Prepare for a culinary fusion that brings together two of America's most beloved comfort foods: the hearty, flavorful BBQ chicken sandwich and the versatile, handheld taco. This isn't just a meal; it's an experience, transforming tender, smoky BBQ chicken into a vibrant taco sensation. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, featuring succulent shredded chicken, a tangy yet creamy BBQ aioli, crisp coleslaw, and a delightful sprinkle of queso fresco. It's an innovative twist on classic flavors, promising a dish that's both excitingly fresh and wonderfully familiar.
Why You’ll Love These Irresistible BBQ Chicken Tacos
These BBQ Chicken Tacos are more than just a recipe; they are a celebration of flavor, convenience, and culinary creativity. They effortlessly combine the best of a juicy, loaded BBQ chicken sandwich with the fun and portability of a taco, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you're planning a summer cookout, a casual weeknight dinner, or a festive gathering, these tacos are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Flavor Explosion: Imagine the rich, smoky, and slightly sweet notes of perfectly grilled BBQ chicken, complemented by a zesty, creamy aioli and the refreshing crunch of homemade coleslaw. Every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a balanced and utterly delicious taste profile.
- Customizable Comfort: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level, choose your favorite BBQ sauce, or experiment with various toppings to make it uniquely yours. It’s a dish that caters to all palates and dietary preferences.
- Easy to Prepare: Despite their gourmet appeal, these tacos are surprisingly simple to make. With straightforward steps for grilling chicken, preparing the slaw, and whisking up the aioli, you’ll have a fantastic meal on the table without stress.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Tacos are inherently social food. Set up a taco bar with all the components, and let your guests build their own culinary masterpieces. It’s interactive, fun, and ensures everyone gets exactly what they want.
- Year-Round Appeal: While BBQ chicken might evoke images of summer, these tacos are fantastic any time of year. Use your outdoor grill in warmer months or opt for an indoor grill pan or oven-baked chicken when the weather cools down.
Mastering the BBQ Chicken Taco Recipe
Below you'll find a detailed breakdown of how to create these spectacular BBQ Chicken Tacos. For exact measurements and a full printable recipe card, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this article.
The Perfect Grilled BBQ Chicken
The foundation of these incredible tacos starts with perfectly grilled, tender, and juicy BBQ chicken. The choice between chicken breasts and thighs is yours, each offering a slightly different texture and flavor profile. Boneless, skinless cuts are recommended for ease of shredding or chopping.
Begin by generously seasoning your chicken with a high-quality BBQ dry rub. Don't be shy – this is where much of the initial flavor is built. A good rub will create a delicious crust and infuse the meat with aromatic spices. Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat, aiming for around 375°-400°F (190°-205°C). For best results, grill the chicken over indirect heat, which allows for more even cooking and prevents charring while still achieving those desirable grill marks.
Place the seasoned chicken on the prepared grill grates and cook for approximately 8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides develop a beautiful exterior. The key to juicy chicken is not to overcook it. White meat chicken (breasts) is best removed from the grill when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Dark meat chicken (thighs) can be cooked to a slightly higher temperature, between 175°F and 195°F (79°-90°C), where it becomes exceptionally tender and flavorful without drying out. Use an internal meat thermometer to accurately gauge doneness.
Once the chicken is off the grill, immediately slather each piece generously with your favorite BBQ sauce. The residual heat from the chicken will help caramelize the sauce, deepening its flavor. Then, let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and tender.
Cheryl’s Pro Tip for Juicy Chicken: For the absolute juiciest chicken, whether you're using breasts or thighs, remove the meat from the grill just *before* it reaches its ideal serving temperature. For example, if you prefer chicken breasts at 165°F (74°C), take them off at 160°F (71°C). During the 5-minute resting period, the internal temperature will continue to rise (this is called carryover cooking), reaching perfection while the meat reabsorbs its precious juices. This prevents dry, overcooked chicken.
Crafting the Crisp Coleslaw
A vibrant, crunchy coleslaw is essential for balancing the richness of the BBQ chicken. This simple yet flavorful slaw adds a crucial layer of texture and a refreshing tang to your tacos.
