Get ready to meet your new favorite meal: Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas. This recipe perfectly blends sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors, all tucked inside a warm, crispy tortilla with gooey, melted cheese. It’s the kind of quick and satisfying dinner that makes weeknight cooking feel like a genuine pleasure. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish delivers big on flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen. In just under 30 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why This Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another quesadilla recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen. The star of the show is the irresistible combination of spicy hot honey and tangy BBQ sauce, creating a glaze for the chicken that is simply out of this world. It’s a dish that feels indulgent and comforting yet comes together with minimal effort.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and speed. Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep time significantly, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize the fillings to suit your taste, making it a guaranteed hit with even the pickiest eaters.
The Key Ingredients for Your Quesadillas
Crafting the perfect Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas starts with a handful of quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this incredible dish to life.
For the Hot Honey BBQ Chicken
- Shredded Cooked Chicken: A rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly and saves time.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite brand—a smoky and slightly sweet variety works best.
- Hot Honey: This trendy condiment provides the perfect sweet heat. If you don’t have it, a mix of regular honey and a pinch of red pepper flakes is a great substitute.
- Red Onion: Finely diced for a bit of sharp, savory flavor that cuts through the richness.
For Assembling the Quesadillas
- Flour Tortillas: Large, 10-inch tortillas provide ample space for all the delicious fillings.
- Shredded Cheese: A blend of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar offers the best meltiness and flavor.
- Butter or Oil: For pan-frying the quesadillas to achieve that perfectly golden and crispy exterior.
How to Make Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering meal in minutes. It’s a straightforward process that delivers gourmet-level flavor.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, hot honey, and diced red onion. Mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce. This mixture is the heart of your quesadilla, packing it with that signature sweet and spicy punch.
Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas
Lay a tortilla flat on your work surface. Sprinkle a generous layer of the shredded cheese blend over one half of the tortilla. Next, spoon a portion of the hot honey BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese. Top the chicken with another layer of cheese. This double layer of cheese ensures every bite is gooey and delicious. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling.
Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter or add a drizzle of oil. Carefully place the assembled quesadilla in the skillet. Cook for 2-4 minutes on each side, until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is completely melted. Press down gently with a spatula to help it cook evenly. Remove from the skillet, let it rest for a minute, then slice into wedges and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Quesadillas Every Time
Want to elevate your quesadilla game? Keep these expert tips in mind.
- Don’t Overfill: It can be tempting to pack your quesadilla with filling, but this can lead to a messy cooking process and a soggy tortilla. A thin, even layer is key.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best cheese pull, buy a block and shred it yourself.
- Manage the Heat: Cooking on medium heat is crucial. If the heat is too high, the tortilla will burn before the cheese has a chance to melt. Low and slow is not the way to go either, as it can dry out the tortilla.
- Try a Cast-Iron Skillet: For an exceptionally crispy exterior, a cast-iron skillet is your best friend. It retains heat beautifully and cooks the quesadilla evenly. For a different take on cast-iron cooking, you might also enjoy these honey garlic sausage and sweet potatoes.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this recipe for Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas is fantastic as is, feel free to get creative. Add sautéed bell peppers and corn for extra veggies and texture. A sprinkle of cilantro can add a fresh, herbaceous note. For a different flavor profile, consider using pulled pork instead of chicken. If you enjoy unique flavor fusions, our Creole Steak and Shrimp Quesadillas offer another exciting twist on a classic.
What to Serve with Your Quesadillas
These quesadillas are a meal in themselves, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a cool contrast to the heat. A side of guacamole or your favorite salsa is always a winning choice. For a refreshing and light accompaniment, try this cool and creamy cucumber ranch salad.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and maintain crispiness, avoid the microwave. Instead, place the quesadillas back in a dry skillet over medium-low heat or in an air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely! To cook in an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled quesadilla in the basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tortilla is golden and crispy.
To make a quick hot honey BBQ sauce, simply mix 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce with 2 tablespoons of honey and 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Adjust the heat level to your liking.
To prevent soggy quesadillas, avoid overfilling them and use a medium heat setting. Cooking too low can steam the tortilla, while cooking too high can burn the outside before the inside is melted. Also, ensure your chicken filling isn’t overly wet.
These quesadillas are delicious on their own or served with classic toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. They also pair well with a simple side salad, Spanish rice, or black beans.
The best cheese for quesadillas is one that melts well. We recommend a blend of Monterey Jack for its superior meltiness and sharp cheddar for its robust flavor. Oaxaca cheese is also an excellent, traditional option. For best results, shred your own cheese from a block.
The Perfect Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: The Ultimate Weeknight Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, hot honey, and diced red onion. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated.
- Lay a tortilla flat. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of cheese over one half of the tortilla. Spoon one-fourth of the chicken mixture over the cheese, then top with another 1/4 cup of cheese. Fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filling.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add about 1/2 tablespoon of butter or oil. Place the quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-4 minutes per side, until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted.
- Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before slicing into wedges. Repeat the process for the remaining quesadillas. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the quesadilla, as this can make it difficult to flip and may result in a soggy tortilla.
Reheat leftovers in a skillet or air fryer to maintain a crispy texture.
Save This Recipe for Later!
We hope you love these Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas as much as we do! They are the perfect solution for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal. If you try this recipe, be sure to leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest!
