Description
These quick and easy chicken tacos feature juicy chicken tossed in a sticky garlic butter honey BBQ sauce, tucked into warm tortillas and topped with crunchy slaw and fresh toppings. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, they deliver bold, sweet-savory flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into small chunks
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- 2 cups shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Sliced avocado (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken pieces dry and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- In a small bowl, melt butter and stir in minced garlic. Let sit for 1-2 minutes to infuse.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add garlic butter, then chicken. Cook 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Lower heat to medium. Add honey and BBQ sauce, stirring to coat chicken. Cook 2-3 minutes until sauce bubbles and thickens.
- Warm tortillas in microwave wrapped in a towel for 20-30 seconds, or in a dry skillet.
- Prepare toppings: shred lettuce/cabbage, slice onion, chop cilantro, shred cheese, and set out lime wedges and optional extras.
- Spoon chicken onto each tortilla (2-3 tbsp per taco). Top with lettuce, onion, cilantro, cheese, and a squeeze of lime. Add jalapeños, avocado, or sour cream if desired.
- Serve tacos hot, arranged on a platter or straight from the pan.
Notes
For gluten-free, use corn tortillas and check BBQ sauce labels. For dairy-free, substitute olive oil for butter and omit cheese. Rotisserie chicken can be used for a shortcut. Warm tortillas to prevent tearing. Adjust sauce sweetness and tang to taste. Leftovers taste even better the next day and freeze well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos per serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
Keywords: chicken tacos, garlic butter, honey BBQ, easy dinner, weeknight meal, family-friendly, quick recipe, taco night, comfort food