There’s something magical about the combination of sweet and spicy that can turn an ordinary meal into an unforgettable experience. These Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are my go-to for a quick yet fulfilling dinner when I crave comfort food with a twist. With tender shredded chicken swirled in a zesty BBQ sauce and a drizzle of honey, every bite is a delightful blend of flavors wrapped in crispy tortillas. This easy recipe caters to both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs, making it perfect for game nights or casual gatherings. Not only are these quesadillas a crowd-pleaser, but they also come together in no time, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of loved ones. Curious to discover how to whip up this tasty dish? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why Are These Quesadillas So Addictive?

Quick and Easy: You can whip up these Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas in no time, making them a lifesaver for busy weeknight dinners.

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Flavor Explosion: The sweet-savory blend of honey and BBQ sauce ensures each bite is packed with deliciousness, balanced perfectly with gooey cheese.

Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family gathering or game night, these quesadillas are sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more!

Customizable Goodness: Feel free to adapt the filling with your favorite veggies or cheese, like using Cheesy Chicken Garlic for extra flavor.

Satisfying Crunch: The crispy tortillas provide a delightful contrast to the creamy filling, making every bite a joy. You won’t want to stop at just one!

Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Ingredients

For the Filling
• Cooked chicken, shredded – This tender base makes for the perfect protein-packed quesadilla. For convenience, use leftover rotisserie chicken.
• BBQ sauce – This smoky element brings a robust flavor, balancing beautifully with the sweetness of honey. Pick your favorite brand!
• Honey – Adds a touch of natural sweetness; you can substitute with agave syrup for a similar effect.
• Hot sauce – A crucial kick! Adjust the quantity to suit your spice tolerance.
• Shredded cheddar cheese – Melting into gooey goodness, this cheese adds savory depth; pepper jack is great for an extra kick.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese – Offers that signature stretch and creaminess, but reduce for a lighter option.
• Sliced red onions – Introduces some sweet, textured crunch; leave out if you prefer a milder taste.
• Chopped bell peppers – Brings fresh crunch to each bite; feel free to use any color to brighten up your quesadillas.
• Chopped fresh cilantro – A sprinkle of herbal brightness enhances the overall flavor. Optional but highly recommended for garnishing.

For Assembly and Cooking
• Large flour tortillas – These wrap around the filling and crisp up beautifully; whole-wheat or corn tortillas are also a fantastic alternative.
• Olive oil – Prevents sticking and helps achieve that golden crispy exterior; butter can be used if you prefer.
• Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors in the quesadilla.

Dive into this tasty recipe and enjoy your homemade Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, where comfort food meets quick meal perfection!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine your shredded cooked chicken with BBQ sauce, honey, and hot sauce. Stir the ingredients together until the chicken is well-coated in the sweet and spicy sauce. Allow the mixture to sit while you prepare the vegetables, which helps the flavors meld and enhances the taste of your Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced red onions and chopped bell peppers, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they become tender and slightly caramelized. Season the veggies with salt and pepper to enhance their flavors, then remove the skillet from heat and set the sautéed mixture aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Quesadilla
Lay a large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle half of the tortilla with a blend of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, followed by a generous scoop of the BBQ chicken mixture. Top it off with the sautéed onions, bell peppers, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that extra burst of flavor. Fold the tortilla in half over the filling to create a quesadilla.

Step 4: Cook the Quesadilla
Using the same skillet, add another splash of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Carefully place the filled quesadilla into the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is thoroughly melted. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, ensuring you achieve that perfect texture for your Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas.

Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once cooked, remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool for a minute before slicing it into wedges. This short resting time makes it easier to cut through the melted cheese and filling without spilling. Serve your quesadilla warm with optional sides like sour cream and guacamole, enhancing the delicious experience for your guests.

Step 6: Repeat the Process
Continue the assembly and cooking process with the remaining tortillas and filling, ensuring each quesadilla gets that delightful crispy texture. You can also experiment by adding different ingredients or adjusting the spices to suit your taste preferences while making your Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas.

What to Serve with Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Take your meal to the next level by pairing these scrumptious quesadillas with delightful sides that add color, crunch, and flavor.

Creamy Guacamole: This creamy dip adds a fresh and zesty contrast, perfectly complementing the spicy BBQ chicken. It’s a simple and classic pairing!
Zesty Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream brings a cool, tangy element that balances the heat, enhancing each flavorful bite.
Spicy Roasted Corn: The sweet and slightly spicy flavor of roasted corn complements the sweet-honey sauce beautifully, offering vibrant texture.
Crisp Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw with a tangy dressing adds a refreshing crunch and contrast to the warm quesadillas, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Pineapple Salsa: Bright, fruity salsa with a hint of spice elevates the flavor profile and can lighten up the heavier elements of your dish.
Chilled Cucumber Salad: This light and refreshing salad adds a cool crunch that will balance the quesadilla’s warmth and richness.
Cilantro Lime Rice: A flavorful side of cilantro lime rice brings a citrusy freshness that ties in beautifully with the dish’s components.
Chardonnay or Light Beer: A glass of Chardonnay or a light beer offers a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the honey and the richness of the cheese and chicken.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: For a sweet finish, serve warm chocolate chip cookies for a delightful dessert, offering a cozy and nostalgic touch.

