These Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas balance sweet heat, smoky BBQ, and melty cheese for a fast, satisfying meal. Crispy, golden tortillas hide pockets of tender shredded chicken coated in sticky hot honey BBQ, with a bright bite from red onion and fresh cilantro. They smell sweet and savory as they cook and offer a mix of crunchy edges and gooey centers.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 quesadillas (serves 4)
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 610 kcal
- Protein: 44 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fat: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
Why Make This Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
This recipe is fast, flavorful, and family-friendly. You get sweet and spicy notes from hot honey and BBQ sauce, smoky depth from the sauce and toasted tortilla, and creamy richness from melted cheese. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or an easy party appetizer. The texture contrast—crisp tortilla edges and tender, saucy chicken—keeps every bite interesting.
How to Make Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
You’ll mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and hot honey, layer it with cheese, onion, and cilantro, then grill each quesadilla until golden and melty. Work in small batches if needed so each quesadilla browns evenly and the cheese melts fully.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons hot honey
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Olive oil or cooking spray for grilling
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and hot honey. Stir until well coated. Taste and add a pinch of salt or extra hot honey if you like it sweeter or spicier.
Step 2: Mixing
Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with olive oil or cooking spray. Place one tortilla in the skillet and layer with a portion of the chicken mixture, cheese, red onion, and cilantro. Top with another tortilla, pressing gently to flatten and help the filling spread evenly.
Step 3: Cooking
Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown. Use a spatula to lift and check; reduce heat slightly if the tortilla browns too fast before the cheese melts.
Step 4: Finishing
Remove from skillet, cut into wedges, and serve hot. Let the quesadilla rest 1 minute before slicing to keep the filling from spilling out.
How to Serve Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Serve them hot and fresh for best texture. Offer sides like sour cream, guacamole, or a simple slaw to cut the sweetness. Pickled jalapeños, lime wedges, or a drizzle of extra hot honey add brightness. For a party, cut into smaller wedges and serve on a platter with dipping bowls.
How to Store Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, wrap in foil or place in an airtight container, and refrigerate up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap each quesadilla tightly in plastic and foil, or use freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Reheat refrigerated quesadillas in a skillet over low-medium heat for a few minutes per side until warm and the cheese re-melts. For frozen, thaw overnight in fridge, then reheat, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes until heated through.
Expert Tips for Perfect Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- Spread filling evenly so each bite has chicken and cheese.
- Don’t overfill—too much filling makes flipping messy and prevents crisp edges.
- Use a medium heat to brown the tortilla slowly so the cheese melts without burning the shell.
- Press gently with a spatula while cooking to encourage even contact and melting.
- For extra crispness, brush the outside of the tortillas lightly with oil or butter before cooking.
- Taste the chicken mixture before assembling. Hot honey varies; add more if you want more heat or sweetness.
- Use pre-shredded rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
Delicious Variations
- Smoky Pineapple: Add diced grilled pineapple for sweet-tangy contrast.
- Spicy Ranch: Replace cilantro with sliced pickled jalapeños and serve with ranch.
- BBQ Pulled Pork: Swap chicken for pulled pork for a richer, fattier filling.
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with shredded jackfruit or seasoned roasted sweet potato and add black beans.
- Low-Carb: Use low-carb or whole-wheat tortillas, or make lettuce wraps with the same filling (cook briefly in a pan to warm the filling).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these ahead and reheat later?
A: Yes. Assemble and cool completely, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispness. For longer storage, freeze up to 2 months.
Q: How do I prevent soggy quesadillas?
A: Use less sauce in the filling or shred the chicken dry before mixing. Cook on medium heat so moisture can evaporate and the tortilla crisps.
Q: Can I use different cheeses?
A: Absolutely. Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend melts well. For sharper flavor, use sharp cheddar mixed with a melting cheese.
Q: Are these freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a skillet or oven until hot.
Q: How can I make them less spicy?
A: Reduce or omit the hot honey and add a small drizzle at the end for milder heat. Choose a mild BBQ sauce or a sweeter variety.
Q: Can I grill them outside?
A: Yes. Cook on a preheated grill over medium heat, flipping once, until golden and cheese melts. Brush tortillas with oil to prevent sticking.
Q: What can I serve with these for a meal?
A: Serve with a fresh salad, roasted corn, cilantro-lime rice, or chips and guacamole for a fuller meal.
Conclusion
These Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are quick, satisfying, and versatile—crispy on the outside, gooey inside, with a bright hit from onion and cilantro. Try the recipe as written, then tweak the heat, cheese, or fillings to suit your taste. For a similar pan-grilled take and inspiration, check out this helpful guide: Blackstone Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas – If You Give a Girl …
Happy cooking—heat and honey make everything better.
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Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
These Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas balance sweet heat, smoky BBQ, and melty cheese for a fast, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons hot honey
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Olive oil or cooking spray for grilling
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and hot honey. Stir until well coated. Taste and add a pinch of salt or extra hot honey if desired.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray. Place one tortilla in the skillet and layer with a portion of the chicken mixture, cheese, red onion, and cilantro. Top with another tortilla, pressing gently to flatten.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown.
- Remove from the skillet, cut into wedges, and serve hot. Let the quesadilla rest 1 minute before slicing to keep the filling from spilling out.
Notes
Serve with sides like sour cream, guacamole, or pickled jalapeños. Ideal for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or parties.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
