Get ready to meet your new favorite meal: Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken, a smoky and sweet homemade hot honey BBQ sauce, and layers of gooey melted cheese, all packed into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown tortilla. It’s the ultimate comfort food, striking an irresistible balance between sweet, spicy, and savory. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a satisfying lunch, this dish delivers on all fronts. Forget takeout—this is the flavor explosion you’ve been waiting for.
Ready for dipping! These quesadillas are perfect with sour cream or guacamole.
Why This Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another quesadilla recipe; it’s a flavor masterpiece you’ll make again and again. The magic is in the sauce—a simple yet brilliant combination of your favorite BBQ sauce and a kick of hot honey that elevates shredded chicken to a whole new level. It’s quick, easy, and uses simple ingredients to create something truly special.
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize the spice level, add your favorite mix-ins like corn or black beans, and serve it with a variety of delicious dips. It’s a guaranteed hit with the whole family and a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken. If you enjoy this, you might also love our recipe for Crock Pot Birria Tacos, which also transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular meal.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Quesadillas
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to gather to create these incredible Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas.
For the Chicken Filling
Shredded Chicken: A rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. You can also use any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite brand—hickory smoke, original, or a sweet and spicy version all work wonderfully.
Hot Honey: This adds the signature sweet heat. We’ll even show you how to make a quick version below if you don’t have any.
Red Onion: Finely diced for a subtle, sharp bite that cuts through the richness.
Cilantro: Freshly chopped for a burst of freshness.
For Assembly
Large Flour Tortillas: Use burrito-sized tortillas to hold all the delicious filling.
Shredded Cheese: A blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar is perfect for melting. Pepper Jack adds a nice extra kick if you like more spice.
Butter or Oil: For pan-frying the quesadillas to crispy, golden perfection.
Look at that perfect golden-brown crust and cheesy filling!
How to Make Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create the most amazing quesadillas you’ve ever had. It’s a straightforward process that delivers gourmet flavor in minutes.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, hot honey, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the delicious sauce. Set it aside while you prepare your other components.
Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas
Lay a large flour tortilla flat. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the entire surface. Arrange a layer of the hot honey BBQ chicken mixture over one half of the tortilla. Sprinkle a little more cheese on top of the chicken—this helps everything stick together when it melts. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or a drizzle of oil. Carefully place the assembled quesadilla in the pan. Cook for 2-4 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is completely melted. Press down gently with a spatula to help it seal.
Pro Tips for the Crispiest, Cheesiest Quesadillas
Want to take your Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas from great to absolutely unforgettable? Here are a few expert tips.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook one quesadilla at a time to ensure it cooks evenly and gets perfectly crispy.
Medium Heat is Key: High heat will burn the tortilla before the cheese has a chance to melt. Medium heat ensures a crispy exterior and a perfectly gooey interior.
Cheese on Both Sides: Sprinkling cheese on the tortilla before adding the filling and on top of it acts as a delicious “glue” that holds the quesadilla together.
Rest Before Slicing: Let the quesadilla rest for a minute before cutting it. This allows the filling to set, preventing it from oozing out. For another cheesy masterpiece, check out our Easy Cheeseburger Sliders.
Fun Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great base for customization. Try adding a layer of black beans or corn for extra texture, or stir in some pickled jalapeños for an extra spicy kick. For a different flavor profile, consider our Creole Steak and Shrimp Quesadillas.
What to Serve with Your Quesadillas
These quesadillas are a meal in themselves, but they’re even better with the right sides. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream, a side of guacamole, or your favorite salsa. A crisp salad like our Cucumber Ranch Salad also makes a refreshing accompaniment.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, skip the microwave! Place them back in a dry skillet over medium-low heat or in an air fryer for a few minutes. This will bring back that amazing crispy texture.
The best cheeses for quesadillas are ones that melt well. We recommend a blend of Monterey Jack for its creamy meltiness and medium cheddar for flavor. For a spicier kick, Pepper Jack is also an excellent choice.
To get perfectly crispy quesadillas, cook them in a skillet over medium heat with butter or oil. Avoid high heat, which can burn the tortilla before the cheese melts. Cooking one at a time also ensures an even, golden-brown crust.
These quesadillas are delicious with a variety of sides. Serve them with classic toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa. A light, crisp salad or a side of Spanish rice also pairs wonderfully.
Yes, you can! To make them in an air fryer, assemble the quesadillas as directed and lightly spray the outside with cooking spray. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
It’s easy to make your own hot honey! Simply mix 1/4 cup of honey with 1 teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce and a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can gently warm it in a saucepan or microwave for 15-20 seconds to help the flavors infuse.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed the sweet and savory flavors in this dish, you’ll definitely want to try our Honey Soy Glazed Chicken. It’s another quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
We hope you love making these Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas! They are sure to become a staple in your home. If you make this recipe, we’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and share your creations with us on Pinterest.
Sweet, spicy, and cheesy perfection! You have to try these Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas.
Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
FL Recipes
Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: Sweet, Spicy, & Cheesy!
Discover the ultimate Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas! This easy recipe combines tender shredded chicken with a sweet and spicy sauce and gooey cheese, all grilled in a crispy tortilla. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or lunch.
3cupscooked shredded chickenrotisserie chicken works well
1/2cupBBQ sauceyour favorite brand
3tbsphot honeyadd more or less to taste
1/4cupred onionfinely diced
2tbspfresh cilantrochopped
4large flour tortillasburrito size
2cupsshredded cheese blendMexican blend, or Monterey Jack and Cheddar
1tbspbutter or vegetable oilfor cooking
Equipment
1 Large Skillet
1 Mixing Bowl
1 Spatula
Method
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, hot honey, diced red onion, and cilantro. Mix until the chicken is fully coated.
Lay a tortilla flat. Cover the entire surface with a layer of cheese. Spread half of the chicken mixture over one half of the tortilla, then top the chicken with a bit more cheese. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling.
Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully transfer the quesadilla to the skillet. Cook for 2-4 minutes on the first side, until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for one minute. Slice into wedges and serve immediately with your favorite toppings like sour cream or guacamole.
Nutrition
Calories: 580kcalProtein: 35gFat: 28gFiber: 3g
Notes
Quick Hot Honey Tip: If you don't have hot honey, mix 3 tablespoons of regular honey with 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cheese is Key: Shred your own cheese from a block for the best melting results. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect its texture.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
