Tangy Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos Recipe – Wow

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with these irresistible garlic butter honey BBQ chicken tacos that blend sweet and savory flavors perfectly.

The kitchen comes alive with aromas of caramelized chicken and warm spices.

Rich honey and bold BBQ sauce create a mouthwatering glaze that coats tender, juicy meat.

Crisp tortillas provide the ideal canvas for this flavor-packed meal.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of smoky, sweet, and garlicky notes.

These tacos offer a delicious twist on traditional taco night that everyone will love.

Prepare to elevate your dinner game with this crowd-pleasing recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Why You’ll Love These BBQ Chicken Tacos

• Quick and Versatile Meal: Prepare this delectable dish in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings with friends and family.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the tacos with your favorite toppings, ensuring everyone can create their perfect bite while enjoying a delicious and satisfying meal that appeals to all taste buds.
• One-Skillet Dish: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined recipe that uses the same skillet for cooking chicken and creating the irresistible sauce, making cooking and washing up a breeze.

Ingredients for Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos

• Chicken: Tender and juicy meat perfect for tacos.

• Butter: Creamy and rich base for the sauce.
• BBQ Sauce: Sweet and tangy flavor enhancer.
• Honey: Natural sweetener with golden goodness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Bright and zesty liquid that balances flavors.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth.

• Tortillas: Soft and warm wraps for holding delicious filling.
• Lettuce, Tomatoes, Avocado, Cheese, Sour Cream: Fresh and colorful toppings that add texture and flavor.
• Cilantro: Herbal garnish with fresh green notes.
• Lime: Citrusy fruit that brings a tangy brightness.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking oil for sautéing.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing taste.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Tacos

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Sprinkle chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and reaches full doneness.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Craft the Tangy Sauce

Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté until it releases its aromatic fragrance.

• BBQ sauce
• Honey
• Apple cider vinegar

Whisk the ingredients until they blend smoothly.

Return the chicken to the skillet, coating each piece thoroughly with the sauce.

Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to mingle and sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

Gently heat tortillas in a dry skillet, on a griddle, or wrapped in foil inside the oven until they become soft and flexible.

Step 4: Build Your Flavor-Packed Tacos

Distribute the saucy chicken evenly across the warm tortillas.

• Shredded lettuce
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced avocado
• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream

Sprinkle fresh cilantro and squeeze lime juice for an extra burst of brightness.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Present the tacos immediately with additional lime wedges.

Get ready to experience a mouthwatering explosion of flavors in every delectable bite!

Handy Tips for Flavorful Chicken Tacos

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Simmer sauce slowly to develop rich flavors and achieve the perfect thickness without burning the bottom of the skillet.
• Mix and match fresh ingredients like pickled jalapeños, red onions, or crumbled queso fresco to elevate the flavor profile and add personal flair.
• Adjust honey and apple cider vinegar ratio to create a personalized sauce that suits your taste preferences, balancing sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
• Cook extra chicken and sauce, storing separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days, making quick weeknight meals a breeze.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Tacos

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the chicken completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
• Warm tortillas separately just before serving to prevent sogginess and maintain their fresh texture and taste.

Great Pairings for Chicken Tacos

• Perfectly Paired Sips and Sides
• Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale to cut through the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, creating a refreshing balance that enhances the chicken's rich flavors.
• Zesty Slaw Side: Whip up a crisp coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and a hint of honey to mirror the taco's sauce, adding a crunchy texture and complementary tang.
• Cooling Margarita Match: Mix a classic margarita with fresh lime juice to echo the citrus garnish, providing a bright, citrusy counterpoint to the sweet and savory chicken.
• Summer Salad Support: Prepare a light cucumber and avocado salad dressed with lime and cilantro to provide a cool, fresh contrast to the warm, saucy tacos.

Chicken Taco Recipe Twists to Try

• Tofu Tacos: Replace chicken with firm tofu cubes, pressing out excess moisture before cooking. Season and cook similarly for a vegetarian option.
• Turkey Transformation: Swap chicken for lean ground turkey or turkey breast, maintaining the same cooking technique and flavor profile.
• Shredded Jackfruit Version: Use young jackfruit for a plant-based alternative, mimicking the texture of pulled meat while absorbing the rich garlic butter honey BBQ sauce.
• Cauliflower Crunch: Chop cauliflower into bite-sized pieces, roast until golden, then coat in the signature sauce for a low-carb, vegetable-focused taco.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free BBQ sauce and corn tortillas to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Keto-Friendly Approach: Replace honey with sugar-free honey alternative and serve in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
• Low-Sodium Version: Select low-sodium BBQ sauce and reduce added salt during seasoning.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Substitute butter with coconut oil or olive oil, maintaining the rich flavor profile.

FAQs

• Are Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos spicy?

No, this recipe is not inherently spicy. The sauce combines sweet honey, tangy BBQ sauce, and rich garlic butter, creating a balanced flavor profile without significant heat.

• Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re often more tender and flavorful compared to chicken breasts, which can sometimes dry out more easily.

• What type of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?

A classic, slightly sweet Kansas City-style BBQ sauce pairs perfectly with this recipe. However, any medium-thickness BBQ sauce will work well, so feel free to use your favorite brand.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, these tacos are very kid-friendly. The sweet honey and rich BBQ sauce create a mild, appealing flavor that children typically enjoy. The recipe is also easy to customize with simple toppings kids like.

Garlic Butter Honey Bbq Chicken Tacos Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Elevate your taco game with these mouthwatering garlic butter honey BBQ chicken tacos, blending smoky, sweet, and savory flavors in perfect harmony. Succulent chicken nestled in warm tortillas promises a delightful culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Seasonings:

• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by seasoning with salt and pepper, then sear in heated olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer chicken from skillet and reserve.
2. Create the signature sauce by melting butter in the same skillet, quickly sautéing minced garlic until aromatic. Incorporate BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar, whisking until completely integrated.
3. Return chicken to skillet, gently coating with the glossy sauce mixture. Allow ingredients to simmer, enabling flavors to meld and sauce to slightly reduce and thicken.
4. Warm tortillas using preferred method – dry skillet, griddle, or wrapped in foil inside oven – ensuring they become soft and flexible.
5. Construct tacos by distributing garlic butter honey BBQ chicken evenly across tortillas, then enhance with complementary toppings like crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado slices, tangy cheese, and rich sour cream.
6. Elevate final presentation by garnishing with fresh cilantro and adding a vibrant lime juice squeeze for enhanced brightness and zest.
7. Serve immediately alongside additional lime wedges, inviting diners to enjoy these flavor-packed tacos while still piping hot.

Notes

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful meat that stays tender during cooking.
• Adjust BBQ sauce sweetness by balancing honey amount, allowing customization for different taste preferences.
• Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version that maintains the delicious garlic butter honey BBQ flavor profile.
• Use corn tortillas for gluten-free option, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diners.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg