why make this recipe
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are a delightful combination of flavors that will please your taste buds. The sweet and savory sauce brings out the best in the chicken, making it irresistible. These tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Plus, they are easy to prepare, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your meal.
how to make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
Ingredients:
- 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)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- ⅓ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Directions:
- In a bowl, season the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the honey, BBQ sauce, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Slice or shred the cooked chicken and toss it in the warm garlic butter honey BBQ sauce.
- Warm the tortillas, then layer with lettuce, saucy chicken, shredded cheese, red onion, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and enjoy!
how to serve Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
Serve these tacos warm, fresh out of the skillet. Set up a taco bar with all the toppings available, allowing everyone to customize their own. Lime wedges add a nice touch, enhancing the flavors of the chicken. These tacos pair beautifully with a side of rice, beans, or a simple salad.
how to store Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days. To store the tortillas, wrap them in foil or place them in a zip-top bag at room temperature. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave, and warm the tortillas again before assembling.
tips to make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours before cooking.
- Feel free to adjust the level of spice by adding more or less chili powder, or other spices like cayenne.
- Use fresh herbs like cilantro for a burst of freshness.
- If you like a smokier flavor, choose a BBQ sauce with a smoky profile.
variation
You can switch the chicken for shrimp or grilled vegetables for a different twist. For a healthier option, use whole wheat tortillas or try lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
FAQs
1. Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and make the sauce ahead. Just store them separately in the fridge and assemble the tacos when ready to serve.
2. What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Use your favorite BBQ sauce! A sweet, tangy, or smoky variety can all work wonderfully.
3. Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Just ensure it’s in a properly sealed container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, season the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the honey, BBQ sauce, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Slice or shred the cooked chicken and toss it in the warm garlic butter honey BBQ sauce.
- Warm the tortillas, then layer with lettuce, saucy chicken, shredded cheese, red onion, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and enjoy!
Notes
Name: Yumi HwagByline: Founder & Recipe Developer, YumimealsBio : Yumi tests weeknight-friendly air fryer, slow cooker, and BBQ recipes in a small home kitchen. She focuses on simple steps, real-family testing, and clear food-safety guidance. Contact: [email protected]