Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 86 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that brings together smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors in a warm, melty package, you’re in for a treat with this Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe. It’s a mouthwatering mashup of tender shredded chicken coated in a lip-tingling hot honey BBQ sauce, chock-full of gooey cheese, all wrapped up in crispy tortillas that are golden brown and perfectly toasted. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner fix, a party snack, or something to impress friends without breaking a sweat, these quesadillas hit all the right notes. Let me take you through how to make this irresistible treat step by step!

A clean white wooden surface neatly arranged with the main ingredients for Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: a small rustic bowl filled with golden shredded cooked chicken, a small glass jar of glossy, amber hot honey BBQ sauce, a heap of freshly shredded pale yellow and white cheese (a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack) spilling slightly onto the surface, four large soft flour tortillas stacked with visible soft texture and light browning, a small dish of golden olive oil with a slight sheen, separate small piles of fine garlic powder, onion powder, and cracked black pepper showing their delicate textures, a small bowl with bright green chopped green onions for garnish, and a small ramekin of creamy white sour cream and another with pale green guacamole placed close by as optional sides. The ingredients are spaced evenly with subtle shadows, highlighting natural colors and textures, styled in a clean, minimalist way with a touch of rustic charm. Overhead shot, top down view, flat lay photography, professional food styling --ar 1:1 --q 2 --s 750 --v 6.1 this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role: simple yet essential, they build layers of taste, texture, and color that make these quesadillas unforgettable and satisfying.

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use tender, juicy chicken for a hearty filling that absorbs all the flavors.
  • 1/2 cup hot honey BBQ sauce: This magical combo delivers just the right balance of sweet heat and smoky BBQ zing.
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack): Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother and gives that luscious gooey texture.
  • 4 large flour tortillas: The perfect sturdy yet soft base to hold all the goodness together.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps crisp up the tortillas to a golden perfection without greasiness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth that complements the BBQ flavors.
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a gentle sweetness and enhances the overall taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A little kick to keep things interesting and balanced.
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional): Fresh garnish that adds color and a mild bite to finish off.
  • Sour cream or guacamole (optional): Creamy dips that perfectly contrast the spicy sweet quesadillas.

How to Make Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce

Start by tossing your shredded cooked chicken in the hot honey BBQ sauce until it’s fully coated. This step is key to infusing the chicken with all that sweet, spicy, and smoky flavor. Let it sit for a few minutes so every bite carries that perfect kick.

Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas

Lay out one flour tortilla on a clean surface, sprinkle half of it generously with shredded cheese, then add a layer of the saucy chicken. Top with a bit more cheese — this helps bind everything — and then fold the tortilla over to form a half-moon shape. Repeat this for the remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 3: Cook Until Golden and Melty

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle a bit of garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper onto the skillet or directly onto the tortilla for extra flavor when you place it in the pan. Cook each quesadilla for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently so the cheese melts evenly and the tortillas turn beautifully crisp and golden. Once done, transfer to a plate and let them rest for a minute before slicing.

How to Serve Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped green onions not only adds a fresh pop of color but a mild, oniony crunch that contrasts nicely with the rich filling. A dollop of sour cream or smooth guacamole on the side adds a creamy coolness that balances the hot honey BBQ sauce’s spice and sweetness.

Side Dishes

Serve your quesadillas alongside a crisp, refreshing salad or some zesty coleslaw to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, consider black beans or corn salad for that squirt of freshness and texture alongside these melty delights.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, cut quesadillas into small wedges and serve on a platter as a party appetizer with a variety of dipping sauces, like ranch dressing or a smoky chipotle mayo. You can also layer them with fresh avocado slices or pickled jalapeños for an extra burst of flavor and texture on your plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep them from getting soggy, separate layers with parchment paper.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked quesadillas by wrapping each individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months, making them a great batch-cook option for later indulgence.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low-medium heat to revive that crispy tortilla and melty cheese, flipping as needed until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the tortilla crisp and prevent sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor, making this recipe perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.

What if I don’t have hot honey BBQ sauce?

No worries! You can mix BBQ sauce with a drizzle of honey and a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce to mimic that signature sweet and spicy kick perfectly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap out the flour tortillas for your favorite gluten-free tortillas, and the rest of the ingredients remain the same deliciously.

What cheese works best in Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack are ideal because they melt beautifully and provide that rich, creamy texture, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella or pepper jack for a bit of extra spice.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?

While pre-shredded cheese works in a pinch, freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and gives you that classic gooey quesadilla texture everyone loves.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe is an absolute game-changer when you want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. The combo of spicy sweet chicken and melty cheese wrapped in a crispy tortilla is pure comfort food magic. I promise, once you try making these quesadillas, they’ll become your go-to for dinner nights, game days, or anytime you need a delicious pick-me-up. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to savor every bite!

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Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 86 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 quesadillas (serves 4)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

These Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and cheesy flavors wrapped in a crispy flour tortilla. Ideal for a quick and satisfying meal, they feature shredded chicken tossed in a hot honey BBQ sauce, melted cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, and a hint of savory spices, all pan-cooked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Chicken Mixture

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/2 cup hot honey BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Quesadillas

  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Garnish and Serving

  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
  • Sour cream or guacamole for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the hot honey BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce and spices.
  2. Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay a large flour tortilla flat. Sprinkle half a cup of shredded cheese evenly over half of the tortilla. Add a generous layer of the prepared hot honey BBQ chicken on top of the cheese. Sprinkle another quarter cup of cheese over the chicken and fold the tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape.
  3. Cook the Quesadillas: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until golden and the cheese is melted. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
  4. Serve and Garnish: Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and cut each into halves or quarters. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve warm with sour cream or guacamole on the side.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and creamier texture.
  • If you like it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a hotter BBQ sauce.
  • Ensure the skillet is not too hot to prevent burning the tortilla before the cheese melts.
  • Leftover quesadillas can be reheated in a skillet or air fryer for best results rather than microwave for crispiness.

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