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Looking for a quick and tasty meal? Try my Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos! This recipe packs sweet and smoky flavors into easy-to-make tacos. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dinner that impresses. You’ll love how easy it is to marinate the chicken, grill it, and assemble your tacos. Let’s dive into this fun, flavorful meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Marinade: The combination of honey and BBQ sauce creates a deliciously sweet and smoky glaze that elevates the chicken to a whole new level.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and simple cooking techniques, these tacos can be on the table in under an hour, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable Toppings: You can easily personalize these tacos with your favorite toppings, whether it’s extra veggies, different cheeses, or spicy sauces.
- Family-Friendly: The sweet flavor of honey BBQ chicken is a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy these tasty tacos.
Ingredients
For Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos, you will need some key ingredients to make them delicious. Here’s the list:
– 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
– ½ cup honey
– ½ cup BBQ sauce
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 small corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded lettuce
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
– ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Lime wedges for serving
These ingredients come together to create a sweet and smoky flavor burst in every bite. The honey and BBQ sauce give the chicken a tasty glaze. The spices add depth, while the fresh toppings bring crunch and color. Each component works to elevate the dish, making it a fun and tasty meal for any occasion.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Chicken
To start, gather your marinade ingredients. You need honey, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper. In a bowl, mix these ingredients well.
Next, add the chicken breasts to the bowl. Ensure each piece is fully coated in the marinade. This step is key for flavor. Cover the bowl and let it sit. For a good soak, marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you can, aim for 2 hours in the fridge. This will make the chicken taste even better.
Cooking the Chicken
Now, it’s time to cook. Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook each side for about 6 to 7 minutes. You want the chicken to reach 165°F (75°C) inside. This ensures it’s safe to eat.
After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Then, shred it using two forks. Mix in any leftover marinade for extra flavor.
Preparing the Tortillas and Tacos
While the chicken rests, warm your corn tortillas. Use a separate skillet over medium heat. Heat each tortilla for about 30 seconds on both sides. This makes them soft and easy to fold.
Now, let’s assemble the tacos. Take a warm tortilla and place a good amount of shredded honey BBQ chicken on it. Then, add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and your choice of shredded cheese. Top with fresh cilantro for a nice touch.
Serve your tacos right away. Don’t forget to add lime wedges on the side. Squeezing lime juice over the tacos adds a bright flavor. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Flavor
– Enhancing the marinade: Use fresh garlic and herbs. They boost the taste. Try adding a splash of lime juice for zest. This brightens the flavors nicely.
– Tips for perfectly cooked chicken: Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest before shredding. This keeps it juicy and tender.
– Presentation suggestions: Use colorful toppings like tomatoes and cilantro. Stack the tacos neatly on a plate. Serve with lime wedges for a pop of color.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Overcooking the chicken: Cooking too long dries out the meat. Watch the time closely and check the temperature.
– Incorrectly warming tortillas: If you don’t warm them, they may break. Heat them on medium for about 30 seconds per side.
– Skipping marination steps: Marinating boosts flavor. Don’t rush this step. Let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes.
Pro Tips
- Marinate Longer for Flavor: Letting the chicken marinate for up to 2 hours enhances the flavors significantly, making each bite more delicious.
- Check Chicken Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Warm Tortillas Properly: Warming tortillas in a skillet not only makes them pliable but also enhances their flavor, giving your tacos an authentic touch.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add avocado, jalapeños, or your favorite salsa for a personalized twist on these tacos.

Variations
Alternative Proteins
You can switch up the chicken in these tacos. Try using beef or pork instead. Both meats work well with the honey BBQ flavor. For a lighter option, use grilled veggies or tofu. Tofu absorbs flavors well and adds a nice texture.
Different Sauce Options
If you want to change the sauce, make your own BBQ sauce. Mix ketchup, vinegar, and spices for a quick homemade version. You can also add spices like cayenne for heat or smoked paprika for a smoky taste. This gives your tacos a unique twist.
Taco Presentation Ideas
Get creative when serving these tacos. Use a platter with all the toppings on display. This way, everyone can build their own taco. You can also serve them with sides like chips, guacamole, or a fresh salad. Lime wedges add a nice touch for extra flavor.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the chicken, toppings, and tortillas separately. This prevents sogginess. You can refrigerate the chicken for up to four days. The toppings are best used within two days for freshness.
Reheating Instructions
When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, the best way to reheat chicken tacos is on the stove. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and warm for about 3-4 minutes. For the tortillas, warm them in a separate pan for about 30 seconds on each side. This keeps them soft and tasty. To retain the flavor and texture, avoid using a microwave, as it can make everything rubbery.
FAQs
What is the best way to marinate chicken?
The best way to marinate chicken is to use a mix of flavors. In a bowl, combine honey, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place your chicken breasts in the mix. Ensure they are well coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit. I suggest marinating for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate for up to 2 hours in the fridge. This gives the chicken more flavor.
Can I make Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos ahead of time. To prep, marinate the chicken as noted. Cook the chicken and shred it. Store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. You can keep it for about 3 days. When ready to eat, warm the chicken gently. Warm the tortillas in a skillet. Then, assemble the tacos with your toppings.
What are some sides that pair well with these tacos?
These tacos go well with many sides. Here are some great options:
– Mexican rice: A classic and colorful side.
– Black beans: They add protein and flavor.
– Corn salad: Fresh and sweet, it balances the tacos.
– Guacamole: Creamy and delicious, it’s a perfect dip.
– Chips and salsa: A crunchy and tasty starter.
These sides will make your meal even better!
This blog post covered how to create delicious honey BBQ chicken tacos. We explored key ingredients, marination, and cooking steps. I shared tips for flavor and common pitfalls to avoid. You can also try alternative proteins or sauces for variety. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later.
Now, you have everything you need to make tasty tacos at home. Enjoy the process and share these with family and friend
Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos
Delicious tacos filled with marinated honey BBQ chicken and fresh toppings.
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal
- 2 pieces chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 0.5 cup honey
- 0.5 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- to taste salt and pepper
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 0.5 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- as needed lime wedges for serving
In a bowl, combine honey, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and ensure they are well coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for more flavor).
Preheat your grill or the stove skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts. Grill or cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Remove the cooked chicken from the grill or skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. Shred the chicken using two forks, mixing in any leftover marinade for extra flavor.
In a different skillet, warm the corn tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, until soft and pliable.
On each tortilla, place a generous amount of the shredded honey BBQ chicken. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.
Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.
Keyword BBQ, chicken, honey, tacos
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