Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos

This recipe is total comfort food wrapped in a tortilla. These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are both sweet and savory, and will make everyone at the table stop and say, “Wait, what’s in this?” in the best possible way.

The chicken is coated in a rich honey barbecue sauce, layered with warm garlic butter, and put into soft tortillas that hold it all together.

The flavors melt together, giving you a taco that’s sweet, smoky, buttery, and absolutely satisfying. The best part is how simple it all is.

Everything cooks quickly, and the chicken stays tender and juicy while the sauce thickens into something delicious.

If you’re in the mood for tacos but want to try something different, this recipe is exactly what you need. 

Before you jump to the recipe, take a peek at the tips section below. It’s full of little tricks that make all the difference.

Serves: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These tacos are a fun twist on classic barbecue chicken. They’re full of flavor without being spicy, making them great for family dinners or for feeding guests with different preferences.

The method is quick and easy. The chicken cooks in just a few minutes, the sauce comes together in one pan, and all that’s left is assembling the tacos.

It’s the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something tasty but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen cooking or cleaning.

They’re also highly customizable, so you can adjust the heat, toppings, or tortillas to your cravings.

Whether you’re hosting taco night, craving something yummy after work, or just want a meal that everyone will love, these garlic butter honey BBQ tacos deliver big flavor with minimal effort.

How To Make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 lb of boneless skinless chicken breast (diced)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 3 tbsp of unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp of garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 cup of bbq sauce
• 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
• 8 fajita or street taco size tortillas

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Add the oil to a medium sized skillet, add the diced chicken, salt, pepper and onion powder, stir and cook over a medium to high heat until the chicken is completely cooked through and has some color.

2. Take the chicken out and place onto a plate, set aside.

Add the butter and garlic and cook for 30 seconds on a medium to low heat.

Add the honey, bbq sauce and apple cider vinegar and stir.

3. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and stir to coat the chicken in the sauce.

Turn the heat to low and begin warming up the tortillas in the microwave for just a few seconds.

4. Add the chicken to the tortillas and your favorite toppings!

Serve and enjoy!

Tips, Tricks & Storage

• Let the Sauce Thicken: After mixing the honey and BBQ sauce, give it a minute to simmer. It reduces to a glossy coating that clings beautifully to the chicken.
• Use Warm Tortillas: Warm tortillas fold more easily and won’t crack. Heat them briefly in a skillet, microwave, or oven for the best texture.
• Finish With Freshness: Toppings like shredded lettuce, cilantro, diced onion, or lime brighten up the flavor of this dish.
• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. The chicken also freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw and rewarm gently before assembling tacos.

Variations

This recipe is incredibly flexible. If you prefer a lighter sweetness, reduce the honey or use a smoky BBQ sauce.

Want some heat? You can add a drizzle of hot sauce, sliced jalapeños, or chipotle powder stirred into the sauce.

A squeeze of lime at the end gives everything a nice kick, and if you love creamy toppings, a spoonful of ranch or chipotle mayo adds a delicious finishing touch.

However you build it, this dish always turns out delicious.

Substitutions

Chicken Breasts → Chicken Thighs, Rotisserie Chicken

You can swap the chicken breasts for thighs if you want even juicier meat, or use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. 

Corn Tortillas → Flour Tortillas, Lettuce Wraps, or Rice

Corn tortillas are classic, but flour tortillas work just as well. For a lighter option, use lettuce wraps, or turn it into a delicious meal by serving the chicken over rice. You can even serve it over chips as well. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

 Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great option for an even faster dinner. Shred it and warm it in the pan with the honey BBQ sauce until everything is coated and heated through.

Q: Are these tacos spicy?

Normally, no. The honey BBQ sauce is mild, but you can add heat with jalapeños, chipotle powder, cayenne, or spicy BBQ sauce.

Q: What toppings work best?

 Shredded lettuce, diced onions, cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream, pico de gallo, or pineapple — anything fresh and brightly colored pairs beautifully with the sweet-and-savory chicken.

Q: Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them in the fridge and reheat when ready. Warm tortillas and fresh toppings are best added just before serving.

If you loved these Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos, make sure to check out more flavorful chicken dinner options next. Our Honey Pepper Chicken Over Rice and Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls all bring big flavor with simple prep and everyday ingredients.