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These garlic honey butter BBQ chicken tacos turn an everyday meal into a mouthwatering feast. The butter and honey mix creates a thick, sweet coating that hugs juicy chicken pieces, making tacos your family will beg you to make time and time again.
I whipped these up when I got bored with our usual Tuesday taco night. The second my husband tried them, he insisted we add them to our weekly menu. Even my choosy seven-year-old wipes her plate clean whenever I serve these.
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: They soak up all the flavors and stay juicy
- Olive oil: Helps seasonings stick and keeps chicken from sticking to the pan
- Salt and pepper: The must-have basics for any good dish
- Paprika: Adds a touch of smokiness that works with the BBQ flavor
- Garlic powder: Gives a flavor boost in the first seasoning mix
- Onion powder: Brings savory notes that work well with the buttery sauce
- Chili powder: Skip it if you want, but it balances the honey's sweetness nicely
- Unsalted butter: Lets you manage the salt level while making a rich sauce
- Fresh minced garlic: The smell and taste beat anything from a jar
- Honey: Makes everything stick together with just the right sweetness
- Taco shells: Go with corn for tradition or flour for softness
- Favorite toppings: Fresh stuff like lettuce and cheese cuts through the rich chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Chicken:
- Mix your chicken with olive oil in a big bowl, then throw in salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder if you want. Get your hands dirty and rub it all in so every bit gets coated. Don't hold back on seasoning here - it's what makes everything tasty.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Get a big pan hot over medium heat, but not smoking hot. Lay your chicken down in one layer without cramming them together. Let them cook about 5-7 minutes until they look golden, then flip and cook another 5-7 minutes. They should hit 165°F inside and look all caramelized outside. If you're not sure, just cut one open to check.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Honey Sauce:
- While your chicken's cooking, melt your butter in a small pot over medium-low heat. Toss in the garlic once it's melted and stir it around for just a minute - keep stirring so it doesn't burn. It should smell amazing but stay light colored. Pour in the honey and mix until everything looks smooth and shiny enough to coat the back of your spoon.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Dump your hot garlic honey butter mix right onto the cooked chicken in the pan. Grab some tongs and flip the chicken pieces around until they're all coated. Let everything bubble together for a minute or two so the flavors can mix and the sauce gets a bit thicker and stickier.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Cut your sticky chicken into strips across the grain so it's super tender. Heat up your taco shells following the package. Fill each shell with plenty of chicken and pile on whatever toppings you love - maybe some shredded lettuce, cheese, chopped tomatoes, and a bit of salsa. Eat them right away while everything's still warm and crunchy.
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That garlic butter honey sauce really makes this dish special. I stumbled on it while trying different coatings for grilled chicken, but something magical happened when I put it on tacos. The way the butter feels silky in your mouth while the honey gives that touch of sweetness makes every bite something to remember.
Storage Solutions
If you want leftovers or meal prep, keep your cooked chicken away from the shells and toppings. The chicken stays good in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container. The sauce will get solid when cold, but it'll melt right back when you warm the chicken in a pan on low heat. Splash in a bit of water when reheating if it needs more moisture.
Perfect Pairings
These tacos stand on their own, but they go great with easy sides too. Try a simple corn and black bean mix with lime juice to balance the sweet chicken. For bigger appetites, add some Mexican rice or refried beans. The chicken's sweetness also tastes amazing with tangy drinks like fresh limeade or a cold Mexican beer with lime.
Quick Customizations
The basic version tastes great, but you can change it up however you want. Want it hotter? Throw a chopped jalapeño in the sauce or add some cayenne to your chicken spices. If you're craving more BBQ flavor, mix a spoonful of your go-to BBQ sauce into the honey garlic butter. For a fresher taste, top your finished tacos with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
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You can't go wrong with these tacos for dinner—they're simple, tasty, and you can make them just the way you like them!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I grill the chicken instead of using a skillet?
For sure! Grilling the chicken gives it a smoky kick that pairs wonderfully with the honey garlic glaze. Cook on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- → What toppings go well with these tacos?
You’ve got options! Try lettuce, shredded cheese, salsa, diced tomatoes, or sliced avocado. Want crunch? Toss in some coleslaw. A squeeze of lime adds freshness too!
- → Can I replace chicken breasts with thighs?
Absolutely. Thighs work great and bring extra juiciness and flavor. The recipe mentions them as an optional swap for a reason—they’re delicious!
- → Are these tacos spicy?
Not particularly. The focus is on sweet and savory. For a bit of heat, sprinkle in more chili powder, add cayenne, or top with jalapeños or hot sauce.
- → Is it possible to prepare the honey garlic sauce earlier?
Yep! Whip up the sauce a couple of days ahead and keep it in the fridge inside an airtight container. Reheat it gently before serving—it might even taste better!
- → Which taco shells work best for this meal?
It’s up to you! Hard corn shells bring crunch, while soft flour tortillas are a pliable and comforting choice. You can also warm them in a pan or microwave for extra flavor.