Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos

Introduction

Who doesn’t love tacos? They’re flavorful, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. If you’re looking for a dish that balances sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are the perfect choice. These tacos feature tender, juicy chicken coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce with a hint of honey and a tangy BBQ glaze. Wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with fresh ingredients, they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner, planning a backyard cookout, or hosting a taco night, this recipe will be a hit. Let’s dive into how to make the best Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos at home!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (60ml) honey
• ½ cup (120ml) BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

For the Tacos:

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• ½ cup shredded lettuce
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
• ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken – In a bowl, mix salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken breasts or thighs to ensure even coverage.
2. Sear the chicken – Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C)). Remove from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Sauce

1. Melt the butter – In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt.
2. Sauté the garlic – Add the minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
3. Add the sauce ingredients – Stir in honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
4. Coat the chicken – Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until fully coated. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld together.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

1. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
2. Place each tortilla on the skillet for 15-20 seconds per side, just until warm and slightly charred.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

1. Fill each tortilla with a generous portion of the glazed chicken.
2. Add toppings – Layer with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.
3. Finish with a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness.
4. Serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side for extra creaminess.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

• 1. Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness
• While chicken breasts work well, chicken thighs are naturally juicier and more flavorful. They stay tender even after cooking, making them perfect for tacos.
• 2. Don’t Overcook the Garlic
• Garlic adds a deep, aromatic flavor, but it can quickly turn bitter if overcooked. Sauté it for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, then add the other sauce ingredients to prevent burning.
• 3. Balance the Sauce Flavors
• If you like sweeter tacos, add an extra teaspoon of honey.
• For a tangier kick, increase the apple cider vinegar slightly.
• Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• 4. Toast the Tortillas
• Warming the tortillas enhances their texture and flavor while making them sturdier for holding the filling. Simply heat them in a dry skillet for 15-20 seconds per side or directly over a gas flame for a slight char.
• 5. Let the Chicken Rest Before Slicing
• After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps lock in the juices and keeps the meat tender.
• 6. Customize Your Toppings
• Toppings can make or break a taco! Add fresh elements for contrast:
• Creamy – Avocado, sour cream, or Greek yogurt
• Crunchy – Shredded cabbage, crispy tortilla strips
• Tangy – Pickled onions, lime juice
• Spicy – Jalapeños, hot sauce
• 7. Make Extra Sauce
• If you love extra saucy tacos, double the Garlic Butter Honey BBQ sauce. Use it for drizzling over tacos, dipping, or even as a glaze for grilled veggies or shrimp.
• 8. Keep Everything Fresh Until Serving
• To avoid soggy tacos, store the chicken, tortillas, and toppings separately. Assemble the tacos just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a fiery version.
• Grilled Chicken Option – Instead of pan-searing, grill the chicken over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side to get a smoky char.
• Vegetarian Twist – Swap chicken for roasted cauliflower, jackfruit, or tofu. Coat with the same garlic butter honey BBQ sauce for a delicious meat-free alternative.
• Low-Carb Version – Serve the chicken over lettuce wraps or a taco bowl instead of tortillas.

Conservation and Storage

Refrigerating Leftovers:

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Keep the toppings separate to maintain freshness.

Freezing Instructions:

• You can freeze the cooked chicken (without toppings) for up to 3 months.
• Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe bag.
• To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a skillet over medium heat.

Reheating Tips:

• For best results, reheat the chicken on the stovetop over low heat to keep it juicy.
• If using a microwave, sprinkle a little water over the chicken before reheating to prevent dryness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these tacos with delicious sides to complete your meal:

• Mexican Rice – A classic side dish with flavorful, seasoned rice.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob – Brush with butter and sprinkle with chili powder and cotija cheese.
• Black Bean Salad – A fresh and zesty mix of black beans, corn, bell peppers, and lime dressing.
• Guacamole and Chips – Creamy avocado dip with crunchy tortilla chips.
• Refreshing Beverages – Serve with fresh limeade, a fruity agua fresca, or a cool iced tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

Yes! A high-quality store-bought BBQ sauce works perfectly. If you prefer a homemade version, mix ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and spices to create your own.

2. How can I make these tacos spicier?

If you love heat, try these options:

• Add extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
• Use spicy BBQ sauce instead of regular.
• Top with sliced jalapeños or hot salsa for an extra kick.

3. Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-searing?

Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky depth of flavor. Cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side, then slice and toss in the sauce before serving.

4. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

• Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the cooked chicken (without toppings) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas, and check that your BBQ sauce and soy sauce are gluten-free.

6. How do I keep my tortillas from breaking?

Warm the tortillas before assembling the tacos. Heat them in a dry skillet for 15-20 seconds per side or microwave them wrapped in a damp towel for 20 seconds.

7. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the chicken and make the sauce in advance. Store them separately, then reheat and assemble the tacos fresh.

8. What sides go well with these tacos?

Great options include:

Guacamole and chips

Mexican rice

Grilled corn on the cob

Black bean salad

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos bring together the best of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in one irresistible bite. The juicy chicken, coated in a rich and garlicky sauce, pairs perfectly with fresh toppings and warm tortillas. Whether you’re hosting a taco night, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving something delicious, these tacos are the perfect choice.

The best part? They’re versatile! You can adjust the spice level, switch up the toppings, or even turn them into a taco bowl. Plus, they store well, making them a great meal-prep option.

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