BBQ Chicken Tacos are a vibrant, flavor-packed dish featuring succulent, tangy chicken nestled in perfectly charred tortillas. Each bite is complemented by a fresh black bean and corn salsa and drizzled with an irresistible creamy cilantro-lime sauce. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it your new favorite weeknight meal.

Elevate your meal by pairing these fantastic tacos with a refreshing side. Consider a light Panzanella Salad or a sweet and simple Fruit Salad Recipe for a perfectly balanced dinner.

Effortless BBQ Chicken Tacos for Busy Weeknights

In today’s fast-paced world, finding quick and delicious dinner solutions is essential. Tacos consistently rank high on the list of easy weeknight meals, and while classic ground beef tacos are a staple, these BBQ chicken tacos take simplicity and flavor to a whole new level. Utilizing smart shortcuts, these tacos come together incredibly fast, making them perfect for those evenings when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

What truly sets these tacos apart is the vibrant, creamy cilantro-lime sauce. It’s a game-changer! I almost always have a jar of this versatile sauce in my fridge, ready to elevate not just tacos, but salads, grilled meats, and even as a dip. Its bright, zesty, and herbaceous notes cut through the richness of the BBQ chicken beautifully, creating a harmonious flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love These BBQ Chicken Tacos

These BBQ Chicken Tacos aren’t just another dinner recipe; they’re a culinary experience designed for convenience and flavor. Here’s why they’re destined to become a family favorite:

• Incredibly Quick: Thanks to smart ingredient choices like rotisserie chicken, you can have these tacos on the table in under 30 minutes.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of smoky, sweet BBQ chicken, crisp fresh vegetables, and the tangy, creamy cilantro-lime sauce creates an unforgettable taste sensation.
• Highly Customizable: Easily adapt the toppings and heat level to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Family-Friendly: A dish that appeals to all ages, allowing everyone to build their own perfect taco.
• Meal Prep Dream: The components can be prepared in advance, making assembly a breeze on busy nights.

Essential Ingredients for Flavorful BBQ Chicken Tacos

Crafting these delectable BBQ Chicken Tacos relies on a few key components that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient plays a crucial role:

For the Tangy BBQ Chicken

• Rotisserie Chicken: This is your ultimate time-saver! A pre-cooked rotisserie chicken provides tender, juicy shredded chicken with minimal effort. Look for a plain or lightly seasoned one to allow your BBQ sauce to shine. You’ll need about 2 cups shredded meat.
• Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: The heart of the chicken’s flavor! Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce that you love. I personally recommend Stubbs for its robust and authentic flavor profile. About 1/2 cup is perfect for coating.

For the Fresh Black Bean & Corn Salsa

• Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of sweet acidity and a lovely color. Chop them small so they integrate well into the mix. You’ll need about 1 cup.
• Red Onion: Provides a sharp, pungent counterpoint to the sweeter elements, adding a crucial layer of flavor. Dice finely for best results (about 1/3 cup).
• Black Beans: A fantastic source of protein and fiber, black beans add heartiness and a creamy texture. Remember to drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding (1 (15-ounce) can).
• Corn: Whether frozen (thawed) or fresh from the cob, corn adds sweetness and a delightful crunch. About 1 cup will do.

For the Perfect Tortillas

• Tortillas (Corn or Flour): The foundation of your taco! Use street-taco-sized tortillas (12-15 count) for easy handling. Warming or charring them is crucial – it makes them pliable and prevents breakage, plus adds a delicious smoky flavor.

For the Crunchy Cabbage Slaw

• Green Cabbage: Shredded green cabbage offers a refreshing crispness and a mild flavor that balances the rich chicken. About 3 cups shredded. Toss it with some of the cilantro-lime sauce just before serving to maintain its crunch.

For the Irresistible Cilantro-Lime Sauce

This creamy, zesty sauce is the secret weapon of these tacos. Make it ahead of time for even deeper flavor!

• Limes: You’ll need the zest for aromatic brightness and the juice for vibrant acidity (from 2 limes).
• Garlic: A single minced clove adds a pungent depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is key to the sauce’s signature herbaceousness. Roughly 1/2 of a large bunch (about 1 loosely packed cup).
• Jalapeño: For a touch of heat and a fresh pepper flavor. Start with 1/2 a jalapeño (seeded for less heat, or a full one for spicier sauce) and adjust to your preference.
• Mayo: Provides a rich, creamy base for the sauce (1/2 cup).
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and further creaminess. Fat-free sour cream works great for a lighter option (1/2 cup).

• Optional: Cooking Spray: Useful for charring tortillas.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make BBQ Chicken Tacos

Get ready to assemble your new favorite quick dinner! These instructions will guide you through creating perfect BBQ Chicken Tacos from scratch, ensuring every component is ready for assembly.

