Description
These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos combine tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful blend of spices and cooked to perfection. Tossed in a rich garlic butter honey BBQ sauce, then layered into warm tortillas with fresh lettuce, cheese, onion, and cilantro, these tacos offer a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and zesty flavors ideal for a quick and delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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)
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- â…“ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Assembly
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional chili powder. Add chicken and coat evenly to ensure all pieces are well seasoned.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in honey and BBQ sauce, simmering gently for about 2 minutes to combine and thicken slightly. Add lemon juice and stir through.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss the sliced chicken in the warm garlic butter honey BBQ sauce until all pieces are evenly coated and juicy.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas briefly on the skillet or microwave to make them pliable. Layer each tortilla with shredded lettuce, the saucy chicken, shredded cheese, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges for an added burst of freshness.
Notes
- Use either flour or corn tortillas based on preference or dietary needs.
- Adjust the chili powder quantity to vary the heat level, or omit for a milder flavor.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain juiciness.
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce variety—smoky, sweet, or spicy—to customize the flavor profile.
- If preferred, swap chicken thighs for breasts for more moist and flavorful meat.
- To make the recipe gluten-free, opt for certified gluten-free corn tortillas and BBQ sauce.
