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BBQ Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 50 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These BBQ Chicken Tacos feature tender marinated BBQ chicken grilled to perfection and served in warm corn or flour tortillas. Topped with a vibrant mix of black beans, corn, fresh tomatoes, onions, avocado, and crowned with a creamy cilantro lime sauce, these tacos offer a delicious combination of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 2/3 cup barbecue sauce, divided

Vegetable Toppings

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/3 cup red onion, chopped
  • 15 ounce can black or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 15 ounce can corn, drained
  • 1 avocado, peeled, cored and sliced
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for topping

Other

  • 12 corn tortillas or small flour tortillas

Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt


Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken breasts and 1/3 cup of barbecue sauce into a ziplock bag. Seal and refrigerate for 1 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
  2. Prepare the Cilantro Lime Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chopped fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Mix until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
  3. Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill and lightly grease with cooking spray. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from grill and baste with the remaining barbecue sauce. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices before chopping or shredding.
  4. Warm the Tortillas: Heat the corn or flour tortillas on the grill or a hot skillet until warm and pliable, about 20-30 seconds per side.
  5. Assemble the Tacos: On each warm tortilla, layer a spoonful of chopped BBQ chicken, drained corn, black beans, chopped cherry tomatoes, and sliced avocado. Drizzle with additional barbecue sauce and the creamy cilantro lime sauce. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra smoky flavor, use smoked barbecue sauce or add a dash of smoked paprika to the marinade.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier results.
  • Adjust the heat of your tacos by adding sliced jalapeños or hot sauce as desired.
  • Warm your tortillas properly to prevent cracking or tearing during assembly.
  • The creamy cilantro lime sauce can be made a day ahead for convenience.