Oh, tacos! Is there anything better? They’re just the perfect little handheld packages of joy, aren’t they? But forget your basic ground beef tacos for a second – we’re diving headfirst into something truly special today. These Flavorful BBQ Chicken Tacos Sweet And Smoky are my absolute go-to when I want a meal that’s bursting with personality and unbelievably easy to make. It all started one busy weeknight when I had a mountain of laundry and zero motivation for a complicated dinner. I threw some chicken thighs, my go-to BBQ sauce, and a few spices into the slow cooker, and bam! Dinner magic happened. The sweet and smoky flavors just totally transform the chicken into something you’d swear took hours. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and fresh, vibrant taco elements. Trust me, these tacos are a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love These Flavorful BBQ Chicken Tacos Sweet And Smoky

Seriously, these tacos are a weeknight superhero! Here’s why they’re about to become your new favorite:

Effortless Prep: Toss it all in the slow cooker and forget about it! Your dinner is practically making itself.
Big Flavor, Little Effort: That sweet and smoky BBQ combo is just unreal, and it practically melts into the chicken.
Super Speedy Assembly: Once the chicken is done, these tacos come together in a flash. Perfect for busy nights!
Totally Versatile: Tweak the BBQ sauce, add your favorite toppings – these tacos are a total crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Gather Your Ingredients for Flavorful BBQ Chicken Tacos

Okay, so getting these amazing tacos on your table is way simpler than you might think. All you need are a few key players that come together to make pure magic. Here’s exactly what you’ll want to grab:

For the Super Tender BBQ Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (they stay so juicy!)
1 cup of your absolute favorite BBQ sauce (use one you really love, it makes a difference!)
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (this is crucial for that smoky depth!)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, just to taste

For Assembling Your Dream Tacos:

8 small corn tortillas (or flour if you prefer, but I love corn here!)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (grab a block and shred it yourself for the best melt)
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (for that bite and splash of color)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (don’t skip this, it brightens everything up!)
Optional, but totally recommended: A dollop of cool sour cream or some creamy avocado slices on top

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Flavorful BBQ Chicken Tacos Sweet And Smoky

Alright, let’s get this party started! Making these amazing tacos is honestly a breeze, especially if you’ve got a slow cooker. It does most of the heavy lifting for you. You’ll be amazed at how much flavor we can pack into these! Let’s walk through it, nice and easy.

Preparing the Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken

First things first, grab your slow cooker. Plop those beautiful boneless, skinless chicken thighs right into the bottom. Now, in a separate bowl – and this is where the magic starts to happen – whisk together your favorite BBQ sauce, the water, that lovely smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Get it all combined really well so it’s nice and smooth. Then, just pour this glorious sauce mixture all over the chicken in the slow cooker. Easy peasy!

Cooking and Shredding the Chicken

Now, close the lid on that slow cooker and let it do its thing on the *low* setting for about 4 to 6 hours. You’re looking for chicken that’s super tender, practically falling apart. You’ll know it’s ready when you can shred it easily with two forks. Just pull the chicken out, pop it onto a plate or cutting board, and shred away! Once it’s all shredded, toss it right back into the slow cooker with all that delicious sauce and give it a good stir to make sure every piece is coated. If you don’t have a slow cooker, no worries! You can totally do this on the stovetop. Just simmer it in a pot over medium-low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and shreds easily.

Warming Tortillas and Assembling the Tacos

While that chicken is getting all saucy and perfect, it’s time to warm up your tortillas. You can pop them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a minute or two on each side until they’re soft and pliable, or even wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 30 seconds. Whatever works best for you! Once they’re warm, start building your tacos. Spoon a generous amount of that sweet and smoky BBQ chicken into each one. Then, sprinkle on that shredded cheddar cheese, a little bit of the chopped red onion for a nice crunch, and some fresh cilantro for that burst of freshness. If you’re feeling extra decadent, a dollop of sour cream or some creamy avocado slices make these tacos absolutely divine!

For more awesome taco recipes you might like, definitely check these out, and you have to see these amazing chicken delights, too! And if you love chicken in general, you’ll want to try this incredible chicken dish!

