Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos

Garlic butter honey BBQ chicken tacos are sweet, smoky, savory, and totally irresistible. Tender chicken is coated in a sticky honey BBQ glaze infused with garlic butter, then tucked into warm tortillas and topped with fresh, crisp toppings. I love how this recipe delivers bold, satisfying flavor with just the right balance of sweet and heat—all wrapped up in a taco that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these tacos because they bring together all the best flavors—rich garlic butter, tangy BBQ, and sweet honey—in one juicy, messy, mouthwatering bite. The chicken is quick to cook, the sauce is super simple, and the toppings are totally customizable. Whether I’m hosting taco night or just want something different for dinner, these are always a hit.

Ingredients

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

boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
salt
black pepper
garlic powder
olive oil or butter
garlic (minced)
BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
honey
butter
flour or corn tortillas

Optional toppings:
shredded lettuce or cabbage
pickled red onions
diced avocado
shredded cheese
lime wedges
chopped cilantro

Directions

1. I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

2. In a skillet, I heat olive oil or butter and cook the chicken over medium heat until browned and fully cooked—about 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. I remove it from the pan and let it rest before slicing or shredding.

3. In the same skillet, I melt butter and sauté the minced garlic for about a minute until fragrant.

4. I add the BBQ sauce and honey to the skillet, stir to combine, and let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.

5. I return the chicken to the pan and toss it in the sauce until fully coated and warmed through.

6. I warm the tortillas and fill them with the saucy chicken and my choice of toppings.

7. I serve the tacos with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro for a fresh finish.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 tacos (serves 4).
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I make a spicier version by using spicy BBQ sauce or adding a dash of hot sauce to the glaze. I’ve also used rotisserie chicken for a shortcut. When I want a smoky kick, I grill the chicken instead of pan-cooking it. For a fun twist, I serve it on lettuce wraps for a low-carb option or over rice for a taco bowl.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave it in 30-second bursts, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if needed. I keep tortillas and toppings separate and assemble fresh when ready to eat.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

Yes, I do all the time. I just pick one I love—whether it’s smoky, sweet, or spicy—and it becomes the base for the honey garlic butter glaze.

Can I grill the chicken instead?

Absolutely. I grill the seasoned chicken, then slice and toss it in the warm honey BBQ garlic butter sauce after grilling.

What tortillas work best?

I like flour tortillas for their softness, but corn tortillas give great texture and flavor too. Either works depending on what I have on hand.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare the chicken and sauce ahead, then reheat and assemble the tacos just before serving for the best texture.

What sides go well with these tacos?

I usually serve them with corn on the cob, black bean salad, or a simple slaw. A side of chips and guacamole is always a win too.

Conclusion

Garlic butter honey BBQ chicken tacos are the kind of flavorful, feel-good meal I love making when I want something fun and satisfying. They’re easy to pull together, endlessly customizable, and packed with sweet, smoky, and savory flavor. Whether it’s taco night or a weeknight dinner, these tacos always bring big flavor to the table.

Print