The base of our slaw is shredded cabbage. You can save time by using a store-bought coleslaw mix, or shred your own cabbage for ultimate freshness. If you're shredding your own, a sharp chef's knife, a mandoline, or even a food processor with a shredding attachment can make quick work of it. Aim for thin, even shreds for the best texture.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage with mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, a touch of granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. The mayonnaise provides creaminess, while the lime juice offers a bright, zesty contrast to the sweet BBQ. The sugar enhances the cabbage's natural sweetness and helps balance the acidity of the lime. Gently mix all the ingredients until the cabbage is evenly coated. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed – you might want a bit more lime for tang, more sugar for sweetness, or extra mayo for creaminess. The goal is a perfectly balanced slaw that complements the main event.
Whipping Up the BBQ Aioli
The BBQ aioli is the secret weapon that ties all the flavors of these tacos together. It’s incredibly simple to make and adds a creamy, tangy, and subtly smoky drizzle that elevates every bite.
In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, your favorite BBQ sauce, and a teaspoon of BBQ dry rub. The mayonnaise forms the creamy base, while the BBQ sauce infuses it with that signature smoky-sweet flavor. Adding a touch of dry rub intensifies the BBQ essence and adds depth. Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and fully combined. This aioli is highly adaptable – feel free to adjust the ratios of BBQ sauce and dry rub to suit your taste. If you prefer a thinner aioli, you can add a small amount of water or an extra squeeze of lime juice, but be mindful that a thinner BBQ sauce will naturally result in a runnier aioli. Set aside until you’re ready to assemble your tacos.
Perfectly Steamed Tortillas
Soft, warm, and pliable tortillas are crucial for an authentic taco experience. Steaming them ensures they are easy to fold without cracking and have a pleasant texture.
The microwave method is quick and effective. Start by dampening about 13 paper towels. They should be wet but not dripping, as the moisture will create the steam needed. Lay one damp paper towel on a large microwave-safe plate. Place a tortilla on top, then cover it with another damp paper towel. Continue layering tortillas and damp paper towels until all 12 tortillas are stacked, ensuring each one is completely encased in moisture. This "tortilla-towel tower" creates a steamy environment.
Microwave the stack for 30 seconds. After the first burst, check a few tortillas from the center of the stack to ensure they are warm and soft. If they’re not quite there, microwave them for additional 15-20 second intervals until they reach the desired pliability. It’s important to monitor the paper towels to ensure they don’t dry out; if they start to feel less damp, re-wet them or drape a couple of fresh, wet paper towels over the stack. Alternatively, you can warm tortillas individually on a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15-30 seconds per side until lightly browned and pliable, or wrap a stack in foil and heat in a preheated oven (350°F/175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Cheryl’s Tortilla Tip: If you find the paper towels drying out during multiple microwave rounds, don't hesitate to re-moisten them. You can either briefly run each dry sheet under water or simply lay a couple of fresh, wet paper towels over the entire stack before the next microwave burst. This ensures consistent steam and perfectly soft tortillas every time.
Assembling Your Flavorful Tacos
With all your components ready, it’s time for the delicious assembly! Once your BBQ chicken has rested, you can either chop it into bite-sized pieces or shred it using two forks for a classic pulled chicken texture. Both methods work wonderfully, depending on your preference.
Take a warm, steamed tortilla and spoon a generous amount of your chopped or shredded BBQ chicken into the center. Next, add a healthy dollop of the crisp, tangy coleslaw. The contrast between the warm chicken and the cool slaw is a key element of these tacos.
Now, drizzle a tempting amount of the homemade BBQ aioli over the filling. This creamy sauce acts as a binder and adds another layer of rich, tangy flavor. For an extra touch of freshness and a subtle oniony bite, sprinkle thinly sliced green onions over the top. Finally, crumble some queso fresco over everything. This mild, salty, and crumbly Mexican cheese adds a wonderful finishing touch, but you can also use a Mexican-style cheese blend or shredded pepper jack if you prefer a different cheesy kick.
Serve your BBQ Chicken Tacos immediately and prepare to enjoy a symphony of flavors and textures that will undoubtedly become a new favorite!
