BBQ Chicken Tacos Recipe
Introduction
These BBQ Chicken Tacos are a flavorful and easy meal that combines tender, smoky chicken with a sweet and tangy sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering, they come together quickly and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
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
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, season the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Toss to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove and let rest before slicing.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, BBQ sauce, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Slice or shred the cooked chicken and toss it in the warm garlic butter honey BBQ sauce.
- Step 5: Warm the tortillas, then layer with lettuce, saucy chicken, shredded cheese, red onion, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- Swap chicken for pulled pork or grilled shrimp for a different protein option.
- Include avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version.
- Add fresh jalapeño slices if you like more heat.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep tortillas separate to prevent sogginess. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warm before assembling tacos.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook and sauce the chicken in advance and refrigerate it. Warm the chicken and tortillas just before serving to keep everything fresh and flavorful.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Choose a BBQ sauce you enjoy, whether smoky, sweet, or spicy. Feel free to experiment with different varieties to suit your taste.
PrintBBQ Chicken Tacos Recipe
These BBQ Chicken Tacos are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts or thighs cooked in a homemade honey garlic BBQ sauce. Served on warm tortillas with fresh lettuce, shredded cheese, red onion, and cilantro, these tacos offer a perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors for a delightful meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 8 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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)
Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- ⅓ 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, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken. In a bowl, combine the chicken breasts or thighs with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional chili powder. Toss thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with all the spices.
- Cook the Chicken. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken in the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest briefly to retain juices before slicing or shredding.
- Make the Garlic Butter BBQ Sauce. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the honey, BBQ sauce, and lemon juice. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for approximately 2 minutes, or until it slightly thickens.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce. Slice or shred the cooked chicken, then return it to the skillet with the warm garlic butter honey BBQ sauce. Toss well to coat the chicken pieces evenly with the flavorful sauce.
- Assemble the Tacos. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable. Layer each tortilla with shredded lettuce, a generous serving of the sauced chicken, shredded cheese, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Serve tacos garnished with fresh lime wedges for added zest and enjoy your meal!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder or add hot sauce for extra heat.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Grill tortillas for added smoky flavor instead of warming them.
Keywords: BBQ chicken tacos, chicken tacos, easy taco recipe, garlic butter BBQ sauce, weeknight dinner, quick tacos, Mexican tacos, honey BBQ chicken
