Honey Sriracha Shredded Chicken Tacos Recipe
If you’re craving sweet, spicy, and tangy tacos, these Honey Sriracha Shredded Chicken Tacos are the perfect choice! The bold heat of sriracha blends beautifully with the sweetness of honey, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze that coats the tender shredded chicken. A fresh squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro take these tacos to the next level!
I first made this recipe when I wanted something different from classic taco flavors. I had some leftover shredded chicken and a bottle of sriracha sitting in the fridge, and I decided to experiment. The result? A sweet and spicy taco filling that’s ridiculously easy to make and full of bold flavors!
Whether you’re making these for Taco Tuesday, a casual gathering, or a quick dinner, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s get into it!
⏱ Recipe Time & Servings
| Preparation Time | Total Cooking Time | Number of Servings |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 4 servings (8 tacos) |
🛒 Ingredients for My Honey Sriracha Shredded Chicken Tacos
- 2 cups shredded chicken (cooked)
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Your choice of toppings (such as diced onions, tomatoes, avocado, shredded cabbage, or crumbled feta)
⭐ Pro Tips for Success
- Adjust the Heat – If you want a milder version, reduce the sriracha to 2 tablespoons and add an extra tablespoon of honey.
- Use Warm Tortillas – Toasting the tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame makes them more flexible and flavorful.
- Make It Crispy – After mixing the chicken with the sauce, spread it on a baking sheet and broil it for 3-5 minutes for crispy edges.
- Balance the Flavors – A creamy topping like sour cream, avocado, or slaw helps mellow out the heat from the sriracha.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Store the shredded chicken separately and heat it up when you’re ready to assemble the tacos.
🍳 Tools Required
- Mixing bowl (for sauce)
- Skillet or frying pan (for heating the chicken)
- Small skillet (for warming tortillas)
- Tongs (for handling tortillas)
🔄 Substitutions and Variations
| Substitution | Original Ingredient | New Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Maple syrup | Honey | Adds a rich, earthy sweetness |
| Buffalo sauce | Sriracha sauce | Tangy heat with a milder spice |
| Rotisserie chicken | Shredded chicken | Faster prep with built-in seasoning |
| Greek yogurt drizzle | Sour cream | A tangy, high-protein alternative |
| Pineapple chunks | Tomatoes | A sweet and juicy tropical twist |
⏳ Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the chicken mixture in advance – Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.
- Make the sauce ahead – Mix the honey, sriracha, and lime juice and store in an airtight container for easy meal prep.
- Warm tortillas quickly – Wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds if you’re short on time.
🥄 Step-by-Step Instructions for a Perfect Honey Sriracha Shredded Chicken Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Sriracha Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of honey, ¼ cup of sriracha sauce, and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Stir well until you get a smooth, glossy sauce. The honey balances the spice, and the lime juice adds a touch of acidity to brighten the flavors.
Taste the sauce—if you want extra heat, add a teaspoon more sriracha. If you prefer more sweetness, drizzle in a little more honey.
Step 2: Coat the Shredded Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cups of shredded chicken to the pan and pour the honey sriracha sauce over it.
Stir well, ensuring every piece of chicken is coated in the sticky, flavorful sauce. Let the chicken heat through for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and cling to the chicken.
If you like crispy edges, spread the coated chicken on a baking sheet and broil it on high for 3-5 minutes until slightly caramelized.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
While the chicken is heating, warm your 8 small tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat. Heat each tortilla for 30 seconds per side, flipping with tongs.
For a charred, smoky flavor, place the tortillas directly over a low open flame on a gas stove, flipping every few seconds until slightly blackened.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Lay out the warmed tortillas and add a generous spoonful of honey sriracha shredded chicken to each one.
Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top and add any extra toppings you like—diced onions, tomatoes, avocado, shredded cabbage, or crumbled feta cheese all work beautifully.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Squeeze fresh lime juice over each taco for a zesty finish. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.
Now, take a bite and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and fresh flavors! 🌮🔥
🍽 Serving Suggestions for Honey Sriracha Shredded Chicken Tacos
| Pairing Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Coconut Rice | The creamy, slightly sweet rice balances the heat from the sriracha. |
| Grilled Corn on the Cob | Adds a smoky, sweet crunch to complement the tacos. |
| Mango Salsa | A refreshing, fruity contrast to the spicy chicken. |
| Crispy Tortilla Chips & Guacamole | A crunchy and creamy appetizer to start the meal. |
🥡 Leftovers and Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed.
- Freeze: Store the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Tortillas: Store separately in a zip-top bag and warm before serving.
🥦 Nutritional Information and Benefits of This Dish
- High in Protein – The shredded chicken makes these tacos a protein-packed meal.
- Immune-Boosting – Sriracha contains chili peppers, which are high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Balanced Flavors – The honey adds natural sweetness, while the lime juice enhances digestion.
🍷 Suggested Drink That Pairs With The Dish
Best Drink Pairing: Pineapple Margarita 🍍🍹
Why? The sweet, tropical pineapple complements the spicy sriracha, while the lime and tequila enhance the citrusy flavors in the tacos. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling limeade or hibiscus iced tea for a refreshing pairing!
❤️ Enjoy!
These Honey Sriracha Shredded Chicken Tacos are the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and fresh flavors. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a taco night with friends, or meal prepping, they’re sure to become a favorite!
Give them a try and let me know what you think. 🌮🔥✨
