Pin it
This garlic butter honey BBQ chicken taco recipe transforms ordinary taco night into something truly special. The combination of garlic butter and honey creates a rich, slightly sweet glaze that coats tender chicken pieces for an unforgettable taco experience your whole family will request again and again.
I first made these tacos when looking for something different from our usual taco Tuesday routine. The moment my husband tasted them, he declared they needed to be in our regular rotation. Even my picky seven year old cleans her plate when these are served.
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: The perfect tender base that absorbs all the flavors
- Olive oil: To help seasoning adhere and prevent sticking
- Salt and pepper: The foundation of good seasoning
- Paprika: For a subtle smoky flavor that enhances the BBQ profile
- Garlic powder: Provides depth in the initial seasoning layer
- Onion powder: Adds savory notes that complement the garlic butter
- Chili powder: Optional but adds a gentle heat that balances the honey sweetness
- Unsalted butter: Allows you to control the saltiness while creating a luscious sauce
- Fresh minced garlic: Nothing compares to the aroma and flavor of freshly minced garlic
- Honey: Creates a sticky glaze and perfect sweet counterpoint
- Taco shells: Choose corn for authenticity or flour for softness
- Favorite toppings: Fresh ingredients like lettuce, cheese, and salsa balance the rich chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Chicken:
- Combine chicken pieces with olive oil in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder if using. Use your hands to massage the seasonings into every piece, ensuring even coverage. This step builds the foundation of flavor, so be generous with your seasoning.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until a golden crust forms, then flip and cook the other side for another 5 to 7 minutes. The chicken should reach 165°F internally and have a beautiful caramelized exterior. Remove a piece and cut into it to check doneness if uncertain.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Honey Sauce:
- While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium low heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for exactly one minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not brown. Add the honey and stir until completely incorporated into a smooth, glossy sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Pour the hot garlic butter honey sauce directly over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Using tongs, toss and turn the chicken pieces to ensure each one is thoroughly coated with the sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly reduce and become stickier.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Slice the glazed chicken into strips against the grain for maximum tenderness. Warm your taco shells according to package directions. Fill each shell with a generous portion of the glazed chicken and top with your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, cheese, diced tomatoes, and a spoonful of salsa. Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and the shells are crisp.
Pin it
The garlic butter honey sauce is truly the star of this recipe. I discovered its magic when experimenting with different glazes for grilled chicken, but when I applied it to tacos, something special happened. The way the butter creates a silky mouthfeel while the honey adds just enough sweetness makes every bite memorable.
Storage Solutions
If you're planning for leftovers or meal prep, store the cooked chicken separate from the shells and toppings. The chicken will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The garlic butter honey sauce tends to solidify when cold, but will melt beautifully when the chicken is reheated in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water when reheating to restore the sauciness if needed.
Perfect Pairings
These tacos are substantial on their own, but pair wonderfully with simple sides. A light corn and black bean salad dressed with lime juice complements the sweet and savory chicken perfectly. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside Mexican rice or refried beans. The slight sweetness of the chicken also pairs beautifully with tangy beverages like homemade limeade or a crisp Mexican beer with a lime wedge.
Quick Customizations
The basic recipe is delicious as written, but there are countless ways to make it your own. For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño to the garlic butter sauce or include cayenne in your chicken seasoning. If you prefer a more traditional BBQ flavor, add a tablespoon of your favorite BBQ sauce to the honey garlic butter mixture. For a fresher take, finish the assembled tacos with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Pin it
These tacos are guaranteed to be a hit on your dinner table—easy, delicious, and customizable to your preferences!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet?
Absolutely! Grilling the chicken will add a wonderful smoky flavor that complements the garlic butter honey sauce. Grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- → What are the best toppings for these chicken tacos?
While lettuce, cheese, and salsa work wonderfully, you can customize with sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime wedges, or sour cream. A crunchy slaw also adds great texture contrast to the tender chicken.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are actually mentioned in the ingredients as an alternative to breasts. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicier, making them an excellent choice for this dish.
- → How spicy are these tacos?
These tacos are mild with a focus on sweet and savory flavors. If you prefer spicier tacos, increase the chili powder or add cayenne pepper to the seasoning. You can also serve with hot sauce or diced jalapeños as a topping.
- → Can I make the garlic butter honey sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently before using. The flavors may even intensify over time.
- → What type of taco shells work best for this dish?
Both hard corn taco shells and soft flour tortillas work well. For soft shells, you can warm them briefly in a dry skillet or microwave. Corn tortillas offer a more authentic flavor, while flour tortillas tend to be more pliable.