If you’re craving a dish that hits all the right notes—sweet, spicy, smoky, and downright delicious—then you’re in for a treat with this Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe. It’s the perfect way to take simple ingredients like shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and vibrant veggies, then jazz them up with a luscious combo of hot honey and BBQ sauce. Every bite oozes with flavor and just the right amount of kick, making it a favorite for cozy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Trust me, once you try these quesadillas, they’ll become a staple you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready for the Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe is both simple and rewarding. Each item plays a crucial role, lending texture, color, and that incredible burst of flavor that makes this dish unforgettable.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken: Using rotisserie chicken speeds things up and gives a tender, juicy base; you can substitute with grilled or baked chicken breasts or shredded beef for variety.
- Hot honey: This sweet yet fiery syrup adds that signature kick; you can buy it ready-made or mix honey with your favorite hot sauce at home.
- BBQ sauce: Pick your preferred style—smoky varieties add depth and enhance richness.
- Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and offers a creamy texture; cheddar or pepper jack can bring a sharper edge or extra heat.
- Flour tortillas: Soft and pliable for folding; corn tortillas make a great gluten-free alternative.
- Bell peppers (sliced): Provide sweetness and a lovely crunch, balancing the spicy elements.
- Onions (sliced): Caramelize to add natural sweetness and a subtle bite.
- Corn (optional): Adds pops of sweetness and color, enhancing the quesadilla’s texture.
- Jalapeños (optional): Kick up the heat even more if you dare.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and grilling—adds a light, fruity note that complements the bold flavors.
How to Make Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken in Hot Honey and BBQ Sauce
Start by mixing your shredded chicken with the hot honey and BBQ sauce in a bowl until every bit is well coated. This step is where the magic begins—balancing sweetness and smokiness with a touch of heat. Feel free to adjust the hot honey amount depending on how spicy you want your quesadillas.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add your sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook them gently until they turn tender and slightly caramelized, about 5 to 7 minutes. This process enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth that perfectly complements the chicken.
Step 3: Assemble the Quesadilla
Grab a tortilla and sprinkle cheese generously over half of it—this melts and acts like glue for your fillings. Next, add a hearty scoop of the BBQ chicken mixture, followed by the sautéed vegetables. Top everything off with a little more cheese, then fold the tortilla over to enclose all those flavors.
Step 4: Grill the Quesadilla to Perfection
Return to your skillet with a bit more olive oil or butter over medium heat. Carefully place the folded quesadilla in the pan, cooking each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Press down lightly with a spatula to ensure even cooking and melty cheese inside.
Step 5: Repeat with Remaining Ingredients
Keep on assembling and cooking the rest of your quesadillas. Add more oil as needed to prevent sticking and to achieve that perfect crispy crust we all love.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, let the quesadillas cool just a minute for easier slicing. Cut them into wedges and serve alongside extra BBQ sauce and hot honey for dipping. This final touch amps up that sweet and spicy flavor combination brilliantly.
How to Serve Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is your opportunity to add freshness and crunch. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a scattering of sliced green onions can brighten the dish and provide a lovely contrast to the rich quesadillas.
Side Dishes
Pair your Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe with simple and refreshing sides like a crisp garden salad, creamy guacamole, or even a tangy slaw. These sides help balance the spice and complement the smoky flavors superbly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange sliced quesadilla wedges on a vibrant platter, surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces. You could also stack them in a neat little tower or serve them open-faced with a drizzle of hot honey on top for that irresistible glossy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making reheated quesadillas even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, wrap individual quesadilla wedges tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making them perfect for busy days when you need a quick meal.
Reheating
Reheat quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side to restore crispness and melt the cheese perfectly. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the tortillas soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack is great for melting, cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses can be used depending on your taste preference. Just pick a cheese that melts well and complements the bold flavors.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for seasoned sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or grilled veggies to keep the quesadilla hearty and flavorful without meat.
How spicy is the Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe?
The heat level depends on how much hot honey you use. You can control the spiciness by adjusting the ratio or by choosing a milder hot honey. Adding jalapeños amps up the heat if you want a bigger kick.
Can I prepare the quesadilla filling ahead of time?
Definitely—it can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. This makes assembling and cooking the quesadillas quicker when you’re ready to eat.
What type of BBQ sauce works best in this recipe?
A smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce pairs beautifully with the hot honey and chicken. However, feel free to use your favorite style—whether tangy, spicy, or sweet—to tailor the flavor to your liking.
Final Thoughts
Making this Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe is like bringing a fiesta to your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. With every bite, you get that perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, smoky, and melty goodness that feels both comforting and exciting. Give it a go—you might just discover your new go-to meal that gets everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors combined with tender shredded chicken, melted cheese, and sautéed vegetables all wrapped in a crispy tortilla. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a deliciously satisfying meal ideal for lunch, dinner, or game day snacks.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or grilled/baked chicken breasts or shredded beef)
- 3 tablespoons hot honey (store-bought or homemade with honey and hot sauce)
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (preferably smoky)
Vegetables
- 1 medium bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1–2 jalapeños, sliced (optional)
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or cheddar cheese, or pepper jack for extra kick)
- 4 large flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with hot honey and BBQ sauce. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated. Adjust the hot honey quantity to your preference for spiciness.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, sautéing until tender and slightly caramelized, about 5 to 7 minutes. If using, add corn and jalapeños towards the end. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Assemble Quesadillas: Lay a tortilla flat and sprinkle half of it with a generous amount of shredded cheese. Add a hearty scoop of the BBQ chicken mixture on top, followed by the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle more cheese over the filling and fold the tortilla over to form a half-moon shape.
- Cook Quesadillas: Add a bit more olive oil or butter to the same skillet over medium heat. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy on the underside, about 3 to 4 minutes. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula for even cooking.
- Repeat with Remaining Ingredients: Continue assembling and cooking the rest of the quesadillas, adding more oil or butter to the skillet as needed to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Remove cooked quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool for a minute before slicing into wedges. Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce and hot honey on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For extra heat, use pepper jack cheese and add more jalapeños.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas.
- Leftover quesadillas can be reheated in a skillet or air fryer to retain crispiness.
- Homemade hot honey can be made by gently warming honey and mixing it with your preferred hot sauce to taste.
