Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos Recipe 🌮🍗🍯

These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are packed with bold flavors—perfectly seasoned, tender chicken coated in a rich garlic butter honey BBQ sauce, all wrapped in soft tortillas. The combination of garlic, honey, and BBQ sauce creates a sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavor profile that’s irresistible. These tacos are easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering!

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Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for a kick)

For the Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Sauce:

• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 1/2 cup (120ml) BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for a tangy kick)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra smokiness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tacos:

• 8 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas if preferred)
• Shredded lettuce, for garnish
• Diced tomatoes, for garnish
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend)
• Sour cream (optional, for topping)
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Lime wedges (optional, for serving)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and salt and pepper. Rub this seasoning mix all over the chicken breasts (or thighs).
2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side (depending on the thickness of the chicken) until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. Once rested, slice the chicken into thin strips.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Sauce

1. Melt the butter: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and allow it to melt, scraping up any flavorful bits left from cooking the chicken.
2. Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the butter and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the other ingredients: Stir in the honey, BBQ sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Add the smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and develop a rich flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. Coat the chicken: Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet and toss it in the sauce until fully coated. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is well-infused with the sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

1. Warm the tortillas: Heat the flour tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds on each side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 15-20 seconds to make them soft and pliable.
2. Assemble the tacos: On each tortilla, place a generous scoop of the garlic butter honey BBQ chicken. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
3. Optional toppings: Add a dollop of sour cream, a handful of fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve the tacos immediately while warm. You can serve them with extra lime wedges and a side of chips, guacamole, or Mexican rice for a complete meal.

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Storage Tips:

✔ Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken and sauce before assembling tacos again.
✔ Freezer: You can freeze the cooked chicken with the sauce for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Tips & Variations:

✔ Spicy Version: Add a little hot sauce or jalapeños to the sauce for extra heat. ✔ Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for grilled vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions) for a delicious veggie version of the tacos. ✔ Extra Crunch: For added texture, you can top the tacos with crispy fried onions or crushed tortilla chips. ✔ Bigger Crowd: To make these tacos for a crowd, double the ingredients and serve in taco shells or taco boats for a fun family meal.

These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors in a delicious handheld meal. With the rich, flavorful sauce and tender chicken, they’re sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy every bite! 😊