A plate of honey barbecue chicken tacos topped with fresh coleslaw, avocado slices, and pickled onions, served on soft tortillas with a side of lime wedges.

When it comes to tacos, the possibilities are endless, but honey barbecue chicken tacos offer a unique combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors that set them apart. This recipe blends the rich, caramelized sweetness of honey, the bold smokiness of barbecue sauce, and the juiciness of tender, well-seasoned chicken, all wrapped in a warm tortilla and topped with fresh, crunchy garnishes.

Why You’ll Love These Tacos

Honey barbecue chicken tacos are a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweet and tangy barbecue sauce adds depth to the dish, while the grilled or pan-seared chicken remains juicy and flavorful. Toppings like coleslaw, avocado, pickled onions, and melted cheese enhance the tacos with fresh, creamy, and crunchy elements.

These tacos are incredibly versatile and can be tailored to suit different tastes:

Prefer spicier tacos? Add sriracha, jalapeños, or chili flakes to the sauce.
Want a healthier option? Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas and swap sour cream for Greek yogurt.

Cooking for a crowd? The chicken can be slow-cooked or grilled in large batches.

The Perfect Meal for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a casual family dinner, or a game night with friends, honey barbecue chicken tacos are an easy crowd-pleaser. They’re quick to prepare, highly customizable, and bursting with flavor in every bite.

Ingredients for Honey Barbecue Chicken Tacos

Creating the perfect honey barbecue chicken tacos starts with using fresh, high-quality ingredients that bring out the best flavors. Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious tacos.

1. Main Ingredients

Chicken – 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs are juicier, but breasts work well too).
Tortillas – 8 small corn or flour tortillas (flour tortillas are softer, while corn tortillas add a traditional touch).
Cheese – 1 cup shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija cheese (for extra creaminess and flavor).

Honey barbecue sauce – ½ cup homemade or store-bought (choose a sauce with a good balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors).

2. Seasonings & Marinade

To enhance the flavor of the chicken, you’ll need the following spices and ingredients:

Olive oil or butter – 2 tbsp (helps sear the chicken and lock in moisture).

Garlic powder – 1 tsp (adds depth of flavor).
Onion powder – 1 tsp (enhances the barbecue taste).
Smoked paprika – ½ tsp (brings a mild smokiness).

Salt & black pepper – ½ tsp each (to taste).
Lime juice – 1 tbsp (adds a fresh, citrusy balance to the sweet BBQ sauce).

3. Toppings & Garnishes

The right toppings add color, texture, and freshness to the tacos. Here are some delicious options:

Coleslaw or shredded lettuce – 1 cup (for crunch and freshness).
Avocado or guacamole – 1 sliced avocado or ½ cup guacamole (adds creaminess).
Red onion or pickled onions – ¼ cup thinly sliced (adds a sharp, tangy bite).

Diced tomatoes – ½ cup (adds a juicy, fresh element).
Fresh cilantro – ¼ cup chopped (for a burst of herbaceous flavor).
Sour cream or Greek yogurt – ½ cup (for a creamy, tangy finish).

Optional Extras:

Jalapeños or hot sauce (for a spicy kick).
Crispy bacon bits (for added crunch and smokiness).
Mango salsa or pineapple chunks (for a tropical twist).

How to Make Honey Barbecue Chicken Tacos

Making honey barbecue chicken tacos is simple and rewarding. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors.

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix ½ cup honey barbecue sauce, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper.
- Coat 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs evenly in the marinade.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

Choose one of these methods based on your preference:

Option 1: Grilling (Best for Smoky Flavor)

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F).
Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, brushing with extra barbecue sauce in the last few minutes.

Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Option 2: Pan-Searing (Quick & Easy)

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Brush with additional barbecue sauce before removing from the pan.

Option 3: Slow Cooking (Best for Tender, Shredded Chicken)

Place the marinated chicken in a slow cooker with ½ cup extra barbecue sauce.
Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Shred the chicken with two forks and mix with the sauce.

Step 3: Warming the Tortillas

Stovetop: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side.
Oven: Wrap tortillas in foil and warm at 300°F for 10 minutes.

Microwave: Wrap in a damp paper towel and heat for 30 seconds.

Step 4: Assembling the Tacos

Layer the base: Place the warmed tortilla on a plate.
Add the chicken: Spoon a generous amount of honey barbecue chicken onto the tortilla.

