Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
Creamy, juicy, and packed with sweet-and-savory flavor, these Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a celebration.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs Trimmed and patted dry
- 2 tbsp Olive oil For seasoning and cooking
- to taste Salt and pepper To season the chicken
- 1 tsp Paprika For color and mild smoky flavor
- 1 tsp Garlic powder For added garlic depth
- 1 tsp Onion powder For savory balance
- 1/2 tsp Chili powder (optional) For a touch of heat
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter Room temperature or slightly softened
- 4 cloves Garlic Minced finely
- 2 tbsp Honey For sweetness and caramelization
- to taste Taco shells Warm and ready (soft tortillas or hard shells)
Toppings
- Shredded lettuce Prepared as desired
- Shredded cheese Prepared as desired
- Salsa Prepared as desired
Instructions
- Season the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional chili powder. Toss until well coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and golden brown. Use an instant-read thermometer if available — chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- In another small pan, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute), stirring so it doesn’t brown.
- Stir in honey and let it combine, heating just until the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened.
- Pour the garlic butter honey sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Allow the sauce to simmer with the chicken for a minute or two so it clings nicely.
- Slice the chicken against the grain into thin strips.
- Serve the sliced chicken in taco shells, topped with lettuce, cheese, and salsa. Add extra sauce from the pan if desired.
Notes
For best texture, store chicken and toppings separately and assemble tacos just before serving.