If you’re a fan of bold, smoky, and sweet flavors, these Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are about to become your new favorite! Imagine juicy, tender pulled chicken coated in a rich, buttery,honey infused BBQ sauce, all wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with fresh, crunchy toppings.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Big on flavor – The garlic butter honey BBQ sauce adds layers of sweet, smoky, and buttery goodness to every bite.
✔ Quick & easy – Perfect for a busy weeknight meal, and you can even make the chicken ahead of time.
✔ Versatile – Swap out the chicken for beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a different take!
✔ Perfect for a crowd – Whether it’s taco night, a BBQ party, or game day, these tacos always disappear fast!
✔ Customizable toppings – From crispy slaw and avocado to cheese and jalapeños, you can make these tacos exactly how you like them.
Ingredients
To make these Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos, here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken
- Chicken breasts or thighs – For juicy, tender, and flavorful pulled chicken.
- Butter – Adds richness and a velvety texture to the sauce.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic for that bold, aromatic kick.
- BBQ sauce – Your favorite BBQ sauce for that smoky, tangy base.
- Honey – Balances the smokiness with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Smoked paprika – Enhances the smoky depth of the sauce.
- Salt & pepper – To season the chicken just right.
For the Tacos
- Tortillas – Use flour, corn, or even low-carb tortillas depending on your preference.
- Cabbage slaw – Adds a fresh, crisp bite to balance the rich chicken.
- Avocado – Because creamy avocado + BBQ chicken = pure heaven.
- Cheese – Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija for a cheesy touch.
- Jalapeños – Optional, but perfect for those who love a little heat.
- Fresh cilantro & lime – A must for adding that bright, zesty finish.
👉 Note: The full ingredient list with exact measurements is in the recipe card at the end of this article!
How to Make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
Now let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create the most irresistible BBQ chicken tacos ever:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat a pan over medium heat and add butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add your chicken breasts or thighs, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and cook until golden brown on both sides.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, use two forks to shred it into juicy, bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Sauce
In the same pan, add a little more butter, then stir in BBQ sauce and honey. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the flavors meld together. Then, toss in the shredded chicken and stir until everything is coated in that rich, sticky, flavorful sauce.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side until soft and slightly charred.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Now for the fun part! Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of garlic butter honey BBQ chicken, then pile on cabbage slaw, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, jalapeños, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime juice for that final zesty kick!
Pro Tips for the Best Tacos
Want to take these Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos to the next level? Here are some expert tips to make them even better!
✔ Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness – While chicken breasts work great, thighs stay super tender and absorb all that buttery, smoky BBQ goodness.
✔ Don’t skip the garlic butter – This is the secret ingredient that gives the sauce its deep, rich flavor—trust me, you’ll taste the difference!
✔ Toast your tortillas – A quick toast in a dry pan gives them that slightly crisp, smoky flavor and prevents them from getting soggy.
✔ Make it spicy – Love heat? Add chipotle powder to the sauce or top your tacos with pickled jalapeños!
✔ Let the chicken rest before shredding – This keeps it super juicy and prevents it from drying out.
✔ Balance the flavors – The BBQ chicken is rich and flavorful, so be sure to add crunchy slaw, fresh lime, and creamy avocado for the perfect bite!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
These tacos are amazing on their own, but here are some delicious ways to level up your meal:
🌮 With Classic Taco Sides: Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or grilled corn on the cob for a complete meal.
🥑 Add a Dipping Sauce: A side of chipotle mayo, avocado crema, or cilantro lime dressing makes every bite even better.
🌶 Taco Bar Style: Set up a DIY taco bar with all the toppings and let everyone build their own tacos—perfect for parties!
🍻 Pair with a Drink: These tacos go great with an ice-cold beer, a refreshing margarita, or even a sparkling limeade.
🥗 Make it a Bowl: Skip the tortillas and serve everything over a bed of lettuce, rice, or quinoa for a tasty taco bowl!
Make Ahead and Storage
Want to prep these Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos ahead of time? Here’s how to store, reheat, and freeze them for maximum freshness!
