If you are craving a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that brings a fiesta right into your kitchen, look no further than this BBQ Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe. Juicy, tangy barbecue chicken meets a creamy, zesty cilantro lime sauce, layered with fresh avocado, black beans, and sweet corn inside warm tortillas — creating a perfect balance of smoky, fresh, and creamy that will have you reaching for seconds without a second thought. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, these tacos deliver an irresistibly satisfying experience every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear plastic ziplock bag lies open on a white marbled surface, showing two large pieces of raw chicken covered in a thick, reddish-brown marinade with visible black pepper flakes and small bits of seasoning. The marinade coats the chicken unevenly, with some parts appearing glossy and wet, and others matte. The bag's top edges are slightly wrinkled and translucent, capturing light reflections that highlight the bag's texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients make this dish shine, with each playing a key role in building layers of taste, texture, and color that make these tacos unforgettable. From the rich BBQ chicken to the fresh, tangy sauce and crisp toppings, every element is essential.

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for leaner protein, both work beautifully.
2/3 cup barbecue sauce, divided: Use your favorite smoky or sweet BBQ sauce to marinate and baste the chicken for deep flavor.
1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped: Adds a burst of acidity and vibrant color to lighten the dish.
1/3 cup red onion, chopped: Provides a sharp bite that balances the smoky sweetness.
15-ounce can black or pinto beans, rinsed and drained: Adds hearty texture and a mild earthiness that’s perfect for tacos.
15-ounce can corn, drained: Sweet, juicy kernels that add crunch and contrast.
1 avocado, peeled, cored and sliced: Creamy and buttery, it cools the palate and adds richness.
12 corn tortillas or small flour tortillas: Warm and pliable, they cradle all those delicious fillings just right.
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for topping: Bright herbal notes that lift every bite.
For the creamy cilantro lime sauce: ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped, 1 tablespoon lime juice, ¼ teaspoon salt — these combine to create a tangy, refreshing drizzle that complements the BBQ chicken perfectly.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by adding your chicken and one-third of the BBQ sauce into a ziplock bag, giving it a good massage to coat every bit. Pop it into the fridge and let it soak up those bold smoky, sweet flavors for at least one hour, or up to three if you have the time. This step ensures juicy, flavorful chicken with every bite.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce

While the chicken marinates, mix together the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate the sauce so it’s perfectly chilled and ready to bring a tangy, cooling kick to your tacos later.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, flipping only once, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and baste generously with the remaining BBQ sauce, letting it rest for 5 minutes to lock in those juicy flavors before shredding or chopping it up.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

Warm your corn or flour tortillas either on the grill or in a hot skillet until they’re soft and pliable. This step is important to make sure the tortillas don’t break when you assemble your tacos and to enhance their flavor with a nice toasty touch.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Load each tortilla with a spoonful of the chopped BBQ chicken, followed by black beans, corn, chopped cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado slices. Finish each taco with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce and that luscious cilantro lime sauce you made earlier. Garnish with fresh cilantro for that final burst of herbaceous goodness.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe

Three soft yellow corn tacos are placed side by side in a white dish. Each taco is filled with several layers: at the bottom, there are green avocado slices and grilled pieces of chicken with light brown grill marks. On top of the chicken, there are small pieces of red tomato, yellow corn kernels, and finely chopped purple onion. White dollops of sour cream and a drizzle of red sauce cover the tacos. The white dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes! A sprinkle of fresh cilantro brings brightness and a little crunch from finely chopped red onion adds a wonderful texture contrast. A wedge of lime on the side offers an extra citrus zing for anyone who loves a little more tanginess on their taco.

Side Dishes

These tacos are fantastic on their own but pairing them with some Mexican street corn (elote), a fresh cabbage slaw, or even simple tortilla chips with guacamole and salsa amps up the meal and makes it feel like a true feast. The sides add complementary textures and flavors that take your BBQ Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe to the next level.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving these tacos on mini tostada shells for a delightful crunch with every bite or pile your taco fillings into crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb alternative. You can also turn this recipe into a vibrant taco salad bowl by layering ingredients over shredded lettuce and drizzling with the creamy sauce. The options are endless and always delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, no worries! Store the chopped BBQ chicken and the other components separately in airtight containers to keep everything fresh and prevent sogginess. This way, your tacos stay tasty and ready to be assembled whenever hunger strikes again.

Freezing

The cooked BBQ chicken freezes beautifully. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag and it will keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor or defrost gently in the microwave.

Reheating

For the best taste, reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for long so the chicken doesn’t dry out. Warm your tortillas fresh and add cold toppings and sauce just before serving to keep everything tasting bright and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it fully in the fridge before marinating and grilling to ensure even cooking and the best flavor absorption.

What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook the chicken another way?

Yes! You can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan, in a skillet, or even bake it in the oven. Just make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and gets a nice caramelized coating from the BBQ sauce.

Is the creamy cilantro lime sauce dairy-free?

It can be! Simply substitute the Greek yogurt or sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or a cashew-based cream for a similar tangy creaminess.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely! Add some chopped jalapeños to the topping mix or mix a few dashes of hot sauce into your BBQ sauce or cilantro lime sauce to give your tacos a fiery kick that suits your taste.

How long does the marinade need to sit?

The chicken benefits from at least 1 hour of marinating to soak up flavor, but if you have time, letting it rest for up to 3 hours or even overnight gives you the most tender and tasty results.

Final Thoughts

These BBQ Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe are a perfect combination of smoky, tangy, fresh, and creamy that come together effortlessly with simple ingredients. They are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation, bringing joy and flavor to any meal. So next time you want to wow your family or guests with a dish that is easy yet bursting with personality, give this recipe a whirl—you won’t regret it!