Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are a mouthwatering twist on taco night, combining sweet, smoky, and savory flavors in every bite. Juicy chicken is cooked in a rich garlic butter, then tossed with sticky-sweet honey BBQ sauce and wrapped in warm tortillas with fresh toppings. These tacos are bold, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for when I want something fun and different for dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these tacos bring together sweet heat and buttery richness in a way that’s totally crave-worthy. The garlic butter adds depth, while the honey BBQ glaze makes the chicken sticky and irresistible. It’s a quick recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal prep. I can customize the toppings however I like—whether I want creamy slaw, crisp lettuce, or a sprinkle of cheese—and it always turns out delicious.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, chopped or shredded

• Olive oil or butter (for cooking)

• Garlic, minced

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Paprika (optional)

For the sauce:

• Butter

• Honey

• Your favorite BBQ sauce (sweet, smoky, or spicy)

• Garlic powder

For the tacos:

• Small flour or corn tortillas

• Shredded lettuce or cabbage

• Sliced red onion or pickled onions

• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey jack, or pepper jack)

• Fresh cilantro

• Lime wedges (for serving)

directions

1. I season the chopped or shredded chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. In a skillet over medium heat, I heat olive oil or butter and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.

3. I push the chicken to the side of the skillet and add butter and minced garlic. I sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

4. I stir in the honey, BBQ sauce, and a pinch of garlic powder. I mix everything together until the chicken is well coated in the sticky sauce. I let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.

5. While the chicken cooks, I warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.

6. I assemble the tacos by layering the chicken in each tortilla, then adding shredded lettuce or cabbage, onions, cheese, and a sprinkle of cilantro.

7. I serve the tacos with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 tacos (serves 4 people).
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes use pulled rotisserie chicken to save time and just toss it in the sauce.

• For extra heat, I add a few dashes of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes.

• I’ve swapped the tortillas for lettuce wraps when I want a low-carb version.

• If I want more crunch, I top the tacos with crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions.

storage/reheating

I store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave it for 1–2 minutes or warm it in a skillet over medium heat. I keep the toppings and tortillas separate until I’m ready to assemble the tacos so they don’t get soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, I actually prefer using thighs sometimes because they stay juicy and absorb the sauce really well.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not unless I make it that way. The base is sweet and savory, but I add heat with spicy BBQ sauce or hot sauce when I want a kick.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Yes, I’ve grilled the chicken and then tossed it in the garlic butter honey BBQ sauce afterward. It adds a nice smoky flavor.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

I usually go for a sweet and smoky sauce, but I’ve used spicy chipotle BBQ and even bourbon-style sauces with great results.

Can I make these into quesadillas or bowls?

Definitely. I’ve turned the chicken into quesadilla filling or served it over rice or salad greens for a delicious bowl-style meal.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are a fun, flavor-packed way to switch up taco night. The sticky-sweet sauce, garlicky richness, and tender chicken make every bite unforgettable. Whether I’m cooking for friends or just want something bold and easy for dinner, these tacos are always a hit—and they’re even better with a squeeze of fresh lime to finish them off.