Expert Tips for Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Perfectly Crisp Skillet: Ensure your skillet is preheated well to create a crispy, golden exterior on the quesadillas. A hot skillet also helps melt the cheese evenly.
Layer Smartly: Don’t overload your quesadilla with filling. Keep it balanced to prevent uneven cooking and spilling during slicing.
Rest Before Slicing: Allow the quesadilla to rest for a minute after cooking. This resting period makes slicing easier and helps the cheese set slightly.
Customize Spice Level: Start with a small amount of hot sauce; you can always add more to the chicken mixture for your perfect spiciness in these Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas.
Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix different cheeses for varied flavors and textures. Combining cheddar and pepper jack will elevate the taste with an extra kick!

Storage Tips for Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on a skillet for best results, keeping that scrumptious crunch.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze uncooked quesadilla wedges separated by parchment paper for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen for a quick meal!
Reheating: When reheating, a skillet is preferred for restoring crispiness, but a microwave works in a pinch—just know it might lose some texture.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken mixture and sautéed veggies a day in advance. Assemble and cook your Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas fresh for an effortless meal!

Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Variations

Unlock your culinary creativity and make these Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas even more delightful!

Vegetarian Delight: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or black beans for a hearty and satisfying meatless option. It’s a great way to enjoy the same smoky flavors.
Cheese Lovers: Try different cheeses like gouda or feta for a unique twist. Each choice brings its own richness that elevates your quesadilla to gourmet!
Sweet Corn Addition: Fold in some sweet corn into the mixture for an added touch of sweetness and texture. The bursts of corn blend beautifully with the BBQ sauce.
Extra Heat: If you crave more spice, add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick! Just be cautious—start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.
Herb Infusion: Mix in some fresh diced basil or parsley for a fragrant herbaceous flavor that pops. It’s a surprising yet refreshing twist!
Crunchy Texture: Throw in some crushed tortilla chips before cooking for an unexpected crunch. This twist creates an exciting contrast to the creamy filling.
BBQ Chicken Salad Wrap: Transform leftovers into a wrap! Use a large tortilla, toss in salad greens, and roll it up for a fresh, lighter take. Perfect for a picnic!
Asian Fusion: Substitute BBQ sauce with teriyaki sauce and add shredded carrots and green onions for an unexpected yet tasty flavor profile.

As you play around with these variations, remember to enjoy the process just as much as the delicious results! Consider pairing your quesadillas with refreshing sides like guacamole or sour cream, and take a look at our other recipes, such as Healthy Sticky Chicken for more culinary inspiration!

Make Ahead Options

These Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are perfect for busy weeknights! You can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture (shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, honey, and hot sauce) up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sautéed onions and bell peppers can also be prepped ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. To ensure they’re just as delicious, let them cool completely before sealing. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply assemble the quesadillas using your prepped ingredients, cook them according to the instructions, and you’ll have a delightful, home-cooked meal with minimal effort!

Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best chicken for my quesadillas?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using rotisserie chicken for convenience as it’s already cooked and flavorful. If you prefer, you can poach raw chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and then shred it for your quesadilla filling.

What’s the best way to store leftovers of Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheating them in a skillet helps restore their original crispy texture. Just make sure to keep the heat low to warm them through without burning.

Can I freeze Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?
Absolutely! For longer storage, you can freeze uncooked quesadilla wedges separated by pieces of parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking together and makes it easier to cook them from frozen when you’re in a hurry. They can be stored like this for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply cook them straight from the freezer in a hot skillet!

What should I do if my quesadillas are not crispy?
If your quesadillas aren’t coming out crispy, ensure that your skillet is adequately preheated before placing the quesadilla inside. Cook on medium heat for about 3 minutes per side, keeping an eye out to prevent burning while achieving that golden crunch. You can also add a little more oil if needed to enhance crispiness.

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you or someone in your household has any allergies, especially to dairy or gluten, substituting with dairy-free cheese and gluten-free tortillas can accommodate those dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, try replacing the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or beans. Just adjust the hot sauce according to your spice tolerance.

How can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?
To make these Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas ahead of time, you can prepare the chicken mixture and sauté the vegetables a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to serve, assemble and cook them fresh in under 10 minutes. This way, you’ll have a quick and delicious meal that feels homemade!