Why You’ll Love these BBQ Chicken Tacos
Simplicity is the hallmark of these BBQ chicken tacos, but don’t let that fool you. These flavor-packed beauties deliver major satisfaction with minimal effort—perfect for those nights when cooking feels like climbing Mount Everest.
I adore how versatile they are. Got leftover rotisserie chicken? Perfect. Want to swap spinach for kale? Go for it.
The combination of tangy barbecue sauce and creamy monterey jack creates this irresistible sweet-savory balance that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
And the prep? So quick you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout. Just warm, stuff, fold, and devour. Dinner solved in under 20 minutes.
What Ingredients are in BBQ Chicken Tacos?
These BBQ chicken tacos are a beautiful example of how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular.
The magic happens when the smoky-sweet barbecue sauce meets the creamy cheese and fresh vegetables, creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures that makes tacos so irresistible.
And the best part? You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already.
- 3 cups diced roasted chicken
- 3/4 cup hickory barbecue sauce
- 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- 8 flour tortillas (6-8 inch diameter)
When shopping for these ingredients, quality does make a difference.
If possible, choose a barbecue sauce with a hickory flavor for that authentic smoky taste, though any good quality BBQ sauce will work in a pinch.
And while monterey jack creates that perfect melt, you could substitute with cheddar or even a pepper jack if you want to add a little heat.
The fresh spinach provides a nice nutritional boost, but you can always switch it up based on what’s in your crisper.
That’s the beauty of tacos, right? They’re endlessly adaptable to whatever you have on hand.
How to Make these BBQ Chicken Tacos
While your chicken is warming up, grab a large bowl and gently toss together 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach, 1 thinly sliced onion, 1 cup of shredded monterey jack cheese, and 1/4 cup of Italian dressing.
This fresh, zesty mixture creates the perfect counterpoint to the rich barbecue chicken. The Italian dressing might seem like an unusual addition, but trust me, it adds just the right tangy note that brings everything together.
Now comes the fun part—assembly! Warm your 8 flour tortillas in a skillet until they’re soft and pliable, then divide the chicken mixture evenly among them.
Top each with a generous portion of your spinach mixture, then fold the tortillas in half. And there you have it—BBQ chicken tacos that are ready to rock your dinner table in less than 20 minutes.
BBQ Chicken Tacos Substitutions and Variations
Although this recipe is delicious as written, I’ve found that BBQ chicken tacos are incredibly versatile and perfect for customization based on what you have in your pantry.
Don’t have monterey jack? Try cheddar or pepper jack for a spicier kick. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully when you’re short on time, and leftover grilled chicken brings a smoky dimension that’s absolutely divine.
Swap spinach for arugula or kale, or go traditional with shredded lettuce. Want it spicier? Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
My personal favorite twist? Pineapple chunks mixed with the chicken—trust me on this one.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Tacos
Now that we’ve covered how to adapt your taco fillings, let’s talk about creating a complete meal experience.
These BBQ chicken tacos pair beautifully with classic sides like Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice. I love serving mine with a simple black bean and corn salad—just toss with lime juice and a pinch of cumin.
For something rejuvenating, try a crisp jicama slaw or traditional Mexican street corn.
Need something lighter? A simple green salad with avocado works wonders.
Don’t forget the drinks! A cold margarita or Mexican beer complements the smoky BBQ flavors perfectly.
For non-alcoholic options, horchata or agua fresca are my go-tos.
Final Thoughts
After exploring these BBQ chicken tacos from ingredients to serving suggestions, I’m convinced they deserve a spot in your regular dinner rotation.
The blend of smoky barbecue sauce with tender chicken creates a flavorful foundation, while the fresh spinach and onion mixture adds just the right crunch.
What I love most about these tacos is their versatility.
Having friends over? Double the recipe.
Picky eaters? Let them customize their toppings.
Busy weeknight? The whole meal comes together in under 20 minutes.
Trust me, these tacos will become your go-to when you’re craving something delicious without the fuss.
BBQ Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, gently toss together the chopped fresh spinach, thinly sliced onion, shredded monterey jack cheese, and Italian dressing.
- Combine the diced roasted chicken with the hickory barbecue sauce and warm the mixture.
- Warm the flour tortillas in a skillet until soft and pliable.
- Divide the chicken mixture evenly among the tortillas.
- Top each with a generous portion of the spinach mixture.
- Fold the tortillas in half to form tacos and serve immediately.