Top it off: Add your favorite toppings:
- Shredded lettuce or coleslaw for crunch
- Sliced avocado or guacamole for creaminess
- Diced tomatoes and pickled onions for freshness
- A sprinkle of cheese for richness
Drizzle extra sauce for more flavor.

Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Variations & Substitutes

Want to switch things up? Here are some creative variations and ingredient swaps to customize your honey barbecue chicken tacos.

1. Protein Options

Pulled Pork – Swap chicken for slow-cooked pulled pork for a rich, smoky twist.

Shrimp – Use grilled or pan-seared shrimp, coated in honey barbecue sauce.
Tofu or Jackfruit (Vegan Option) – Marinate and pan-fry tofu or use shredded jackfruit for a plant-based version.
Ground Turkey or Beef – Brown ground turkey or beef in a skillet and mix with barbecue sauce.

2. Sauce Alternatives

If you want to change up the flavor, try these sauce variations:

Spicy BBQ – Mix barbecue sauce with hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Buffalo Honey BBQ – Combine Buffalo sauce with honey barbecue sauce for a tangy kick.

Mango Habanero – Blend mango puree with barbecue sauce and habanero peppers for a fruity heat.

3. Low-Carb & Gluten-Free Options

Lettuce Wraps – Use romaine or butter lettuce leaves instead of tortillas.
Cauliflower Tortillas – Try grain-free tortillas made from cauliflower.

Gluten-Free Corn Tortillas – Ensure your tortillas are certified gluten-free.
Dairy-Free – Skip the cheese and use cashew or coconut-based sour cream.

4. Extra Flavor Twists

Smoky Bacon Tacos – Add crispy bacon bits for extra crunch.

Pineapple BBQ Tacos – Add grilled pineapple slices for a tropical touch.
Tex-Mex Style – Add black beans and corn salsa.
Korean BBQ Fusion – Use Korean BBQ sauce instead of traditional barbecue sauce and top with kimchi.

Expert Tips for the Best Honey Barbecue Chicken Tacos

Making honey barbecue chicken tacos is simple, but a few expert tips can take them from good to incredible. Here’s how to achieve the best texture, flavor, and presentation.

1. Use Chicken Thighs for Maximum Juiciness

While chicken breasts are leaner, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are more flavorful and stay juicy even after grilling or pan-searing.
If using breasts, brining or marinating for at least an hour helps keep them moist.

2. Make Your Own Honey Barbecue Sauce

While store-bought BBQ sauce is convenient, homemade sauce lets you control sweetness and spice levels.
DIY Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe:
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder

3. Get the Perfect Grill Marks Without Drying Out the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry before grilling to help it sear properly.

Don’t press down on the chicken while cooking—it pushes out juices and dries it out.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain moisture.

4. Toast the Tortillas for the Best Texture

Warm tortillas on a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side for a soft, slightly charred flavor.

If using corn tortillas, double them up to prevent breaking.
Wrap tortillas in foil and keep them warm in a low oven while preparing the toppings.

5. Balance the Flavors with Toppings

Crunchy: Coleslaw or pickled onions

Creamy: Avocado, guacamole, or sour cream
Tangy: A squeeze of fresh lime juice
Spicy: Jalapeños or hot sauce

6. Time-Saving Hacks

Use rotisserie chicken if short on time—just shred and toss with BBQ sauce.
Pre-chop toppings and store them in separate containers for easy assembly.
Make the chicken ahead and store it in the fridge for quick meal prep.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

1. Storing Leftovers Properly

To keep your honey barbecue chicken tacos fresh, store each component separately:

Cooked Chicken: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Tortillas: Keep in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
Toppings: Store fresh toppings like lettuce, onions, and cheese separately to prevent sogginess.

2. Best Ways to Reheat Chicken

Avoid drying out your chicken with these reheating methods:

Stovetop (Best for Texture)
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce.
- Stir for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Microwave (Quickest Option)
- Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Oven (Best for Large Batches)
- Preheat to 325°F.
- Spread chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil.
- Heat for 10-15 minutes.

3. How to Reheat Tortillas

Skillet: Warm on a dry pan for 30 seconds per side.
Microwave: Wrap in a damp paper towel and heat for 30 seconds.
Oven: Wrap in foil and heat at 300°F for 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I Make These Tacos Ahead of Time?

