If you’re craving a dish that beautifully blends spicy, sweet, and smoky flavors with cheesy goodness, then this Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food. Packed with tender shredded chicken coated in a lively hot honey barbecue sauce, melty cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and crisp sautéed peppers and onions, every bite is a fiesta of vibrant tastes and satisfying textures. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next casual gathering, this recipe is endlessly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the best way to ensure your Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe turns out bursting with flavor and perfect texture. Each component plays a key role in balancing sweetness, heat, creaminess, and crunch.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: The tender base that soaks up the spicy-sweet BBQ sauce beautifully.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Adds smoky richness that’s central to classic barbecue flavor.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Sweetens and balances the heat for that irresistible hot honey glaze.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Adjustable to your spice preference, it gives a lively kick.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and gooey, it’s essential for classic quesadilla melty goodness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds that stretchy, creamy cheese pull we all love.
- 4 large flour tortillas: The perfect sturdy canvas to hold all those flavorful fillings.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the veggies to tender, caramelized perfection.
- 1/2 cup sliced red onions: Offers a sweet, slightly pungent crunch.
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color): Adds vibrant color and a fresh bite.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Brings brightness and a fresh herbal note.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To enhance all the natural flavors.
- Sour cream and guacamole for serving (optional): Creamy dips that pair perfectly with the spicy, smoky quesadillas.
How to Make Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken with Sauce
Start by mixing your shredded cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce, honey, and hot sauce in a medium bowl. This step is where all those bold flavors come to life, so make sure every shred of chicken is coated evenly. It’s this mix that makes the dish truly shine, with a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and smoky notes ready to mingle with your cheese.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and toss in the sliced red onions and chopped bell peppers. Cooking them until they soften and develop a light caramelization adds sweetness and depth to the quesadillas. Season with salt and pepper for that final flavor boost, then set them aside until you’re ready to assemble.
Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas
Take one flour tortilla and lay it flat. On half of the tortilla, sprinkle a generous layer of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Cheese is critical here, serving as the glue that holds everything together and giving you that irresistible melt. Next, layer on the honey BBQ chicken, followed by the sautéed veggies. Finish with freshly chopped cilantro to brighten up the flavor and add a fresh herbaceous touch.
Step 4: Fold and Cook
Fold the tortilla carefully over the fillings to form a half-moon shape. Then heat a clean skillet or griddle to medium heat and cook the folded quesadilla for about 3 minutes on each side. You want the tortillas to get golden brown with crispy edges, while the cheese inside melts into a creamy, stringy delight. This step transforms the quesadillas from simple wraps to irresistible handheld meals.
Step 5: Let Cool and Cut
Once cooked, remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool for a minute or two. Cooling slightly makes it easier to cut your quesadilla into perfect wedges without the filling spilling out. Repeat these steps with your remaining tortillas and filling until all your quesadillas are cooked and ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Garnishes
Top your hot honey BBQ chicken quesadillas with a dollop of sour cream or a scoop of creamy guacamole to cool the heat and add a luxurious, tangy contrast. A sprinkle of extra fresh cilantro or even a squeeze of lime juice can brighten every bite, elevating the entire flavor experience.
Side Dishes
For sides that complete your meal, consider a fresh simple salad, some crunchy tortilla chips, or even a zesty corn salsa. These options add different textures and flavors that complement the quesadillas’ hearty richness without overpowering them. Beans and Mexican rice are also classic companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Serve the quesadilla wedges stacked on a vibrant wooden board or platter, accompanied by small bowls of your garnishes and sides. You can also wrap them individually in parchment paper and tie with twine for a casual party or picnic vibe that’s both practical and charming.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
These quesadillas freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, crisp them back up in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side, or warm them in a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make the tortillas soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella are classic for their melt and flavor, feel free to swap in pepper jack for a spicy kick or Monterey Jack for a milder taste. Just choose cheeses that melt well.
How spicy is the Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe?
The spice level comes from the combination of hot sauce and honey. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less hot sauce according to your taste, making it perfect for both mild and spicy food lovers.
Is it better to use fresh or leftover chicken?
Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly since it’s already tender and easy to shred. But freshly cooked chicken also works great if you want to prepare the dish from scratch.
Can I make vegetarian quesadillas using this recipe?
Of course! Simply omit the chicken and load up on smoky grilled vegetables or beans, then use the hot honey BBQ sauce for that signature sweet and spicy flavor.
What’s the best way to avoid soggy quesadillas?
Be sure to cook the veggies until they’re well sautéed and not watery, and don’t overload your tortillas with sauce—it’s all about balance to keep the tortilla crisp and the insides juicy but not soggy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a lively, cozy dish that combines bold flavors with cheesy goodness, the Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe is an absolute winner. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your ingredients, turn on the skillet, and get ready for a delicious meal that’s sure to bring smiles all around your table!
Print
Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 quesadillas
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and flavorful Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas featuring tender shredded chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy hot honey BBQ sauce, combined with sautéed vegetables and melted cheeses inside crispy, golden tortillas. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or snack, served with creamy sour cream and guacamole.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
Vegetables & Cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced red onions
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Other Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream and guacamole for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the BBQ chicken mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, honey, and hot sauce. Stir until the chicken is well coated. Set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté until they’re soft and slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
- Assemble the quesadillas: Lay one tortilla flat and sprinkle a layer of cheddar and mozzarella cheese over half of it. Add a layer of the BBQ chicken mixture, followed by the sautéed onions and bell peppers. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top.
- Fold the tortilla: Fold the tortilla in half over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
- Cook the quesadillas: Heat another skillet or griddle to medium heat. Place the filled tortilla onto the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- Cool and cut: Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool slightly before cutting into wedges.
- Repeat assembly and cooking: Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Serve: Serve the hot quesadillas warm with sour cream and guacamole on the side if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the hot sauce quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For a crispier quesadilla, press down gently with a spatula while cooking.
- Feel free to substitute flour tortillas with whole wheat or gluten-free variants if preferred.
- Optional toppings like sliced jalapeños or avocado can add extra flavor.
