Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
**Introduction**
The quesadilla is a beloved classic, but sometimes it craves a bold, new direction. Enter the Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadilla: a magnificent fusion where the smoky comfort of barbecue meets the addictive sweet-heat of hot honey, all hugged by a crispy, golden tortilla blanket. This dish is a thrilling flavor expedition in every bite. Tender, seasoned chicken is coated in a sticky, spicy-sweet BBQ glaze, then combined with melted cheese, sharp red onions, and fresh cilantro. The overall character is boldly savory, wonderfully sticky, and perfectly balanced with a gentle, lingering warmth. It’s the ultimate solution for a weeknight dinner that feels like a treat, a crowd-pleasing game-day snack, or a fun weekend cooking project that will have everyone asking for seconds. If you love the combination of sweet, spicy, and smoky, this recipe is an absolute must-try.
**Perfect for:**
A quick and exciting weeknight family dinner.
Game day gatherings or casual weekend entertaining.
A creative way to use up leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken.
A satisfying and portable lunch option.
A fun “build-your-own” quesadilla bar for guests.
**Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe**
**Explosive Flavor Fusion:** This recipe masterfully combines the deep, smoky notes of barbecue sauce with the complex sweet-heat of hot honey, creating a glaze that is utterly addictive and far more interesting than standard quesadilla fillings.
**Quick and Straightforward:** Utilizing simple cooking techniques and common ingredients, these quesadillas come together in under 30 minutes, making gourmet flavor accessible any night of the week.
**Highly Adaptable Foundation:** The recipe is a perfect template. Easily swap the protein, adjust the spice level, add your favorite veggies, or experiment with different cheeses to create your own signature version.
**Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser:** With its familiar format and universally appealing flavors, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy both adults and kids, making it a reliable go-to for any occasion.
**Preparation and Cooking Time**
Total Time: 25 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 quesadillas (serves 2-4 people)
Calories per serving: Approximately 450-550 calories (per quesadilla)
**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate, 1 quesadilla):**
**Calories:** 450-550 kcal
**Protein:** 30g
**Carbohydrates:** 45g
**Fat:** 18g
**Fiber:** 2g
**Sugar:** 15g
**Nutritional Disclaimer**
aileenrecipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
**Ingredients**
*For the Chicken Filling:*
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into ½-inch pieces
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
* ½ teaspoon garlic powder
* ½ teaspoon onion powder
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
* ⅓ cup barbecue sauce
* 2 tablespoons hot honey, plus more for drizzling
*For Assembly:*
* 4 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
* 2 cups shredded cheese (a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar works perfectly)
* ½ cup finely chopped red onion
* ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
* Butter or oil, for cooking
*For Serving (Optional):*
* Sour cream or Mexican crema
* Extra hot honey
* Sliced jalapeños
* Lime wedges
* Guacamole or diced avocado
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Season and Cook the Chicken:** In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned.
2. **Create the Glaze:** Reduce the heat to low. Pour the barbecue sauce and 2 tablespoons of hot honey over the cooked chicken. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the chicken is evenly coated and the sauce is thick and sticky. Remove from heat.
3. **Assemble the Quesadillas:** Lay one tortilla flat. Sprinkle ¼ cup of cheese over one half of the tortilla. Spoon a quarter of the hot honey BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese. Top with a sprinkle of red onion and cilantro. Finish with another ¼ cup of cheese. Fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
4. **Cook to Crispy Perfection:** Wipe out the skillet and return to medium heat. Add a small pat of butter or a drizzle of oil. Carefully place one assembled quesadilla in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted. Transfer to a cutting board. Repeat with remaining quesadillas, adding more butter/oil as needed.
5. **Slice and Serve:** Let each quesadilla rest for 1 minute before slicing into wedges with a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Serve immediately with desired toppings.
**How to Serve Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas**
* As a complete main course with a side of cool, crisp romaine salad dressed with a lime vinaigrette.
* Sliced into wedges and arranged on a platter for a party, with bowls of sour cream, extra hot honey, and jalapeños for dipping and drizzling.
* Alongside classic Mexican-inspired sides like black beans, cilantro-lime rice, or a simple corn salsa.
* For a casual meal, serve with lime wedges and a generous dollop of guacamole or sliced avocado on the side.
**Additional Tips for Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas**
* **Control the Heat:** The spice level depends on your hot honey and barbecue sauce. For a milder version, use regular honey and add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze. For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño to the chicken while it cooks or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
* **Prevent Sogginess:** Ensure your chicken filling is thick and sticky, not watery, before assembling. Letting it cool for a few minutes off the heat helps. Also, don’t overfill the tortillas.
* **Cheese Choice Matters:** A good melting cheese is essential. A blend of Monterey Jack (for melt) and sharp cheddar (for flavor) is ideal. Pepper Jack adds another layer of spice.
* **Use Leftovers:** This is a fantastic recipe for using up leftover grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the cooked chicken and warm it in the skillet with the BBQ and hot honey glaze.
**Recipe Variations of Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas**
* **Pulled Pork Version:** Substitute the chicken with 2-3 cups of leftover pulled pork. Skip the initial cooking step and simply warm the pork with the BBQ sauce and hot honey.
* **Vegetarian “Chicken” Version:** Use plant-based chicken strips or shreds. Cook according to package directions, then proceed with coating them in the hot honey BBQ glaze.
* **Add More Veggies:** Sauté ½ cup of diced bell peppers or corn kernels with the chicken for added color, texture, and sweetness.
**Freezing and Storage for Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas**
**Storage:** Cooked quesadillas are best enjoyed immediately. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat to re-crisp the tortilla.
**Freezing:** It is possible to freeze assembled, uncooked quesadillas. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen in a skillet over medium-low heat, covered, for 4-5 minutes per side, until hot and crispy. The texture of the tortilla may be slightly different.
**FAQ Section about Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas**
**Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?**
Yes. For a lighter method, place assembled quesadillas on a baking sheet, brush lightly with oil, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
**What’s the best way to cut a quesadilla cleanly?**
Use a sharp chef’s knife or a pizza cutter. Let it rest for 60 seconds after cooking so the cheese sets slightly, which prevents a messy ooze.
**I don’t have hot honey. What can I use?**
Combine 2 tablespoons of regular honey with ¼ to ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce. Warm gently to infuse if you have time.
**Can I use corn tortillas?**
For a single layer, yes, but they are more fragile. It’s often easier to make them like tacos (two tortillas with filling in between) or use smaller corn tortillas and treat them as mini quesadillas.
**Conclusion of Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe**
The Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is more than just a meal; it’s a flavor experience that successfully marries two beloved culinary worlds. It takes the humble, comforting quesadilla and elevates it with a bold, modern twist that is impossible to resist. The recipe is forgiving, fast, and endlessly adaptable, making it a powerful tool for any home cook’s repertoire. From the first crispy bite through the layers of smoky, sweet, spicy, and cheesy goodness, it delivers satisfaction on every level. Ditch the boring fillings and embrace this exciting combination. Once you try these, they are sure to become a regular feature in your kitchen, delighting your family and impressing your friends with minimal effort.