The Heart of the Flavor: BBQ Sauce and Dry Rub
The true magic and distinctive character of these BBQ Chicken Tacos hinge significantly on your choice of BBQ sauce and dry rub. These two components are the undisputed stars of the show, defining the smoky, sweet, and savory essence of the dish. This is why it’s paramount to select versions that you genuinely adore and that resonate with your personal flavor preferences.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its inherent flexibility, allowing you to transform the entire flavor profile simply by experimenting with different brands and varieties of BBQ sauce. The options are truly limitless! Imagine the possibilities: delve into the sweet and sticky notes of honey BBQ, the rich depth of hickory and brown sugar, the sophisticated undertones of bourbon-infused sauces, or the tropical tang of Hawaiian BBQ. For those who appreciate regional specificities, explore the vinegary zest of Carolina-style, the sweet and robust character of Kansas City-style, or the peppery notes of Memphis-style. Sauces can be ketchup-based for a familiar sweetness, mustard-based for a tangy kick, or vinegar-based for a sharper, brighter profile. And these are just a fraction of the incredible variety available on store shelves!
For an even more personalized touch, consider making your own BBQ sauce. It’s a surprisingly straightforward process that allows you complete control over the ingredients and flavor nuances. Crafting your own sauce also makes it incredibly easy to tailor it to specific dietary needs or preferences, whether you’re aiming for a sugar-free, Whole30 compliant, or vegan option. On my sites alone, you can discover fantastic recipes for Keto BBQ Sauce, Whole30 BBQ Sauce, a fiery Whole30 Chipotle BBQ Sauce, and even a delicious Vegan BBQ Sauce. Unleash your inner pitmaster and find your ultimate BBQ flavor!
Exciting Recipe Variations and Substitutions
This BBQ Chicken Taco recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your taste, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas to spark your culinary creativity:
- Chicken Choices: While we recommend boneless, skinless cuts for easy shredding, both chicken breasts and thighs work beautifully. Chicken thighs offer a richer, more succulent flavor due to their higher fat content, while breasts are leaner. If using thighs, remember they typically require a slightly longer cooking time on the grill – aim for about 6-8 minutes per side and remove them when they reach 175°-195°F (79°-90°C) internally.
- Protein Swaps: Not a chicken fan, or just looking for something different? This recipe is fantastic with other proteins! Try pulled pork, grilled shrimp, smoked tofu, or even black beans for a vegetarian option. Simply adjust the cooking method and time for your chosen protein.
- Slaw Alternatives: While a crisp cabbage slaw is classic, feel free to get creative with your crunch. Consider shredded lettuce, finely diced bell peppers, or even a vibrant corn salad. Our Mexican Street Corn Salad would be an exceptional addition to these tacos!
- Cheese Please!: Queso fresco offers a mild, salty finish. For a creamier, meltier texture, try shredded Monterey Jack, a Mexican cheese blend, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick. Vegan cheese alternatives also work wonderfully.
- Aioli Adventures: The BBQ aioli is incredible, but you can certainly swap it for other creamy sauces. A simple crema, a spicy sriracha mayo, or a cooling avocado crema would all be delicious. You could also offer a variety of sauces for guests to choose from.
- Extra Toppings: Elevate your tacos with additional toppings! Sliced avocado or guacamole, pickled red onions, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can all add layers of flavor and texture. For a touch of heat, add thinly sliced jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Low-Carb Options: For a low-carb version, serve the BBQ chicken and slaw in large lettuce wraps instead of tortillas. You can also opt for low-carb tortillas.
While these suggested variations are designed to inspire and are generally successful, altering any recipe can sometimes lead to unexpected results. The substitutions and changes listed here are simple modifications that I believe will work well, but results are not always guaranteed. Enjoy the adventure of experimenting!
BBQ Chicken Tacos
Recipe By: Cheryl Malik
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Assemble Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
All the rich flavor of a loaded shredded BBQ chicken sandwich, reimagined in a dynamic taco form.
Yields: 12 tacos
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Large plate
- Neutral-flavored cooking spray
- Tongs
- Internal meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Pastry brush
- Medium mixing bowl
- Silicone spatula
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Sharp chef's knife or tools to shred chicken
- 13 Paper towels
- Water
- Large microwave-safe plate
- Microwave
Ingredients
For the BBQ Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon BBQ dry rub, plus more if desired
- Salt, optional, to taste
- ½ cup BBQ sauce, store-bought or homemade, plus more if desired
For the Slaw
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (shred your own or use bagged coleslaw mix)
- ½ tablespoon fresh lime juice (juice from approximately half of 1 medium lime)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, plus more if desired
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (more or less to taste)
- 1 pinch salt (more or less to taste)
For the BBQ Aioli
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon BBQ dry rub
For the Tacos (All Optional)
- 12 tortillas (corn or flour tortillas; 6-inch or 8-inch)
- ½ cup thinly sliced green onions
- ½ cup crumbled queso fresco
Instructions
To Grill the Chicken
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, between 375° and 400° Fahrenheit (190°-205°C).
