors in these tacos.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Shred the Chicken While Hot: It’s easier to shred chicken when it’s hot, so don’t let it cool down too much before you start.

Adjust the Sweetness: If you like your tacos extra sweet, feel free to add a bit more honey to the sauce. If you prefer a tangier kick, add a bit more BBQ sauce.

Double the Sauce: If you like a saucy taco, feel free to double the garlic butter honey BBQ sauce. It’s so good, you’ll want extra!

FAQ’s

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will work just as well and provide an even juicier result.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
You can cook the chicken and sauce in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat the chicken before serving.
What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
Use your favorite BBQ sauce—whether it’s smoky, tangy, or sweet, it’ll all work wonderfully.
Can I make these tacos with ground chicken?
Yes! Ground chicken will cook faster and still soak up all the delicious sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the tacos?
Absolutely! You can add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even some roasted corn for extra flavor and crunch.
Can I make these tacos spicier?
Yes, you can add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the sauce to give it a spicy kick.
Can I use a different protein?
You can use turkey, pork, or even tofu if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, just add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out to your liking.
Can I make these tacos gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free taco shells to make these tacos suitable for a gluten-free diet.
How can I store leftovers?
Store the leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Conclusion

These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and downright delicious. With a few simple ingredients and just a little time, you’ll have a taco night that everyone will rave about. Serve them up for your next gathering or enjoy them as a cozy weeknight meal. Either way, these tacos are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos

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Author: Grace Sullivan
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Main Dish, Tacos
Method: Sautéing (with a finishing assembly)
Cuisine: American-Mexican Fusion
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Chicken Tacos bring together the rich flavors of garlic butter, sweet honey, and tangy BBQ sauce. Tender, juicy chicken is cooked in a savory glaze and served in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with a twist!

Instructions

Prep the Chicken:
Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the honey, BBQ sauce, and lime juice. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Combine Chicken & Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Allow it to simmer for another 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Assemble the Tacos:
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Fill each tortilla with a generous portion of the sauced chicken and top with shredded lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Add optional cheese or avocado if desired, and squeeze a lime wedge over the top before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with the spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
This recipe works well with both corn and flour tortillas.
Adjust the honey and BBQ sauce ratios based on your desired sweetness and tanginess.