Easy BBQ Chicken Tacos Recipe -

There is magic in pairing the smoky-sweet BBQ sauce and the celebratory nature of tacos to create a comfort meal that also feels festive. My tried-and-true recipe for BBQ chicken tacos has saved us more than one weeknight dinner at our house and wowed many weekend guests, so I’m excited to share them with you! Not just any tacos, these are tender chicken marinated in tangy barbecue sauce, rolled up

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What Makes These BBQ Chicken Tacos Special

What sets these BBQ chicken tacos apart from other taco recipes is their incredible versatility and flavor profile. The combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy BBQ sauce with tender chicken creates a base that pairs beautifully with both traditional and creative toppings.

These tacos are:

Quick to prepare – ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish
Perfect for using leftover or rotisserie chicken
Customizable for everyone at the table
Kid-friendly while still sophisticated enough for adults
Great for meal prep – components can be prepared ahead of time
Balanced in flavor – sweet, tangy, smoky, and fresh all in one bite

When I first started making these tacos, they were a simple weeknight solution. Over time, I’ve perfected the recipe, finding the perfect balance of flavors and the best techniques for juicy chicken and complementary toppings. Now they’re requested by name when friends come over!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the BBQ Chicken:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons lime juice

For the Tacos:

12-16 small tortillas (corn or flour)
2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 avocado, sliced
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
Lime wedges for serving

For the Cilantro Lime Crema:

1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1 small garlic clove, minced
Pinch of salt

Ingredient Notes:

Chicken options: While I prefer boneless thighs for their juiciness, chicken breasts work well too. You can also use rotisserie chicken to save time – simply shred it and toss with BBQ sauce and spices.
BBQ sauce: Use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own (recipe below). I recommend choosing one that balances sweet and tangy flavors.
Tortillas: Corn tortillas provide a more authentic flavor, but flour tortillas are easier to work with and less likely to break. Street taco-sized tortillas (about 4-5 inches) are perfect for this recipe.
Toppings: Feel free to customize based on preferences. Don’t like cilantro? Try parsley or skip it entirely. Want more heat? Add extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment

You don’t need fancy equipment to make these tacos, but having the right tools makes the process smoother:

Large skillet or cast-iron pan
Cutting board and sharp knife
Mixing bowls (various sizes)
Measuring cups and spoons
Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)
Tongs for handling chicken and tortillas
Grater for cheese (if using)
Small blender or food processor for crema (optional)

If you’re short on time or looking to simplify, a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store is a fantastic shortcut. You can also use pre-shredded cabbage and pre-diced onions to cut down on prep time.

Step-by-Step BBQ Chicken Preparation

Method 1: Cooking Chicken from Raw

In a bowl, combine chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season generously with the spice mixture, rubbing it in on all sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before shredding with two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the skillet over medium heat. Add 3/4 cup of BBQ sauce and lime juice, stirring to coat the chicken evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.

Method 2: Using Rotisserie or Pre-Cooked Chicken

Shred the cooked chicken using two forks, removing any skin or bones.
In a skillet over medium heat, combine the shredded chicken with the spice mixture, BBQ sauce, and lime juice.
Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly around the chicken.

Pro Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken:

Don’t overcook the chicken – it will continue to cook slightly when you add it back to the pan with the BBQ sauce.
For extra flavor, marinate the raw chicken in some of the BBQ sauce for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving – you may want to add more BBQ sauce, lime juice, or spices depending on your preference.

Making Homemade BBQ Sauce (Optional)

While store-bought BBQ sauce works perfectly for this recipe, making your own allows you to customize the flavor profile exactly to your liking. Here’s a simple homemade BBQ sauce that pairs beautifully with these tacos:

Homemade BBQ Sauce Ingredients:

1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons molasses
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Let cool before using. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Flavor Variations:

For a spicier sauce, add more cayenne pepper or a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
For a sweeter sauce, increase the brown sugar or add 2 tablespoons of honey.
For a more complex flavor, add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke or 1 tablespoon of espresso powder.

Assembling Your BBQ Chicken Tacos

The art of a perfect taco lies in the assembly! Here’s how to put together these BBQ chicken tacos for maximum flavor in every bite:

Warm the tortillas: This step is crucial for pliable, delicious tortillas. You have several options:
- Wrap a stack in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds
- Heat individually in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds per side
- Wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes
- Place directly over a gas flame for a few seconds per side for light charring
Prepare the cilantro lime crema: In a small bowl, mix sour cream or Greek yogurt with lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. For a smoother consistency, blend the ingredients in a small food processor.
Layer your tacos:
- Start with a warm tortilla
- Add a layer of shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix (about 2 tablespoons)
- Top with BBQ chicken (about 3 tablespoons)
- Add diced tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeños if using
- Finish with sliced avocado, a drizzle of cilantro lime crema, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro
- Serve with lime wedges on the side

Pro Tips for Taco Assembly:

Don’t overfill your tacos – it makes them hard to eat and more likely to break.
If using corn tortillas, consider using two per taco for extra stability.
For a party, set up a taco bar with all the ingredients and let everyone build their own.
To prevent soggy tacos, serve the components separately and assemble just before eating.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

These BBQ chicken tacos are delicious on their own, but pairing them with complementary sides creates a complete meal. Here are some suggestions:

Simple Sides:

Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
Black beans or refried beans
Grilled corn on the cob with lime and chili powder
Simple green salad with avocado and lime dressing

Appetizers and Starters:

Guacamole and tortilla chips
Queso dip
Mexican street corn dip
Fresh salsa or pico de gallo

Beverage Pairings:

Margaritas (classic, fruit-flavored, or frozen)
Mexican beer with lime
Horchata
Agua fresca
Sparkling water with lime

For a festive presentation, serve the tacos on a colorful platter with small bowls of toppings arranged around them. Add some fresh lime wedges and sprigs of cilantro for garnish.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Adaptations

While these tacos are already relatively balanced, here’s how they break down nutritionally (approximate values per taco with standard toppings):

Calories: 250-300 per taco
Protein: 15-20g
Carbohydrates: 25-30g
Fat: 10-15g
Fiber: 3-4g

Dietary Adaptations:

Gluten-Free:

Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas
Ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free (many store-bought versions contain wheat)
Check the label on any pre-mixed spices for gluten-containing additives

Lower-Carb:

Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas
Serve as a “taco bowl” over cauliflower rice
Increase the proportion of protein and vegetables to carbs

Dairy-Free:

Replace the cilantro lime crema with a dairy-free alternative made from coconut yogurt
Skip cheese toppings or use plant-based cheese alternatives

Vegetarian/Vegan:

Substitute the chicken with jackfruit tossed in BBQ sauce and spices
Use tempeh or tofu as a protein alternative
Try roasted cauliflower or mushrooms as a meat substitute
Ensure your BBQ sauce is vegan (some contain honey or other animal products)

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These BBQ chicken tacos are perfect for meal prep, and many components can be prepared in advance:

Make-Ahead Components:

BBQ chicken can be cooked and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Cilantro lime crema will keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container
Chopped vegetables can be prepped and stored separately for 1-2 days
Homemade BBQ sauce can be made up to 2 weeks ahead and stored in the refrigerator

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Keep tortillas tightly wrapped to prevent drying out
Store all toppings separately to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess

Reheating Tips:

Warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce if it seems dry
Microwave chicken in 30-second intervals, stirring between each
Warm tortillas just before serving for the best texture

Freezing Guidelines:

BBQ chicken freezes well for up to 3 months in an airtight container
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating
Fresh toppings don’t freeze well, so prepare those fresh when ready to serve

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even experienced cooks sometimes encounter challenges. Here are solutions to common taco problems:

Dry Chicken:

Add additional BBQ sauce when reheating
Include a splash of chicken broth or water when warming
Don’t overcook the chicken initially – use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches just 165°F

Soggy Tortillas:

Make sure tortillas are thoroughly warmed and slightly dried out
Don’t assemble tacos until right before eating
Place a layer of lettuce or cabbage between the tortilla and wet ingredients
For corn tortillas, a quick toast in a dry skillet helps create a barrier

Tortillas Breaking:

Double up on corn tortillas for extra strength
Don’t overfill your tacos
Make sure tortillas are fresh and properly warmed
Consider using slightly larger tortillas

Flavor Adjustments:

Too sweet: Add more lime juice or a splash of vinegar
Too tangy: Add a touch more brown sugar or honey
Too bland: Increase spices or add a pinch of salt
Too spicy: Add more crema or include cooling toppings like avocado

Conclusion

These BBQ chicken tacos are more than just a meal – they’re a celebration of flavors that bring people together around the table. The combination of tender, juicy chicken coated in smoky-sweet BBQ sauce, wrapped in warm tortillas, and topped with fresh, crisp ingredients creates a dining experience that’s both comforting and exciting.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, health-conscious family members, or adventurous foodies, these tacos can be customized to please everyone. The make-ahead components make them perfect for busy weeknights, while the impressive flavor profile makes them worthy of weekend entertaining.