Yes! Here’s how:

Cook and shred the chicken up to 3 days in advance.
Chop toppings ahead and store them separately.

Assemble tacos just before serving to keep the tortillas from getting soggy.

2. What’s the Best Type of Chicken to Use?

Chicken thighs are the best for juicy, flavorful tacos.
Chicken breasts work well but require brining or marinating for best results.

Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut—just toss it in BBQ sauce!

3. Can I Make These Tacos Spicy?

Absolutely! Try these spice boosters:

Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce.

Use spicy barbecue sauce or chipotle sauce.
Top with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha.

4. What Are Some Healthy Toppings for These Tacos?

Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost.

Avocado for healthy fats.
Homemade slaw with light vinaigrette instead of creamy dressing.
Whole wheat or low-carb tortillas for a lighter option.

5. What’s the Best Way to Cook the Chicken for Maximum Flavor?

Grilling gives the best smoky flavor.
Pan-searing creates a flavorful crust.
Slow cooking makes it extra tender and easy to shred.

6. Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free or Gluten-Free?

Yes!

Use dairy-free cheese and coconut yogurt instead of sour cream.
Opt for corn tortillas instead of flour to make it gluten-free.

Check that your barbecue sauce is gluten-free.

7. What Side Dishes Go Well with These Tacos?

Mexican street corn (elote)
Cilantro lime rice

Black beans or refried beans
Grilled pineapple slices

Honey Barbecue Chicken Tacos

Author: Hamza

Print Recipe

Description

Honey Barbecue Chicken Tacos are a delicious fusion of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors wrapped in a warm tortilla. Juicy, tender chicken is marinated in a rich honey barbecue sauce, then grilled, pan-seared, or slow-cooked to perfection. Topped with fresh, crunchy slaw, creamy avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese, these tacos offer the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy elements.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, summer BBQs, or Taco Tuesdays, this dish is easy to make, highly customizable, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you prefer grilled, shredded, or crispy chicken, this recipe adapts to your preferences. Plus, it’s easy to make gluten-free, dairy-free, or keto-friendly with simple swaps.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Braised Chicken:

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

½ tsp. each kosher salt and black pepper
1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped onions

2 tbsp. chopped garlic
1 cup chopped plum tomatoes
1 cup chicken stock

For the Honey Barbecue Sauce:

2 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 cup minced onions
1 tbsp. minced garlic
2 tbsp. honey
2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
¾ cup ketchup
1 tsp. soy sauce
2 tbsp. rice wine vinegar
½ tsp. ground black pepper

For the Strawberry Salsa:

1½ cups diced strawberries
¼ cup minced cilantro
¼ cup diced jalapeno, seeds and membranes removed
2 tbsp lime juice

To assemble the tacos:

8 small small flour tortillas
1 avocado, sliced

Instructions

Begin by braising the chicken: Season the chicken on both sides with the salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven on medium heat. Then, brown the chicken lightly, on both sides, in several batches. When all the chicken is browned, add it back to the pot, with all the other ingredients. Simmer this, covered, for 50 minutes.
While the chicken simmers, make the Honey Barbecue Sauce: Melt the butter in a three-quart saucepan and cook the onion and garlic until softened. Then, add the rest of the ingredients, and simmer for thirty minutes, uncovered.
Also, make the Strawberry Salsa: Simply combine all the ingredients together in a bowl.
Remove the chicken to a plate and shred it with two forks. Add it to the barbecue sauce.
In a cast iron skillet, on medium heat, toast each tortilla on both sides. Fill each tortilla with some chicken. And top the chicken with the salsa and avocado.

Notes

Use Chicken Thighs for Maximum Juiciness – While chicken breasts work, thighs stay tender and moist after cooking.

Make Your Own BBQ Sauce for the Best Flavor – A homemade blend of honey, ketchup, vinegar, and spices gives a richer, fresher taste.

Marinate for at Least 30 Minutes – The longer the marinade sits, the deeper the flavors penetrate into the chicken.

Double Up Corn Tortillas – If using corn tortillas, stack two together to prevent breaking and hold the filling better.

Balance Sweetness with Acid – A squeeze of lime juice cuts through the sweetness and enhances the smoky BBQ flavors.

Customize to Taste – Add jalapeños for spice, pineapple for a tropical twist, or bacon for extra smokiness.

Meal Prep Friendly – Store cooked chicken separately and assemble tacos fresh for easy, grab-and-go meals.