- While the grill preheats, place 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) on a large plate. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of BBQ dry rub and optional salt evenly over all sides of the chicken, ensuring full coverage. Add more dry rub if you desire a stronger flavor.
- Once the grill has reached its target temperature, lightly spray the grill grates with a neutral-flavored cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned chicken pieces over indirect heat.
- Close the grill lid and cook the chicken undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes.
- After 4 to 5 minutes, open the grill and carefully flip the chicken breasts over. Close the grill lid and continue to grill the chicken, undisturbed, for another 4 minutes.
- After this second 4-minute interval, open the grill lid and insert an internal meat thermometer into the thickest part of a chicken breast. If necessary, continue grilling until the internal temperature reaches 160° Fahrenheit (71°C) for breasts or 175°-195°F (79°-90°C) for thighs.
- Once the target internal temperature is reached, promptly transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board. Immediately brush ½ cup of BBQ sauce onto the grilled chicken, distributing the sauce evenly over both sides of each piece. Set the chicken aside to rest for 5 minutes. This resting period is crucial for juiciness.
To Make the Slaw
- While the chicken rests, combine 2 cups of shredded cabbage, ½ tablespoon of fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, and 1 pinch of salt in a medium mixing bowl.
- Gently stir all the slaw ingredients together until they are fully incorporated and the cabbage is evenly coated. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as desired, adding more lime juice for tang, mayonnaise for creaminess, sugar for sweetness, or salt to enhance the flavors. Set aside.
To Make the BBQ Aioli
- In a small mixing bowl, add ¼ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce, and 1 teaspoon of BBQ dry rub.
- Whisk these ingredients together until they are smooth and fully combined. Taste the aioli and mix in additional BBQ sauce and/or dry rub if you prefer a stronger or different flavor profile. Set aside.
To Assemble the Tacos
- Once the chicken has rested for 5 minutes, chop it into small, bite-sized pieces or shred it using two forks. Set aside.
- Wet 13 paper towels under running water. Squeeze out excess water so they are damp but not dripping. Spread one damp paper towel across a large microwave-safe plate.
- Place one tortilla on top of the damp paper towel. Cover this tortilla with a second damp paper towel, ensuring all edges of the tortilla are completely covered.
- Repeat this layering process, alternating tortillas and damp paper towels, until all 12 tortillas have been stacked on the plate and covered by paper towels. Make certain that every tortilla is completely covered by paper towel, with no exposed edges, to ensure even steaming.
- Microwave the stacked tortillas in 30-second increments. After each burst, check the tortillas (especially those in the center) to ensure they are warm and soft. Continue microwaving in short bursts if needed, being careful that the paper towels do not dry out.
- Once the tortillas are perfectly steamed, fill each one generously with the chopped or shredded BBQ chicken and a spoonful of the prepared slaw.
- Drizzle a desired amount of the BBQ aioli over the taco filling. Repeat this process until all tortillas have been filled.
- Optionally, top the assembled tacos with ½ cup of thinly sliced green onions and ½ cup of crumbled queso fresco. Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite!
Notes
- Chicken Thighs: When using chicken thighs, adjust cooking time as they generally require longer than breasts, approximately 6 to 8 minutes per side. Remove them from the grill when their internal temperature reaches 175°F (79°C) for optimal tenderness. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes before chopping or shredding.
- Make Ahead: The BBQ chicken can be grilled and shredded a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The slaw and aioli can also be prepared ahead of time and stored separately. Assemble the tacos just before serving for the best texture.
Approximate Nutrition Information for One Serving
Serving Size: 1 taco
Calories: 238 cal
Protein: 19 g
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Trans Fat: 0.1 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg
Sodium: 341 mg
Potassium: 406 mg
Total Carbs: 20 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 6 g
Net Carbs: 18 g
Vitamin A: 168 IU
Vitamin C: 6 mg
Calcium: 72 mg
Iron: 1 mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
The number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. The result will be the weight of one serving.
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More BBQ-Inspired Recipes You'll Adore
If you loved these BBQ Chicken Tacos, you’re in for a treat! Explore more delightful BBQ recipes that bring bold flavors and easy preparation to your kitchen:
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