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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand) - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste For these tacos, I love using chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender. The garlic and butter create a rich flavor base. Honey adds sweetness, while BBQ sauce gives that smoky kick. - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 cup shredded lettuce - 1 cup diced tomatoes - 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Lime wedges for serving Toppings transform these tacos. Crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes add freshness. Cheese brings creaminess, while cilantro adds a bright finish. A squeeze of lime adds zest and balances flavors. Enjoy this full recipe for a delicious meal! Start by mixing your marinade. In a bowl, combine honey, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne (if you want heat), salt, and pepper. This mix adds depth to the chicken's flavor. Next, take your chicken thighs and coat them well in this marinade. Make sure every piece gets covered. Let the chicken sit for at least 20 minutes. If you can, put it in the fridge to marinate longer. This step makes the chicken tender and flavorful. Now, let’s cook the chicken. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1-2 minutes. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Now, take your marinated chicken and place it in the skillet. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. You want the chicken to be fully cooked and reach an internal temp of 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. While the chicken rests, it's time for the tortillas. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Place the corn tortillas in the skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. You want them warm and flexible. Now comes the fun part! Assemble your tacos. On each tortilla, add some sliced chicken. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and crumbled queso fresco. Don’t forget the fresh cilantro on top! Serve your tacos with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze some lime juice over the tacos for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To make your tacos shine, choose a good BBQ sauce. I love using sweet and tangy sauces. Some great brands include Sweet Baby Ray's or Stubb's. These sauces add depth and richness. If you like heat, adjust the spice. I add cayenne pepper for a kick. Start with a little, then taste. You can always add more if you want it spicier. Cook your chicken until it is safe to eat. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. To ensure this, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. This tool helps you avoid undercooking. If you don't have a thermometer, check the juices. They should run clear, not pink. Make your tacos look great! Use a colorful plate. Stack your tacos in a line or a circle. This adds fun to your meal. For garnishes, use fresh cilantro and lime wedges. They add bright colors and fresh flavors. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top. This makes your tacos even more inviting. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken with beef or shrimp for a different taste. Both options cook well in the garlic butter mix. For beef, try flank steak, as it is tender and flavorful. If you choose shrimp, cook them until pink and firm, about 2-3 minutes per side. If you prefer a vegetarian option, use beans. Black beans or pinto beans work great. You can season them with spices like cumin or chili powder. This adds depth and warmth to your dish without meat. The BBQ sauce is key to a great taco. You can play with different BBQ sauces. Try a spicy sauce for heat or a sweet sauce for a twist. You can even mix sauces, like honey BBQ with a touch of chipotle. For extra crunch, add toppings like crispy onions or jalapeños. You can also include slaw for a fresh bite. This adds texture and makes each taco more exciting. You can serve these tacos in many ways. Taco-style is classic, with small tortillas filled with meat and toppings. If you want a heartier meal, try burrito-style. Use larger tortillas and wrap everything inside. You can also experiment with different tortilla types. Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas are soft and chewy. You could even use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Each style brings a new experience to your meal. Store leftover Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, eat it within this time. If you want to save the chicken for longer, freeze it. Place the chicken in freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat chicken and keep it moist, use a skillet. Heat it over low heat and add a splash of water or broth. Cover the skillet to trap steam and keep the chicken juicy. Stir occasionally until the chicken is hot. For tortillas, heat them in a dry skillet for about 15 seconds per side. This warms them without drying them out. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 20 seconds. For safety, eat leftovers within three days of cooking. If frozen, the chicken is safe to eat for three months. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for off smells, discoloration, or a slimy texture. If you notice any of these, it's best to throw it away. Enjoy your tacos fresh to savor all those tasty flavors! For the full recipe, check out the section above. Yes, you can use other meats. Chicken is great, but you can try pork or beef. Ground turkey is another tasty option. Each meat will give a different flavor. - Pork: Use pork tenderloin or chops. Cook them the same way as chicken. - Beef: Ground beef works well too. Just season it like the chicken. - Turkey: Ground turkey is leaner. Just be sure to cook it fully. You can easily make this recipe gluten-free. The main change is to use gluten-free tortillas. Many brands offer great options. Look for corn or rice-based tortillas. - Corn Tortillas: Most corn tortillas are gluten-free, just check the label. - Rice Tortillas: These are another option if you want a different texture. To round out your meal, choose some tasty sides. Here are a few ideas that work well: - Mexican Rice: This is a classic side. It adds flavor and texture. - Black Beans: These are healthy and filling. They pair nicely with tacos. - Corn Salad: A fresh corn salad adds crunch and sweetness. - Guacamole: Creamy guacamole is always a hit. It brings a nice creaminess to the meal. These sides will make your meal even more enjoyable! For the complete cooking process, check out the Full Recipe. In this article, we explored how to make delicious garlic butter honey BBQ chicken tacos. You learned about main ingredients and tasty toppings. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and helpful tips for flavor and presentation. We also covered variations and storage info to keep your tacos fresh. Try these techniques and enjoy a fun taco night. With these easy details, you can impress friends and family. Cooking can be simple and enjoyable with the right recipe. Enjoy every bite!

Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos

Indulge in a delicious twist on taco night with these Garlic Butter Honey BBQ Chicken Tacos! Bursting with flavor from honey, garlic, and BBQ sauce, this easy recipe combines juicy chicken thighs with fresh toppings for a meal everyone will love. Perfectly served in warm corn tortillas, these tacos are a crowd-pleaser. Click through to explore the full recipe and transform your dinner routine!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

8 small corn tortillas

1 cup shredded lettuce

1 cup diced tomatoes

1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Start by marinating the chicken thighs. In a bowl, combine the honey, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes, preferably in the refrigerator.

    In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

      Remove the marinated chicken from the bowl and place it in the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

        Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

          While the chicken rests, heat the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until warm and flexible.

            To assemble the tacos, place some sliced chicken on each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and crumbled queso fresco.

              Garnish the tacos with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

                Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4