Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
Juicy, tender chicken coated in a rich garlic butter honey BBQ sauce, all wrapped in a warm tortilla makes Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos a must-try dish. Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings, these tacos offer an irresistible blend of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors. With their quick preparation time and simple ingredients, you can enjoy a delicious meal that satisfies everyone’s taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe takes only 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic butter, honey, and BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the chicken.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out tortillas or add your favorite toppings to customize each taco.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet and savory flavors, making it a great choice for family dinners.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make extra chicken and use it in salads or wraps throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking of the chicken while allowing you to create the flavorful sauce in one pan.
- Mixing Bowl: This is crucial for seasoning and marinating the chicken properly before cooking.
Ingredients
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
How to Make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
Step 1: Season the Chicken
In a bowl, season the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, BBQ sauce, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Slice or shred the cooked chicken. Toss it in the warm garlic butter honey BBQ sauce until well coated.
Step 5: Assemble Tacos
Warm the tortillas briefly. Layer with shredded lettuce, saucy chicken, shredded cheese, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side and enjoy!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Customize your tacos to suit your taste or enhance the dining experience with these serving suggestions.
Fresh Toppings
- Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor.
- Sour Cream: Creamy sour cream balances the sweetness of the honey.
- Avocado Slices: Add creamy avocado for a rich texture.
Accompaniments
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the flavors.
- Hot Sauce: For those who love heat, a dash of hot sauce elevates your tacos.
- Pickled Jalapeños: These add a zesty kick that complements the BBQ sauce.
Salad Pairing
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: This salad brings freshness and crunch alongside your tacos.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa adds a refreshing contrast to the rich filling.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
To make the most out of your Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and spices for vibrant flavors.
- Let Chicken Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing keeps it juicy.
- Warm Tortillas Properly: Warm tortillas help prevent tearing and enhance flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: Experiment with honey amounts for your preferred sweetness level.
- Mix Up BBQ Sauces: Try different types of BBQ sauces for varied taste profiles.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
Pair your Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos with delicious sides to create a complete meal. Here are some excellent options.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with herbs is perfect for soaking up taco juices.
- Refried Beans: Creamy beans provide a hearty complement to your meal.
- Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips with zesty salsa make a great appetizer.
- Grilled Vegetables: Colorful grilled veggies add nutrition and texture to the plate.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter pairs wonderfully with tacos.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness and a nice crunch beside savory tacos.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos to the next level. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken enough can lead to bland tacos. Always make sure to use salt and spices liberally for maximum flavor.
- Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook until just done, and allow it to rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Skipping the sauce simmer: If you skip simmering the sauce, it may not develop a rich flavor. Take the time to let the garlic butter honey BBQ sauce thicken slightly for the best taste.
- Cold tortillas: Using cold tortillas can ruin the taco experience. Make sure to warm them up before serving for a delicious, soft bite.
- Not customizing toppings: Sticking strictly to the recipe might limit your enjoyment. Feel free to add or swap toppings for a personalized touch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep chicken and toppings separate if possible to maintain freshness.
Freezing Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
- Freeze cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Wrap tortillas tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing.
Reheating Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add tacos and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about making these Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos, here are some common questions:
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
You can certainly substitute chicken with turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
How do I make these tacos spicier?
To add more heat, consider increasing the chili powder or adding sliced jalapeños as a topping.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Use your favorite BBQ sauce! Sweet, smoky, or even spicy varieties will work well with these tacos.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately until you’re ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are not only delicious but also adaptable. You can customize toppings and adjust flavors based on your preferences. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these tacos promise satisfaction with every bite!
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (8 tacos) 1x
Description
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos offer a delightful combination of juicy, tender chicken enveloped in a rich garlic butter honey BBQ sauce, all wrapped in warm tortillas. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings. With just 25 minutes of preparation and cooking time, these tacos provide an irresistible blend of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors that will satisfy everyone’s palate. Customize your tacos with fresh toppings and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal that’s sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 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)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- ⅓ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 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 with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder.
- Cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through. Let it rest before slicing.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds. Stir in honey and BBQ sauce; simmer for 2 minutes.
- Toss sliced chicken in the sauce until well coated.
- Warm tortillas briefly and assemble tacos with chicken and your choice of toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (200g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
