The combination of smoky BBQ chicken, rich garlic butter, and a touch of honey creates the ultimate taco filling, with each bite bursting with flavor. The fresh cilantro and lime bring the perfect finishing touch to this savory-sweet dish.
These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are perfect for any occasion – from casual weeknight dinners to weekend barbecues. The easy-to-make recipe requires minimal ingredients, and the result is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more.
Full Recipe:
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4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup honey
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1/4 cup BBQ sauce
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon chili powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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8 small flour tortillas
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Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
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Lime wedges (for serving)
Directions:
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In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, honey, BBQ sauce, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
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Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.
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Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle olive oil on the chicken breasts.
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Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 75°C).
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Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
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Warm the tortillas on the grill for about 1-2 minutes, just until soft.
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Assemble the tacos by placing the grilled chicken strips onto the tortillas. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
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Serve with lime wedges on the side for added zest.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 330 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos offer the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. The combination of tender grilled chicken, rich garlic butter, and a sticky honey BBQ glaze creates a flavor-packed filling for soft tortillas. This taco recipe is incredibly easy to make, yet it’s bursting with taste and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting a gathering, or simply craving a delicious meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare.
The Secret to the Perfect Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken
What sets these tacos apart is the garlic butter honey BBQ sauce. The richness of the garlic butter perfectly balances the sweetness of the honey and the tang of the BBQ sauce, giving the chicken a deep, savory flavor with just the right touch of sweetness. The marinated chicken breasts, grilled to juicy perfection, absorb these flavors, resulting in a succulent and aromatic taco filling.
The key to getting the perfect grilled chicken lies in the marinade. Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) ensures that the flavors have time to penetrate the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. The honey in the marinade adds a caramelized layer to the chicken when grilled, giving it a beautiful golden-brown color and an irresistible gloss.
Tips for Grilling Chicken to Perfection
Grilling chicken breasts can sometimes be tricky, but with the right technique, you’ll get perfectly juicy and tender chicken every time. First, ensure the grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This allows the chicken to sear quickly and helps lock in the juices. Before placing the chicken on the grill, drizzle a little olive oil over it to prevent it from sticking and to help with browning. Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes, ensuring that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Another helpful tip is to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even juicier and more flavorful when you slice it.
Why Garlic Butter and Honey BBQ Sauce Make the Perfect Pair
The key to the mouthwatering flavor of these tacos lies in the garlic butter and honey BBQ sauce. The garlic butter base adds a rich, savory undertone to the chicken, which contrasts beautifully with the sweet and smoky notes of the BBQ sauce. The honey brings a subtle sweetness that enhances the caramelization process when the chicken is grilled, creating a delightful sticky glaze that clings to the chicken.
The sauce is versatile and can be used in many other recipes as well. It works perfectly as a marinade for grilled vegetables, shrimp, or even as a drizzle for roasted potatoes. The balance of flavors in the sauce makes it a go-to choice for anyone looking to add a little extra flavor to their grilled dishes.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
When it comes to serving Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos, the possibilities are endless. To complement the rich flavors of the chicken, try adding some crunchy elements, such as shredded lettuce, cabbage, or even a quick pickle for an added bite. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness, while a squeeze of lime brings the dish to life with a citrusy zing.
For a heartier taco, you can add a layer of melted cheese, sour cream, or guacamole. These ingredients will enhance the richness of the chicken and add creaminess to each bite. If you’re looking to spice things up, a drizzle of hot sauce or diced jalapeños will provide an extra kick.
To complete the meal, serve your tacos with a side of Mexican rice or a simple salad. You could also pair them with some tortilla chips and salsa or a light, refreshing coleslaw. These tacos are versatile enough to be paired with a variety of sides, making them a great option for a full meal.
Variations on Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. While the garlic butter honey BBQ chicken is absolutely delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to make the dish your own.
For a lighter version, try swapping out the flour tortillas for lettuce wraps. This is a great option if you’re following a low-carb or gluten-free diet, and the fresh lettuce adds an extra crunch to the tacos. You can also try substituting the chicken with grilled shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a plant-based version. The garlic butter and honey BBQ sauce will work equally well with these proteins.
If you want to make the recipe spicier, consider adding cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade. The heat will pair beautifully with the sweetness of the honey and the smokiness of the BBQ sauce. Alternatively, if you want to make it more savory, add some smoked paprika or chipotle chili powder to the garlic butter sauce for an extra layer of depth.
Perfecting Your Taco Setup
The taco experience isn’t just about the filling; it’s also about the way you serve it. If you’re hosting a taco night, consider setting up a DIY taco bar where everyone can assemble their own tacos. Offer a variety of toppings like fresh salsa, shredded cheese, avocado, pickled red onions, and jalapeños, allowing guests to customize their tacos just the way they like them.
When it comes to choosing the right tortillas, soft flour tortillas work best for this dish, as they easily fold around the flavorful chicken and toppings. However, if you prefer corn tortillas for their slightly nutty flavor and texture, feel free to use them as well. For an added twist, you can warm the tortillas on the grill to give them a slightly charred edge, which will add even more flavor to the dish.
The Appeal of Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
What makes these tacos so universally appealing is their versatility and the balance of flavors. The combination of smoky, sweet, and savory elements satisfies a wide range of taste preferences. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or food enthusiasts, these tacos are sure to please everyone at the table. They are also perfect for meal prepping, as the grilled chicken can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days, allowing you to enjoy these tacos for several meals.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes as if it took hours to prepare, all while keeping things quick and easy. It’s a great weeknight meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are a perfect dish to add to your weeknight rotation. Their sweet, savory, and smoky flavors combine in a way that’s irresistible, and the recipe is simple enough for anyone to make. Whether you’re grilling on a summer evening or preparing dinner for a family meal, these tacos will deliver on taste and satisfaction. With their customizable options and perfect balance of flavors, they are guaranteed to be a hit at any table.