Chipotle BBQ Fish Tacos Recipe
Easy to make and full of fresh and flavorful ingredients! Rich tender fish smothered in smokey bbq sauce make for simple yet exciting fish tacos.

How to Make the Best Chipotle BBQ Fish Tacos
These Chipotle BBQ Fish Tacos bring together tender, flaky fish with a smoky, slightly spicy sauce and fresh, bright toppings. The combination of chipotle peppers and BBQ sauce creates a uniquely delicious glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, infusing the fish with incredible flavor.
What makes these tacos special is the balance of flavors and textures. The creamy avocado and cooling crema contrast perfectly with the heat from the chipotle sauce, while the pickled red onions add a sharp tang that cuts through the richness. Fresh pineapple mango salsa brings tropical sweetness to the plate, making each bite interesting and satisfying.
Whether you’re hosting a casual taco night or looking for an elegant yet approachable weeknight dinner, these Chipotle BBQ Fish Tacos deliver restaurant-quality flavor without the fuss. The fish cooks quickly and the sauce comes together in minutes, so you’ll have dinner on the table in under an hour.

Chipotle BBQ Fish Tacos
Easy to make and full of fresh and flavorful ingredients! Rich tender fish smothered in smokey bbq sauce make for simple yet exciting fish tacos.
Ingredients
Chipotle BBQ Sauce
Pickled Red Onion
Fish Tacos
Instructions
Prepare
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Lay the filet skin side down on the parchment paper and season with salt.
Make the BBQ Sauce
- In a small sauce pan, combine all the sauce ingredients over medium heat.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes, occasionally stirring. If the sauce starts to stick to the bottom of the pan, turn down the heat.
- Transfer to a blender or using a hand blender, blend until the chipotle pepper and ingredients are a smooth, thick sauce.
Cook the Fish
- Pour 3/4 of the chipotle bbq sauce over the fish and spread with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Cook the fish in a 400°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until an internal temperature of 145°F is reached.
- While the fish is cooking, prepare any taco toppings you want.
Assemble
- Once the fish is cooked, the flesh of the fillet will easily lift from the skin with a spoon, fork, or knife.
- Cut into bite-sized pieces and assemble your tacos with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Use fresh arctic char or salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- The chipotle bbq sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Any leftover pickled red onions work great on other dishes and keep well in the fridge.