Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
Creamy, sticky, and wildly flavorful — these Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are the kind of meal that turns a regular weeknight into a small celebration.
Servings: 4 servings
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Small Pan
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs trimmed and patted dry
Seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder optional
Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter room temperature preferred
- 4 cloves garlic minced (about 1 tbsp)
- 2 tbsp honey
Taco Shells
- to taste taco shells (soft tortillas or crunchy shells) warmed
Toppings
- to taste shredded lettuce
- to taste shredded cheddar cheese
- to taste fresh salsa
- to taste diced avocado
- to taste lime wedges
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, add 1 lb trimmed chicken and drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp chili powder if using. Toss until the chicken pieces are evenly coated. Let sit for 2–3 minutes while the skillet heats so flavors settle.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside is golden brown. Remove the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 3–4 minutes.
- Make the garlic butter honey sauce: In a small pan over low heat, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant — do not brown. Stir in 2 tbsp honey and let the mixture heat for another 30 seconds so the honey loosens and combines.
- Toss chicken in sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet over low heat. Pour the garlic butter honey sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat every piece. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes so the sauce slightly reduces and clings to the chicken.
- Slice and assemble: Slice the glazed chicken into thin strips. Fill warmed taco shells with chicken and top with shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, and any other desired toppings. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing.
Notes
Use thighs for juicier results or breasts for a leaner bite; adjust cook time for thickness. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to get a better sear and golden color. Don’t overcook: use a meat thermometer to hit 165°F for perfect tenderness.