1. Prepare the Cilantro-Lime Sauce: Begin by zesting your limes to yield about 1/2 teaspoon of zest, then juice them for approximately 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Combine the lime juice, zest, minced garlic, fresh cilantro, seeded jalapeño (start with half for mild heat, add more to taste for spicier), mayonnaise, and sour cream in a blender or mini food processor. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Blend or pulse until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. This sauce truly benefits from sitting for a bit, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
2. Shred and Sauce the Chicken: If using a rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and bones, then shred or chop the meat into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce, mixing until the chicken is evenly coated. If the chicken is cold, gently warm it in a pan over low heat for a few minutes to ensure it’s heated through before assembly.
3. Assemble the Veggie Mix: In a separate large bowl, combine the finely chopped cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, thoroughly drained and rinsed black beans, and thawed corn. Toss gently to combine all the vibrant ingredients. This mix adds a fantastic texture and freshness to your tacos.
4. Prepare the Cabbage Slaw: Take about 1/2 cup of your prepared cilantro-lime sauce and toss it with the shredded green cabbage in another bowl. Mix just enough to lightly coat the cabbage, ensuring it remains crisp. Set this aside; it will form the base of your tacos.
5. Warm the Tortillas: Achieving pliable tortillas is key for a great taco.
   • For Charred Tortillas: Lightly spray both sides of each tortilla with cooking spray. Heat them directly over an open flame on your stovetop (using tongs) for about 15-30 seconds per side, until they are slightly charred and softened. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
   • For Microwaved Tortillas: Alternatively, stack your tortillas (about 5-6 at a time), wrap them in a damp paper towel, and microwave for 30-60 seconds until warm and flexible.

   Immediately after warming or charring, gently fold each tortilla in half and set aside. This helps them hold their shape better during assembly.

6. Build Your BBQ Chicken Tacos: It’s assembly time! Take a warmed tortilla and layer it with a generous spoonful of the dressed cabbage slaw. Next, add a few spoonfuls of the BBQ chicken, followed by a spoonful or two of the black bean and corn veggie mix. For extra creaminess and flavor, add thin slices of fresh avocado and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, if desired. Finish each taco with an extra drizzle of the creamy cilantro-lime sauce right before serving. Enjoy your homemade, flavor-packed BBQ Chicken Tacos!

Customizing Your BBQ Chicken Tacos: Toppings and Variations

One of the joys of tacos is the endless possibilities for customization! These BBQ Chicken Tacos are delicious as is, but here are some ideas to make them uniquely yours, plus popular additions that enhance the flavor and experience.

Recommended Toppings

• Avocado: A must-have for many taco lovers. Add thin slices for a creamy texture, or mash it with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice for a quick, fresh guacamole. You can skip if avocado isn’t your preference.
• Fresh Cilantro: A final sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous finish that ties all the flavors together.
• Extra Cilantro-Lime Sauce: Don’t be shy! A generous extra drizzle of the creamy cilantro-lime sauce right before serving will make every bite incredibly juicy and flavorful.
• Veggie Salad (Included in Recipe): The mix of drained black beans, thawed corn, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion is already built into the recipe and provides fantastic texture and freshness. Feel free to swap in or add red bell pepper for another layer of flavor and color.
• Pico de Gallo or Salsa: A spoonful of fresh pico de gallo or your favorite salsa can add an extra layer of freshness and a touch of heat.
• Cotija Cheese or Feta: A sprinkle of crumbly, salty cheese like Cotija or even feta can provide a wonderful textural contrast and savory kick.
• Pickled Red Onions: For those who love a tangy bite, quick pickled red onions offer a vibrant color and a delightful sour crunch.
• Jalapeño Slices: If you crave more heat, thin slices of fresh or pickled jalapeño can be added directly to the taco.

Creative Variations

• Spicier Kick: Increase the amount of jalapeño in the cilantro-lime sauce, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mix.
• Vegetarian Option: Easily transform this into a vegetarian meal by swapping the BBQ chicken for BBQ seasoned shredded jackfruit, chickpeas, or grilled halloumi cheese.
• Different Proteins: While chicken is fantastic, consider using shredded pork, beef, or even grilled shrimp for a different take on the BBQ taco.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, low-carb option, serve the BBQ chicken and toppings in crisp lettuce cups instead of tortillas.
• Bowl Style: Turn your tacos into a vibrant bowl! Serve the ingredients over a bed of cilantro-lime rice or quinoa.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These BBQ Chicken Tacos are not only quick to make but also excellent for meal prepping. Preparing components ahead of time can make assembling dinner even faster.

• Cilantro-Lime Sauce: As mentioned, this sauce is perfect for making ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Its flavor will deepen over time.
• BBQ Chicken: The sauced rotisserie chicken can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
• Black Bean & Corn Salsa: This veggie mix can also be made 1-2 days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Shredded Cabbage: Shred your cabbage and store it separately in an airtight container. Dress it with the cilantro-lime sauce just before serving to keep it crisp.
• Leftovers: If you have leftover assembled tacos, they are best eaten fresh. However, if you have leftover BBQ chicken, black bean mix, and sauce, store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Leftovers will last up to 3-4 days. Do not store dressed cabbage or assembled tacos for too long, as they can become soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use homemade shredded chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! If you prefer to cook your own chicken, simply boil, bake, or grill chicken breasts or thighs, then shred them. Ensure they are fully cooked before mixing with the BBQ sauce. This recipe is very flexible.

