Garlic Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos
Savor the deliciousness of Garlic Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos, featuring tender, shredded chicken cooked in a sweet and savory garlic honey BBQ sauce. These tacos are perfect for any occasion, whether it s a family dinner, game day, or taco night with friends. Everyone will enjoy the unique blend of flavors and the ease of preparation makes these tacos a standout dish.
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Why You ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends.
- Irresistible Flavor: A mouth-watering mix of garlic, honey, and BBQ sauce creates a tasty experience in every bite.
- Versatile Meal: Suitable for various occasions, from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings.
- Customizable Toppings: Top your tacos with fresh coleslaw, cilantro, or your favorite sauces for a personalized touch.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will rave about these flavorful tacos, making it a hit at the dinner table.
Tools and Preparation
To make Garlic Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos, you ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures that your cooking process is smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Skillet
- Forks (for shredding)
- Serving platter
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Ideal for cooking chicken to tender perfection without constant monitoring.
- Skillet: Great for warming tortillas to enhance their flavor and texture.
- Forks: Essential for easily shredding the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Ingredients
For these delicious Garlic Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos, gather the following ingredients:
For the Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For Assembling
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
How to Make Garlic Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
In a slow cooker, combine the chicken breasts with BBQ sauce, honey, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fork-tender.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred it into pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir it in with the sauce until well combined.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
While your chicken is warm and juicy, heat your tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 30 seconds on each side until they become pliable and slightly charred.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
To assemble your tacos, spoon a generous amount of garlic honey BBQ pulled chicken onto each tortilla. Top them with coleslaw mix and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Just before serving your tacos, squeeze fresh lime juice over them for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos!
How to Serve Garlic Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos
Garlic Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos are versatile and can be served in various ways to suit your taste. Here are some delicious serving suggestions that will enhance the flavor and presentation of your tacos.
Fresh Toppings
- Cilantro: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness.
- Avocado: Add slices of creamy avocado for a rich texture.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onions provide a nice crunch and sharp flavor.
Salsas and Sauces
- Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa adds a zesty kick that complements the sweet BBQ chicken.
- Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy heat, drizzle some hot sauce over your tacos.
- Creamy Ranch Dressing: A dollop of ranch dressing adds creaminess and balances flavors.
Accompaniments
- Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges for squeezing fresh juice over the tacos.
- Coleslaw: A side of coleslaw pairs well with the tacos, adding extra crunch.
How to Perfect Garlic Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos
Creating the perfect Garlic Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to elevate your taco game.
- spices: Add more spices like cumin or chili powder to enhance the flavor profile.
- Quality BBQ sauce: Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce for better taste; homemade is even better!
- Proper cooking time: Ensure you cook the chicken long enough in the slow cooker for maximum tenderness.
- Warm tortillas: Always warm your tortillas before assembling; this makes them more pliable and flavorful.
- Layer ingredients wisely: Start with chicken, then toppings, to avoid soggy tortillas.
- Experiment with toppings: Don t hesitate to try unique toppings like pickled jalapeños or cheese blends.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos
Serving side dishes alongside your Garlic Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that pair wonderfully with this dish.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices adds heartiness to your meal.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are nutritious and complement taco flavors perfectly.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a delightful crunch and sweetness when grilled with butter.
- Chips and Guacamole: Crispy tortilla chips served with creamy guacamole make for a tasty appetizer.
- Mango Salsa: A refreshing mango salsa adds sweetness and brightness that balances the savory tacos.
- Corn Salad: A vibrant corn salad with bell peppers provides color and an extra layer of flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Garlic Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos, there are some common mistakes that can affect the overall flavor and texture. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Skipping the marinating step: Not allowing the chicken to marinate in the sauce can lead to bland flavors. Always give it enough time to soak up those delicious seasonings.
- Using low-quality BBQ sauce: A poor quality BBQ sauce can ruin your tacos. Opt for a brand that you love or make your own for the best results.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can dry it out. Follow the recommended cooking times in the recipe to ensure tender, juicy chicken.
- Forgetting toppings: Toppings are essential for adding texture and flavor. Don t skip on coleslaw or fresh cilantro; they enhance the dish significantly.
- Choosing the wrong tortillas: Using thick or stale tortillas can take away from the taco experience. Choose soft, fresh corn or flour tortillas for the best taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Garlic Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Garlic Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos
- You can freeze cooked pulled chicken separately from tortillas and toppings.
- Use a freezer-safe container or bag, and it will stay good for about 2-3 months.
Reheating Garlic Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tacos in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until hot.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, warm tacos for about 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Garlic Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos:
How do I make Garlic Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos spicier?
You can add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to your garlic honey BBQ sauce before cooking for an extra kick.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes! You can substitute pork or beef if you prefer different flavors or textures in your tacos.
Are Garlic Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, use corn tortillas and ensure that your BBQ sauce is also gluten-free.
How long does it take to cook Garlic Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos?
The total cooking time is about 6-7 hours on low in a slow cooker, but you can cook it faster on high for 3-4 hours.
What toppings work well with these tacos?
Besides coleslaw and cilantro, consider avocado slices, diced tomatoes, or shredded cheese for added flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Honey BBQ Pulled Chicken Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings to suit your taste preferences. Whether it s taco night or a casual dinner at home, these tacos are sure to please everyone at the table. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the wonderful blend of flavors!



