Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy, wrapped up in a crispy tortilla with plenty of melted cheese. This recipe takes familiar ingredients and transforms them into a bold, satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet incredibly easy to make. I first made these quesadillas when I wanted something quick but exciting for dinner, and the combination of barbecue sauce and hot honey immediately stood out. The sweetness of the honey softens the smoky barbecue flavor, while a touch of heat keeps every bite interesting. These quesadillas are ideal for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even as a game-day snack. They are hearty, customizable, and cook quickly on the stovetop, making them a reliable option when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Print
Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: Sweet Heat Comfort Food at Its Best
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 quesadillas
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy, cheesy quesadillas filled with smoky BBQ chicken and finished with a sweet-and-spicy hot honey drizzle for the perfect balance of heat and flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp hot honey
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or olive oil.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle cheese over half of it.
- Add BBQ chicken mixture on top of the cheese.
- Drizzle hot honey evenly over the chicken.
- Add a little more cheese and fold the tortilla in half.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Slice into wedges, garnish if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust hot honey to control spice level.
- Serve with ranch or extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
- Use whole wheat tortillas for a slightly healthier option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Cooked chicken forms the hearty base of the filling. Shredded or diced chicken absorbs the sauce well and stays tender.
Barbecue sauce adds smoky, savory depth and creates the main flavor profile of the quesadillas.
Hot honey brings sweetness with a gentle kick of heat, balancing the barbecue sauce beautifully.
Mozzarella cheese provides meltability and helps bind the filling together.
Cheddar cheese adds sharpness and richness, enhancing the overall flavor.
Flour tortillas serve as the crispy, golden exterior that holds everything together.
Red onion adds mild sweetness and texture, cutting through the richness of the cheese.
Butter or oil helps crisp the tortillas evenly and adds flavor during cooking.
Salt and black pepper help balance and sharpen the flavors.
Optional fresh herbs such as cilantro add brightness just before serving.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by combining the cooked chicken with barbecue sauce and hot honey in a bowl. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated, tasting and adjusting sweetness or heat if needed.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle an even layer of mozzarella and cheddar cheese over one half.
Spoon the hot honey BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese. Add sliced red onion if using, then top with a little more cheese to help seal the quesadilla.
Fold the tortilla over the filling and cook until the bottom is golden brown and crisp. Carefully flip and cook the other side until the cheese is fully melted and the tortilla is evenly browned.
Remove from the skillet and allow the quesadilla to rest briefly before slicing. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people, making 4 large quesadillas. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 10 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the tortillas.
Variations and Customizations
Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are easy to adapt. You can substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience, which I have tested and found works perfectly. For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes to the filling.
Cheese options are flexible. Pepper jack adds extra spice, while a Mexican cheese blend creates a slightly creamier melt. For a lighter version, reduce the cheese slightly and add more chicken.
You can also add vegetables such as bell peppers or corn for extra texture and color. These quesadillas pair well with dipping sauces like ranch, sour cream, or extra barbecue sauce on the side.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a protein-rich, filling meal. Chicken provides lean protein, while cheese and tortillas add carbohydrates and fats. Pairing them with a fresh salad helps create a more balanced plate.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Low Heat Cooking
Cook over medium heat to ensure the tortilla browns without burning.
Even Filling
Distribute the filling evenly for clean slices and consistent flavor.
Rest Before Cutting
Letting the quesadilla rest briefly keeps the cheese from spilling out.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, leftover grilled or roasted chicken works very well.
Are these very spicy?
They are mildly spicy, but the heat level is adjustable.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble ahead and cook just before serving.
What tortillas work best?
Large flour tortillas are ideal for quesadillas.
Can I make them in an air fryer?
Yes, they crisp nicely in the air fryer.
Can I use store-bought hot honey?
Yes, it works perfectly.
What sides pair well?
Coleslaw, salad, or roasted vegetables pair nicely.
Can I freeze these quesadillas?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
Can I add bacon?
Yes, cooked bacon adds extra smoky flavor.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, reduce the hot honey for a milder version.
Conclusion
Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas deliver bold flavor, crispy texture, and satisfying comfort in every bite. Sweet, smoky, and gently spicy, they are easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, making them a dependable recipe for quick dinners, casual entertaining, or anytime you want something exciting and comforting on the table.
Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share