Description

These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos deliver a mouthwatering fusion of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Tender, juicy chicken is tossed in a luscious honey BBQ and garlic butter sauce, then nestled into warm tortillas with crisp lettuce, melty cheese, fresh onions, and cilantro for a dinner that tastes gourmet but comes together easily on a weeknight.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

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)

For the Sauce

4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp honey
⅓ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
1 tbsp lemon juice

For Serving

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 mixing bowl, combine chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder (if using). Toss well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with all the seasonings.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the honey, BBQ sauce, and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and is glossy.
Toss Chicken in Sauce: Slice or shred the rested chicken, then return it to the skillet. Toss the chicken in the warm garlic butter honey BBQ sauce to ensure each piece is well coated in that sweet and savory glaze.
Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet, microwave, or over a flame for a few seconds until pliable. Layer each tortilla with shredded lettuce, sauced chicken, shredded cheese, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and serve immediately!

Notes

Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
Easily make these tacos gluten-free by using corn tortillas and a gluten-free BBQ sauce.
Adjust the spiciness by increasing or omitting the chili powder.
Great with extra toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or pickled onions.
The chicken can be cooked ahead and reheated with the sauce for busy nights.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main-course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Mexican Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 taco
Calories: 265
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 16g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: garlic butter chicken tacos, honey BBQ chicken tacos, sweet savory tacos, easy chicken tacos, weeknight dinner, fusion tacos