Storing Leftovers
- Chicken: Store the cooked BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Toppings: Keep toppings like slaw, avocado, and cheese separate so they stay fresh.
- Tortillas: Store tortillas in a sealed bag at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate them for longer shelf life.
Freezing Instructions
- BBQ Chicken: Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it on the stove with a splash of BBQ sauce to bring back the moisture.
Reheating Tips
- Stovetop: Heat the chicken in a pan over medium-low heat with a little butter or BBQ sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warmed through.
- Tortillas: Warm tortillas in a dry pan or directly over a gas flame for a slightly charred flavor.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, shred a rotisserie chicken and toss it with the garlic butter honey BBQ sauce for an easy shortcut.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Go for a smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce—honey BBQ, hickory, or a homemade sauce works great! If you like heat, try a spicy chipotle BBQ sauce.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Place chicken, BBQ sauce, honey, butter, garlic, and seasonings in a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, then shred and mix with the sauce.
What’s the best way to keep tacos warm for a party?
Keep the chicken warm in a slow cooker or on a warming tray and let guests assemble their tacos as they eat. You can also keep tortillas wrapped in foil in a low oven (200°F).
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Of course! This recipe works great with pulled pork, shrimp, or even jackfruit for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.
How can I make these tacos healthier?
For a lighter version, use whole wheat or lettuce wraps, opt for grilled chicken instead of shredded BBQ chicken, and add extra veggies like bell peppers or a fresh mango salsa.
If you’re loving these Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos, then you can’t miss this indulgent dessert! 🍫🔥 Treat yourself to this epic Giant Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie it’s the perfect sweet ending to your taco night! ➡️ Check it out here! 😍
Conclusion
And there you have it—Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos that are sweet, smoky, buttery, and absolutely irresistible! 🌮🔥 Every bite is packed with tender, saucy pulled chicken, crunchy slaw, creamy avocado, and just the right touch of heat. Whether you’re making these for a quick weeknight meal, taco night, or a backyard BBQ, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
The best part? They’re super easy to customize, so you can make them spicier, cheesier, or even swap out the protein for something new. And with all the pro tips, make-ahead instructions, and serving ideas, you’ll have everything you need to make the best BBQ tacos ever!
Now, it’s time to grab those tortillas and get cooking—trust me, these tacos won’t last long! 😋🔥
Print
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and buttery goodness! Tender, shredded BBQ chicken is tossed in a garlic butter honey glaze and loaded into warm tortillas with crisp slaw, creamy avocado, and fresh toppings. Perfect for weeknight dinners, taco nights, or BBQ parties, these tacos are quick, easy, and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Chicken breasts or thighs (for juicy, tender meat)
- Butter (adds richness to the sauce)
- Garlic, minced (for deep, aromatic flavor)
- BBQ sauce (use your favorite smoky or sweet sauce)
- Honey (balances the smokiness with natural sweetness)
- Smoked paprika (adds extra smoky depth)
- Salt & pepper (to enhance flavor)
For the Tacos
- Tortillas (flour or corn, warmed)
- Cabbage slaw (for a fresh, crunchy bite)
- Avocado, sliced (adds creamy texture)
- Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija)
- Jalapeños, sliced (for optional heat)
- Fresh cilantro & lime wedges (for a bright, zesty finish)
Instructions
Heat a pan over medium heat and melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Place chicken breasts or thighs in the pan, season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, and cook until golden brown on both sides.
Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
In the same pan, add more butter, then stir in BBQ sauce and honey. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine all the flavors. Add the shredded chicken back into the sauce and mix until fully coated.
Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side until warm and slightly charred.
Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of BBQ chicken, then top with crunchy slaw, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor!
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of chipotle powder to the BBQ sauce.
- Make it spicy by using hot honey or a spicier BBQ sauce.
- Swap the chicken for pulled pork, shrimp, or jackfruit for a different variation.
- Make it low-carb by serving the BBQ chicken in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg