BBQ Chicken Tacos: The Ultimate Guide to Deliciousness

BBQ Chicken Tacos: Prepare to ditch the same old taco Tuesday routine because these aren’t your average tacos! Imagine juicy, tender chicken, slathered in smoky-sweet barbecue sauce, nestled in a warm tortilla with all your favorite toppings. Sounds amazing, right? I’m so excited to share this recipe with you!

While the exact origins of BBQ Chicken Tacos are a bit hazy, they represent a delicious fusion of American barbecue traditions and Mexican taco culture. Think of it as a culinary melting pot, where the slow-cooked, smoky flavors of the South meet the vibrant, hand-held goodness of a classic taco. This delightful combination has quickly become a favorite for its unique flavor profile and incredible versatility.

What makes these BBQ Chicken Tacos so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky. The barbecue sauce adds a tangy sweetness that complements the savory chicken, while the toppings provide a refreshing crunch and burst of flavor. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to customize! Whether you prefer a spicy kick, a creamy coolness, or a fresh, vibrant slaw, you can tailor these tacos to your exact preferences. They are also a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. Get ready to experience a taco transformation that will leave you craving more!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the BBQ Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand!)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Taco Assembly:
• 12 corn or flour tortillas (6-inch size)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Optional toppings: sour cream, coleslaw, pickled jalapeños

Preparing the BBQ Chicken:

1. Sear the Chicken: First, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point, just get some color on them. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Simmer in BBQ Sauce: Pour in the BBQ sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds a lot of flavor! Bring the sauce to a simmer.
4. Cook the Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the BBQ sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
6. Combine and Simmer: Return the shredded chicken to the skillet with the BBQ sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce. This step is crucial for maximum flavor! If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to reduce it.

Warming the Tortillas:

While the chicken is simmering, prepare the tortillas. There are several ways to warm them:

1. Skillet: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds per side, until pliable and slightly charred.
2. Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the tortillas in foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.
3. Microwave: Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds, until warmed through.

Assembling the Tacos:

1. Layer the Cheese: Place a warmed tortilla on a plate. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese onto the tortilla. The cheese will melt slightly from the heat of the chicken, creating a delicious base.
2. Add the BBQ Chicken: Spoon a generous amount of the BBQ chicken onto the tortilla, on top of the cheese. Don’t overfill the tortilla, or it will be difficult to fold.
3. Top with Red Onion: Sprinkle some thinly sliced red onion over the chicken. The red onion adds a nice crunch and a bit of sharpness to balance the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
4. Add Avocado: Add diced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats. The avocado complements the other flavors perfectly.
5. Garnish with Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the tacos for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
6. Serve with Lime Wedges: Serve the BBQ chicken tacos immediately with lime wedges. Squeeze a lime wedge over each taco for a burst of citrus.
7. Optional Toppings: Offer optional toppings such as sour cream, coleslaw, or pickled jalapeños for your guests to customize their tacos. Coleslaw adds a nice crunch and tang, while pickled jalapeños add some heat.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce or use a spicy BBQ sauce. You can also add some chopped jalapeños to the tacos.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or cotija.
• Add Some Crunch: Add some crumbled tortilla chips or crispy fried onions for extra crunch.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with black beans or shredded jackfruit for a vegetarian option.
• Slow Cooker Option: You can also make the BBQ chicken in a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and return it to the slow cooker to simmer in the sauce for another 30 minutes.
• Grilling the Chicken: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken breasts before shredding them and adding them to the BBQ sauce. Grill the chicken over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
• Make it Ahead: The BBQ chicken can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it before assembling the tacos.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the BBQ chicken tacos with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple salad.

Enjoy your delicious homemade BBQ Chicken Tacos!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These BBQ Chicken Tacos are truly a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss. From the smoky sweetness of the barbecue sauce to the fresh, vibrant crunch of the toppings, every bite is a party in your mouth. I genuinely believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight. Forget complicated meal prep; these tacos come together in a snap!

But the best part? The versatility! While I’ve shared my go-to combination, feel free to get creative and tailor these tacos to your own taste.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Spice it up! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade or a drizzle of sriracha mayo for an extra kick.
* Go vegetarian! Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or black beans for a delicious meat-free option. Marinate the halloumi in the BBQ sauce for maximum flavor.
* Change up the toppings! Swap the coleslaw for a fresh corn salsa, or add some pickled onions for a tangy twist. Avocado crema would also be a fantastic addition.
* Different tortillas! While I love using corn tortillas for a more authentic taco experience, feel free to use flour tortillas if that’s what you prefer. You could even try grilling the tortillas for a slightly charred flavor.
* Make it a bowl! If you’re watching your carb intake, skip the tortillas altogether and serve the BBQ chicken and toppings over a bed of rice or quinoa. This makes a fantastic and healthy bowl.
* BBQ Chicken Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with the BBQ chicken, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

I’ve made these BBQ Chicken Tacos countless times, and they’re always a hit with family and friends. They’re perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a backyard barbecue, or even a fun taco night with the kids. The possibilities are truly endless!

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s a fantastic way to add some excitement to your dinner routine. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover grilled chicken!

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill (or oven!), and get ready to experience the deliciousness of these BBQ Chicken Tacos. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Once you’ve tried the recipe, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what you thought, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking, and enjoy your amazing BBQ Chicken Tacos! I can’t wait to hear from you!