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Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken

Highlight: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

These tacos bring together tender chicken coated in a rich garlic butter and honey glaze accented by smoky BBQ flavors. The chicken is seasoned, seared, then simmered in a vibrant sauce combining garlic, honey, BBQ, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Served in warm tortillas, they’re topped with crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheese, and cilantro for a balance of textures and brightness. A squeeze of lime adds fresh acidity, complemented by creamy sides like sour cream.

This dish balances sweet, savory, smoky, and tangy elements perfect for casual dinners, weeknight meals, or gatherings. Preparing the chicken and sauce separately allows flexibility, with easy assembly and customizable toppings to please any crowd. The result is a flavorful, well-rounded dish that feels both comforting and vibrant.

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Crafted By Dina
Updated on Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:54:30 GMT
A box of BBQ chicken tacos with sauce. Save
A box of BBQ chicken tacos with sauce. | myhomemademeal.com

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos bring together the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors wrapped in warm tortillas with fresh toppings. This recipe is designed to make juicy, tender chicken coated in a rich garlic butter and honey BBQ sauce that will elevate your taco nights and satisfy hungry crowds no matter the occasion.

I first made these tacos on a busy weeknight when I craved something comforting and flavorful. Now they are a regular request at my table because everyone loves the balance of honey sweetness with smoky BBQ and garlic butter richness.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts or thighs: choose fresh, boneless, skinless cuts for tenderness and easy cooking
  • Salt and black pepper: essential for seasoning the chicken evenly
  • Smoked paprika: adds a warm, smoky depth. Try to find a good-quality Spanish smoked paprika for best flavor
  • Garlic powder and onion powder: build complexity in the chicken seasoning
  • Olive oil: for searing the chicken to a golden brown
  • Unsalted butter: the base for the sauce, use fresh and creamy for richness
  • Fresh garlic: minced for vibrant aroma and flavor in the sauce
  • Honey: adds natural sweetness that balances the tangy BBQ
  • BBQ sauce: pick your favorite brand or make your own for uniqueness
  • Soy sauce: introduces a savory umami note
  • Apple cider vinegar: gives the sauce a bright tang that lifts the flavors
  • Red pepper flakes: optional, bring a subtle spicy kick if you like heat
  • Flour or corn tortillas: warm and flexible as the taco shell
  • Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro: fresh, crunchy, and colorful toppings
  • Lime wedges: add brightness and a touch of acidity
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt: creamy element to cool and complement the spices

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken by combining salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts or thighs to ensure every bite is flavorful. Sear the chicken by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until the outside is golden brown and the inside reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 75 degrees Celsius. Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
Make the Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Sauce:
Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 45 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic as it turns bitter quickly. Stir in honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix thoroughly and simmer the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes so it thickens slightly and flavors meld. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat evenly. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes so the chicken absorbs the sauce flavors.
Warm the Tortillas:
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Place each tortilla on the skillet for 15 to 20 seconds per side, just until they are warm and slightly charred, which adds a nice smoky flavor and pliability.
Assemble the Tacos:
Fill each warm tortilla with a generous amount of glazed chicken strips. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro for texture and freshness. Squeeze lime over the top to add a vibrant citrus note. Serve with a side of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy finish that balances the sweetness and spice.
A plate of BBQ chicken tacos with sauce drizzled on top. Save
A plate of BBQ chicken tacos with sauce drizzled on top. | myhomemademeal.com

My favorite ingredient is the honey in the sauce, which gives these tacos a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the smoky paprika and tangy BBQ sauce. One time, I made these for a family picnic and everyone kept going back for seconds, pleased by the comforting yet exciting flavors.

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken and sauce separately from the tortillas and toppings to maintain freshness and texture. Keep the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying the chicken out. Warm tortillas separately wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave or skillet. For longer storage, the sauced chicken freezes well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Chicken thighs can be swapped for breasts if you prefer a leaner option or vice versa for juicier meat
  • Use turkey or pork tenderloin strips instead of chicken for variety
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance or omit for milder flavor
  • Swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweet note if needed
  • Corn tortillas can replace flour for a gluten-free option or personal taste preference

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a side of Mexican rice or black beans for a complete meal
  • Add avocado slices or guacamole for extra creaminess and healthy fats
  • Offer pickled jalapeños or fresh salsa for those who love extra heat and zest
  • Pair with a chilled margarita or iced tea for a refreshing drink option

Cultural Context

Tacos are a beloved Mexican street food with endless regional variations. This recipe blends traditional taco elements with an American BBQ twist using a buttery garlic sauce and honey sweetness. It honors the spirit of tacos as a customizable, handheld perfect meal while bringing something new to the table.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Season the chicken well and sear it over medium-high heat to lock in moisture. Letting it rest after cooking helps juices redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy bites.

→ Can I use a different type of chicken?

Yes, both boneless, skinless breasts or thighs work well. Thighs tend to stay juicier due to their higher fat content.

→ What is the best way to warm the tortillas?

Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for 15-20 seconds per side until soft with slight char marks for added flavor and pliability.

→ How can I add some heat to this dish?

Incorporate red pepper flakes into the sauce to introduce a gentle spicy kick without overpowering the sweet and smoky flavors.

→ Are there good alternatives to the BBQ sauce used?

Homemade BBQ sauces or different store brands with smoky and tangy profiles can be swapped in to customize the flavor to your liking.

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken

Juicy chicken glazed with garlicky butter, honey, smoky BBQ sauce, and fresh toppings in warm tortillas.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
20 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Crafted By: Dina

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Preparation Complexity: Moderate Challenge

Regional Cuisine: American Tex-Mex

Servings Output: 4 Serving Size (8 tacos)

Dietary Choices: ~

Everything You’ll Need

→ Chicken

01 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 1 tsp salt
03 0.5 tsp black pepper
04 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
05 0.5 tsp garlic powder
06 0.5 tsp onion powder
07 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Sauce

08 3 tbsp unsalted butter
09 4 cloves garlic, minced
10 0.25 cup honey
11 0.5 cup BBQ sauce
12 1 tbsp soy sauce
13 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
14 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Tacos and Toppings

15 8 small flour or corn tortillas
16 0.5 cup shredded lettuce
17 0.5 cup diced tomatoes
18 0.25 cup finely chopped red onion
19 0.5 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
20 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
21 1 lime, cut into wedges
22 0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)

Steps to Cook

Step 01

Combine salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub evenly over chicken breasts or thighs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high and cook chicken 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 02

Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet. Melt butter, add minced garlic, and sauté 30-45 seconds without burning. Stir in honey, BBQ sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Return chicken to skillet and toss to coat. Simmer another 2 minutes.

Step 03

Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla 15-20 seconds per side until warm and slightly charred.

Step 04

Place glazed chicken on warm tortillas. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro. Squeeze lime over and serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side.

Extra Suggestions

  1. Store components separately for meal prep to maintain texture. Double the sauce for extra flavor. Use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas for a healthier option. Set up a taco bar with toppings for customization.

Must-Have Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy Information

Always check ingredient details for potential allergens. Consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (butter, cheese, sour cream/Greek yogurt), soy (soy sauce), and gluten (flour tortillas if used)

Nutritional Highlights (per portion)

Nutritional information is shared for guidance and isn't meant to replace expert medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 450
  • Fat Breakdown: 20 grams
  • Carbohydrate Breakdown: 30 grams
  • Protein Count: 35 grams