If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a busy Texas mama of three, it’s this: tacos have a magical way of saving dinner time. These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are my little weeknight secret weapon. They’re juicy, sweet, a little smoky, and finished with a buttery garlic drizzle that makes everyone at the table go quiet for a second bite (and trust me, that’s rare in a house full of kids!).
The best part? They’re on the table in about 30 minutes, which means you can whip these up after work, soccer practice, or even when that “what’s for dinner?” panic sets in at 6:30 pm.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
- Ready in just 35 minutes—because who has hours to spare on a weeknight?
- Sweet, savory, and smoky flavors wrapped up in one handheld bite.
- Family-friendly (even my picky eater says “yes” to these tacos).
- Versatile toppings: go classic with lettuce and cheese, or add salsa, avocado, or a squeeze of lime.
What Do Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos Taste Like?
Think smoky BBQ meets a drizzle of sweet golden honey, with just the right punch of garlic butter richness. Every bite is juicy, bold, and comforting—like a summer cookout tucked inside a warm taco shell.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
When it comes to making these Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos, the magic really starts with simple, fresh ingredients. Each item plays an important role in building layers of flavor—smoky, sweet, buttery, and a little garlicky. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what you need and why.
Chicken & Seasoning
- Chicken (1 lb boneless, skinless breasts or thighs): Chicken breasts work beautifully if you prefer leaner meat, but I’ll be honest—thighs are my favorite here because they stay extra juicy and tender after cooking.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps the seasonings stick and adds richness when searing the chicken.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): The foundation of any good dish. Don’t skip it—seasoning makes all the difference.
- Paprika (1 tsp): Brings a warm smokiness that complements the BBQ vibe.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Reinforces that delicious garlic flavor we’re highlighting in the sauce.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): Adds depth and balances the seasoning blend.
- Chili powder (½ tsp, optional): For just a hint of heat. You can add more if your family likes things spicier.
Garlic Butter Honey Sauce
- Butter (4 tbsp unsalted): This is where the indulgence comes in. Butter makes the sauce silky and mouthwatering.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The star of the show. Fresh garlic is non-negotiable—it creates that irresistible aroma that fills the whole kitchen.
- Honey (2 tbsp): Sweet and golden, honey balances the savory garlic and smoky spices perfectly.
Taco Shells & Toppings
- Taco shells: Soft flour tortillas hold the chicken and sauce without breaking, but corn tortillas give that authentic taco flavor. You can’t go wrong with either!
- Toppings: This is where you can get creative. My go-to lineup is crisp lettuce, shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, and a spoonful of salsa. But avocado slices, sour cream, or even a squeeze of lime can take your Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos over the top.
👉 If you love adding vibrant toppings, you’ll also enjoy pairing these tacos with my Mexican Street Corn Soup—it makes the perfect side dish for taco night!
How to Make Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos (Step by Step)
Making these Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos is a breeze once you know the flow. I’ll walk you through it step by step, so even on a busy weeknight, you’ll feel calm and confident in the kitchen. Grab your skillet, a small saucepan, and let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Season the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, place your chicken breasts or thighs. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle in salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder if you’re using it.
- Use your hands (or tongs if you don’t like getting messy) to rub the seasoning all over the chicken.
- This step not only flavors the chicken but also helps it get that gorgeous golden crust when it hits the skillet.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken in a Skillet
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until the chicken is cooked through (165°F on a meat thermometer is your magic number).
- Don’t be tempted to move the chicken too much while it’s cooking. Let it sit so it develops that caramelized, slightly crispy edge that makes these tacos so satisfying.
Tip: If you’re feeding a crowd, you can also grill the chicken instead of pan-frying—it adds even more smoky BBQ flavor.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Honey Sauce
In a small saucepan on low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic.
- Let the garlic cook for about a minute, just until it’s fragrant and golden (but not burnt—we want heavenly, not bitter!).
- Stir in the honey and let the sauce bubble gently for 1–2 minutes. This creates a sweet, buttery glaze that will cling perfectly to the chicken.
Step 4: Toss Chicken with Sauce
Pour the garlic butter honey sauce over the cooked chicken in your skillet. Toss to coat every piece evenly.
- The sauce will seep into the chicken, making each bite juicy and flavorful.
- At this point, your kitchen is going to smell incredible—kids and husbands may suddenly “wander” into the kitchen to investigate.
Step 5: Slice the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 2–3 minutes. Then, slice it thinly against the grain.
- Resting helps keep the juices in, so your tacos stay moist and tender.
Step 6: Assemble the Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
Warm your taco shells (a quick 30 seconds on a skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven works wonders).
- Place a generous portion of sliced chicken into each shell.
- Top with crisp lettuce, shredded cheese, salsa, avocado slices, or whatever toppings your family loves.
- Drizzle with any extra sauce from the skillet for maximum flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your tacos hot and fresh with lime wedges on the side for squeezing. Pair them with a simple side like Spanish rice or my Chicken Taco Soup with Cream Cheese for the ultimate taco night spread.
💡 By following these steps, you’ll have restaurant-worthy Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos ready in just about 35 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick but unforgettable.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
- Thighs > Breasts: If you want maximum juiciness, go for chicken thighs.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.
- Make Ahead: Cook the chicken earlier in the day, then warm and toss with sauce before serving.
- Taco Bar Fun: Set out toppings buffet-style so everyone can build their dream taco.
(True story: my kids basically compete over who can stack theirs the highest with cheese and salsa. It’s chaos, but fun chaos.)
Storage for Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
- Store leftover chicken (without toppings) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or extra butter.
- Leftover chicken also works beautifully over rice, on salads, or stuffed in quesadillas.
FAQs
Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the honey butter sauce.
What taco shells work best?
Either flour or corn works. Flour holds up better with saucy chicken, but corn brings that authentic taco flavor.
Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes! Cook and slice chicken, then freeze in portions. Just thaw and reheat before tossing with sauce.
Conclusion
These Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are sweet, savory, and weeknight-friendly—basically a family dinner jackpot. Whether it’s taco Tuesday or just a random Wednesday, these tacos will bring everyone to the table with smiles (and maybe even a second helping). Try them this week, and let me know how your crew likes them!
For more cozy recipes, check out my Chicken Taco Soup with Cream Cheese or Mexican Street Corn Soup.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
Print
Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos – Easy & Delicious Weeknight Meal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Description
Juicy, flavorful Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos are made with tender seasoned chicken, smothered in a savory-sweet garlic butter honey sauce, and served in soft taco shells with your favorite toppings. A crowd-pleaser for any family gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- Taco shells
- Toppings (e.g., lettuce, cheese, salsa)
Instructions
1. Season the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional chili powder. Toss to coat.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
3. In a small pan, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the honey and mix to combine, forming a sauce.
5. Pour the garlic butter honey sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
6. Slice the chicken into strips.
7. Serve the chicken in taco shells and top with lettuce, cheese, salsa, or your favorite taco toppings.
Notes
Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
Chicken thighs offer a juicier texture than chicken breasts.
Pair with a side of rice or chips and guacamole for a complete meal.