What kind of tortillas are best?

Both corn and flour tortillas work wonderfully for these tacos. Street-taco sized (4-6 inches) are ideal for single servings, but larger tortillas can also be used if you prefer bigger tacos or want to make quesadillas with the filling. The key is to warm or char them properly so they are pliable and don’t break.

How can I make these tacos spicier?

There are several ways to kick up the heat! You can add more jalapeño to the cilantro-lime sauce (leave some seeds in for extra spice). You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your BBQ chicken, or simply top your assembled tacos with your favorite hot sauce or a few slices of fresh serrano peppers.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, easily! Replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like shredded jackfruit (simmered in BBQ sauce), seasoned chickpeas, black beans (in addition to the salsa), or grilled halloumi cheese. The rest of the components are already vegetarian-friendly.

Is the cilantro-lime sauce essential, or can I use something else?

The cilantro-lime sauce truly elevates these tacos and is highly recommended! However, if you’re short on time or ingredients, a drizzle of ranch dressing, a dollop of sour cream, or even just a squeeze of fresh lime juice can work as a substitute. But for the full flavor experience, don’t skip the homemade sauce!

More Irresistible Taco Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with these BBQ Chicken Tacos, you’re in for a treat! The world of tacos is vast and delicious. Here are a few more taco-inspired recipes to keep your weeknight dinners exciting and flavorful:

• Healthy Tacos
• Chicken Tinga Tacos
• Turkey Tacos
• Chicken Taco Salad
• Chipotle Chicken Tacos

BBQ Chicken Tacos

By Chelsea Lords

These BBQ Chicken Tacos feature perfectly charred tortillas loaded with succulent, tangy chicken, a fresh black bean veggie mix, and an incredible creamy cilantro-lime sauce!

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 13 tacos

Video Overview

While the original recipe featured an embedded video, you can often find helpful tutorial videos on platforms like YouTube for visual guidance on preparing the sauce or assembling the tacos. A simple search for “BBQ Chicken Tacos tutorial” will provide many options.

Equipment

• Blender or mini food processor (for the sauce)
• Large bowls for mixing
• Frying pan or gas stovetop for tortillas

Ingredients

Tacos

• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (recommended: Stubb’s) (Link to similar product)
• 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
• 1/3 cup diced red onion
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed, or corn cut from a cob
• 12 to 15 corn tortillas or flour tortillas, street-taco-sized (Link to similar product)
• 3 cups shredded green cabbage
• Serving suggestions (see note 1)
• Cooking spray (optional) (Link to similar product)

Cilantro Lime Sauce

• 2 limes (for 1/2 tsp zest, 3 tbsp juice)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 of a large bunch cilantro (about 1 loosely packed cup)
• 1/2 jalapeño (1 heaping tablespoon, seeded; use a full jalapeño for spicier dressing)
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1/2 cup sour cream (fat-free can be used)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Make the Sauce: Zest 2 limes to get 1/2 teaspoon zest and juice them for 3 tablespoons juice. Add the lime juice and zest to a blender or mini food processor along with the minced garlic, cilantro, 1/2 of the seeded jalapeño (or more for a spicier sauce; add slowly if you prefer less heat), mayo, and sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Blend or pulse until the sauce is completely smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pull the meat from the rotisserie chicken bones and shred or chop it into desired pieces. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce and mix well. If the chicken is cold, warm it through in a pan over low heat for a few minutes.
3. Combine Veggies: In a large bowl, mix together the chopped cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, thoroughly drained and rinsed black beans, and thawed corn.
4. Dress the Cabbage: Remove 1/2 cup of the prepared cilantro-lime sauce and toss it with the shredded green cabbage until lightly coated. Set aside.
5. Warm Tortillas: Lightly spray both sides of the tortillas with cooking spray. “Grill” the tortillas one at a time over an open flame on your stovetop until slightly charred and pliable (use tongs to flip). Alternatively, stack 5-6 tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel, and microwave for 30-60 seconds until warm. Immediately after warming, fold each tortilla in half so they will easily hold their shape when assembled.
6. Assemble Tacos: To each warmed tortilla, add a layer of the dressed cabbage, followed by a few spoonfuls of the BBQ chicken, and then a few spoonfuls of the black bean and corn veggie mix. If desired, garnish with thin slices of avocado and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Drizzle generously with extra cilantro-lime sauce and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Serving Suggestions: For an enhanced experience, consider having fresh cilantro, extra fresh limes (for squeezing), and a large avocado (sliced or mashed) available for serving.

Storage: Store leftover BBQ chicken, the black bean and corn mix, and the cilantro-lime sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Leftovers will remain fresh for up to 3-4 days. Dress cabbage just before serving to maintain crispness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 taco | Calories: 302 kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 339mg | Potassium: 316mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 222IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is an estimate based on ingredients and calculations, and should only be used as an approximation.