Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-Packed Sauce – The combination of garlic, butter, honey, and BBQ sauce creates a sweet, tangy, and savory glaze that’s unforgettable.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Customizable – Add your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or slaw to suit your taste.
- Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love the tender chicken and sweet BBQ flavor.
- Versatile – Serve them as tacos, burritos, bowls, or nachos for endless meal options.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
For the Tacos:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Toppings of choice: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, lime wedges
Directions
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
-
Make the Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
-
Warm the Tortillas:
- Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet, on a griddle, or wrapped in foil in the oven until soft and pliable.
-
Assemble the Tacos:
- Divide the garlic butter honey BBQ chicken evenly among the warmed tortillas.
- Top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the tacos immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.
- Enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite!
Servings and Timing
- Servings – This recipe yields approximately 4 servings (2 tacos per person).
- Prep Time – 10 minutes
- Cook Time – 15 minutes
- Total Time – 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add a teaspoon of chili-garlic sauce or sriracha to the BBQ sauce mixture for some heat.
- Grilled Version – Grill the chicken pieces instead of sautéing for a smoky flavor.
- Vegetarian Option – Substitute chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu for a meatless version.
- Crunchy Texture – Add crispy fried onions or tortilla strips for extra crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Tortillas – Store tortillas separately and warm them just before serving to maintain their texture.
FAQs
What type of BBQ sauce should I use?
You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own. For a sweeter flavor, choose a honey BBQ sauce; for more tang, opt for a vinegar-based sauce.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and add more flavor. Ensure they are boneless and skinless for easier preparation.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure that all sauces and ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat before assembling the tacos.
What side dishes pair well with these tacos?
Consider serving with Mexican rice, black beans, corn salad, or a simple green salad.
How do I make these tacos spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture.
Can I make these tacos dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
What’s the best way to warm tortillas?
For best results, warm tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds on each side, wrap them in foil and bake for a few minutes, or microwave them wrapped in a damp towel.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the chicken with the sauce ingredients on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, then shred the chicken before serving.
What can I do with leftovers?
Use leftover chicken in quesadillas, burritos, wraps, or salads for an easy meal the next day.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are a perfect combination of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors wrapped in a warm tortilla. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a casual party, these tacos are sure to be a hit. Try them with different toppings and variations to make them your own, and enjoy a delicious meal that’s both easy and satisfying!

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 tacos per person)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Description
These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are packed with bold flavors! Juicy chicken is coated in a rich, buttery BBQ sauce with hints of garlic and honey, then served in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. This easy, 25-minute recipe is perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or taco nights!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
For the Tacos:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Toppings of choice: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in BBQ sauce, honey, and apple cider vinegar, whisking until smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Warm the Tortillas:
- Heat tortillas in a dry skillet, on a griddle, or wrapped in foil in the oven until soft and pliable.
Assemble the Tacos:
- Divide the garlic butter honey BBQ chicken evenly among the tortillas.
- Add toppings like shredded lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cheese, or sour cream.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- Spice It Up – Add chili-garlic sauce or sriracha for heat.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use corn tortillas and ensure sauces are gluten-free.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Store chicken separately and assemble tacos fresh.
- Leftover Ideas – Use chicken in quesadillas, burritos, wraps, or salads.