Tips for Success with Your BBQ Chicken Tacos

Okay, so I’ve made these tacos more times than I can count, and a few little tricks really make them sing. First off, the BBQ sauce you pick is HUGE. I’m partial to a good, thick sauce that’s already got that sweet and smoky vibe going on, but feel free to use your favorite! If you like things a little spicier, trust me, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the sauce mixture before you cook it is *chef’s kiss*. Also, chicken thighs are non-negotiable for me here; they just stay so incredibly juicy and tender in the slow cooker, way better than breasts, which can sometimes dry out. You want that melt-in-your-mouth texture, and thighs deliver!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Now, let’s chat about these ingredients for a sec, because a few things really make these tacos *sing*. Chicken thighs are my absolute favorite here because they get so wonderfully tender and juicy in the slow cooker. If you’re not a thigh fan, you *can* totally use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but you might want to reduce the cooking time a little so they don’t get tough. And the BBQ sauce? Oh boy, this is where you can really play! Use your go-to brand, or try a spicier one if you like a kick. The key is just using one you genuinely love the taste of, because it’s the star of the show!

Serving Suggestions for Flavorful BBQ Chicken Tacos

These sweet and smoky BBQ chicken tacos are fantastic on their own, but they really shine when paired with some fun sides! I love serving them with a big, crisp green salad or some classic tortilla chips and a fresh salsa to cut through that rich BBQ flavor. And for drinks? A cold, crisp beer or a refreshing glass of iced tea is just perfect. If you’re looking for even more amazing recipes to round out your meal, you absolutely have to check out these delicious side dish ideas and these other fantastic chicken dishes!

Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Tacos

Got questions about these amazing tacos? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things folks often ask:

Can I make these BBQ chicken tacos ahead of time?

Oh, absolutely! The slow cooker chicken is perfect for making ahead. You can cook it a day or two in advance, shred it, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge with some of that delicious sauce. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to assemble your tacos. It’s a total lifesaver for meal prep!

What if I don’t have a slow cooker? Can I still make these sweet and smoky tacos?

Yes, you totally can! As I mentioned in the instructions, you can easily make the BBQ chicken on the stovetop. Just pop everything into a pot and let it simmer on medium-low heat for about 30-40 minutes, making sure the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily. You might need to add a splash more water if it looks dry. It’s just as flavorful, only faster!

How spicy are these flavorful BBQ chicken tacos?

That really depends on the BBQ sauce you use! My ‘flavorful’ version usually isn’t super spicy, more on the sweet and smoky side. But if you like a kick, I definitely recommend adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture before it cooks, or topping your tacos with a bit of hot sauce. It’s easy to customize the heat level to exactly how you like it!

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You know, you *can* use chicken breasts if that’s what you have, but I really push for thighs for these tacos. They just stay so incredibly moist and tender, especially in the slow cooker. If you do use breasts, just be extra careful not to overcook them, maybe check them a little earlier, because they can dry out much faster than thighs. You want that melt-in-your-mouth texture!

Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, these numbers are approximate and can totally change depending on the BBQ sauce you use and the exact toppings you go with. But generally speaking, for about two tacos, you’re looking at around 450 calories, 30g of protein, 35g of carbs, and 20g of fat. Pretty darn good for such an explosion of flavor, right?

Flavorful BBQ Chicken Tacos

Author: faironplay.com
Total Time: 4 hours 10 min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Sweet and smoky BBQ chicken tacos for a quick and delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
8 small corn tortillas
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped red onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Optional: Sour cream or avocado for topping

Instructions

Place chicken thighs in a slow cooker.
In a bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, water, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until chicken is tender and shreds easily.
Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce.
Warm tortillas according to package directions.
Fill each tortilla with shredded BBQ chicken.
Top with cheddar cheese, red onion, and cilantro.
Add sour cream or avocado if desired.

Notes

For a spicier taco, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
You can also cook the chicken in a pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until cooked through.

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tacos
Calories: 450
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: BBQ chicken tacos, sweet and smoky tacos, easy chicken tacos, slow cooker chicken tacos, flavorful tacos