Description
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:
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1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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1 tbsp olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Sauce:
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ cup (60ml) honey
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½ cup (120ml) BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
For the Tacos:
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8 small flour or corn tortillas
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½ cup shredded lettuce
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½ cup diced tomatoes
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¼ cup finely chopped red onion
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½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
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¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
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1 lime, cut into wedges
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½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
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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.
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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
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Melt the butter – In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt.
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Sauté the garlic – Add the minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
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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.
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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
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Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
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Place each tortilla on the skillet for 15-20 seconds per side, just until warm and slightly charred.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
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Fill each tortilla with a generous portion of the glazed chicken.
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Add toppings – Layer with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.
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Finish with a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness.
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Serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side for extra creaminess.
Notes
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This recipe is great for meal prep—store ingredients separately and assemble fresh for the best texture.
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Double the sauce if you like extra flavor for drizzling or dipping.
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For a healthier version, use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas.
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If making a taco bar, set out toppings so everyone can customize their tacos.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American