Simple BBQ Chicken Tacos Recipe

If you are craving a dish that’s bursting with smoky, tangy flavors and offers that perfect handheld comfort, then Simple BBQ Chicken Tacos are exactly what you need. These tacos combine tender shredded chicken coated in rich BBQ sauce, wrapped in warm, soft tortillas. Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick weeknight dinner or impress friends with a trendy, shareable meal, Simple BBQ Chicken Tacos hit every mark with ease and deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keep it straightforward and fresh with these essential ingredients that make Simple BBQ Chicken Tacos so satisfying. Each element contributes to the perfect balance of taste and texture, from the juicy chicken to the soft tortillas.

• Cooked Chicken, shredded: Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and absorbs BBQ sauce wonderfully for juicy tacos.
• BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite smoky, tangy BBQ sauce to coat the chicken, making it the star of the dish.
• Tortillas: Soft flour or corn tortillas create the perfect handheld base for your flavorful filling.
• Optional: Coleslaw: Adds a refreshing crunch and creamy contrast that brightens the bold BBQ flavors.

How to Make Simple BBQ Chicken Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start with cooked, shredded chicken—rotisserie chicken works beautifully here. Toss it generously in your favorite BBQ sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with smoky, tangy goodness. This simple coating turns plain chicken into a flavor-packed filling that’s impossible to resist.

Step 2: Warm the Tortillas

Gently warm your tortillas on a dry skillet or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel. Soft, warm tortillas make rolling easy and enhance the eating experience, allowing the BBQ chicken to shine.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

Load each tortilla with a hearty scoop of the BBQ chicken mixture. If you want to add some textural contrast and brightness, top with coleslaw. Serve immediately for the freshest, most delicious results.

How to Serve Simple BBQ Chicken Tacos

Garnishes

Simple BBQ Chicken Tacos come alive with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, slices of avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice. These additions provide bursts of freshness and layers of flavor that elevate an already delightful dish.

Side Dishes

Pair your tacos with classic sides like Mexican street corn, black bean salad, or even a light mixed green salad. These options complement the smoky chicken and round out the meal for a truly satisfying experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Simple BBQ Chicken Tacos in mini taco cups or on a colorful platter with an array of toppings and sauces for a build-your-own taco bar. This interactive setup not only looks fantastic but makes any gathering more festive and engaging.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep tortillas separately wrapped to maintain their softness and prevent them from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked, sauced chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before assembling your tacos.

Reheating

Reheat the BBQ chicken on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until thoroughly warmed. Warm the tortillas separately before putting your tacos back together to keep everything deliciously tender and warm.

FAQs

Can I make Simple BBQ Chicken Tacos with raw chicken?

Yes, but you will need to cook and shred the chicken before tossing it with BBQ sauce. Poaching or baking chicken breasts are quick methods that work well.

What type of BBQ sauce is best for these tacos?

Choose a BBQ sauce with a balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors. Homemade or store-bought both work great—pick one that you love eating straight from the bottle!

Are these tacos spicy?

The classic Simple BBQ Chicken Tacos recipe isn’t spicy unless you add a hot BBQ sauce or extra chili toppings, giving you control over the heat level.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas add a lovely earthy flavor and are also gluten-free, making these tacos versatile to suit your preference.

Is coleslaw necessary?

Not at all—it’s optional but highly recommended. It adds a crisp texture and a fresh, creamy contrast that really brightens the smoky chicken flavors.

Final Thoughts

Simple BBQ Chicken Tacos are a total game-changer when you want a quick, delicious meal that’s easy to make and fun to eat. Their smoky, tangy taste combined with soft, warm tortillas is pure comfort food at its best. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this fantastic recipe as much as I do!