If you are ready to discover a truly irresistible combination, this Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe brings together the smoky richness of barbecue, a sweet yet spicy kick of hot honey, and melty cheddar cheese all wrapped in a warm, crispy tortilla. It’s that perfect balance of flavors and textures that makes every bite inviting, comforting, and downright addictive. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing friends, or just treating yourself, these quesadillas are destined to become your go-to for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe a standout is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in building vibrant flavor and texture. From juicy chicken to the zing of red onion and the fresh pop of cilantro, everything combines in delicious harmony.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base, perfectly tender and ready to soak up sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps cook garlic evenly without burning.
- 1 clove minced garlic: Offers a subtle aromatic punch that layers flavor deeply.
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce: Brings smoky, tangy sweetness that defines the quesadilla’s character.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Sweetness with a luscious texture, perfectly balancing the heat.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Provides that essential spicy kick to excite the palate.
- 4 large flour tortillas: Soft yet sturdy, the perfect vessel that crisps wonderfully when cooked.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: For gooey, melty goodness that binds everything together.
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion: Adds fresh sharpness and crunch, elevating every bite.
- Salt to taste: Balances all flavors while enhancing natural tastes.
- Pepper to taste: A little heat and earthiness to round out the seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro: Bright, herbaceous notes that finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step ensures each bite is flavorful. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add minced garlic, cooking just about 30 seconds until it releases its irresistible aroma. Next, add the chicken breasts and sear, cooking 5 to 7 minutes per side until they’re perfectly cooked through and no longer pink. Let the chicken rest briefly to lock in juices.
Step 2: Make the Spicy Sweet Sauce
In the same skillet, keep those lingering flavors by combining barbecue sauce, honey, and hot sauce over low heat. Warm the mixture gently so the honey melts into the sauce, creating a delectable hot honey BBQ blend that’s both smoky and sweet with a pleasant heat.
Step 3: Toss the Chicken in Sauce
Shred the rested chicken and fold it into the warm sauce in the skillet. Mixing it thoroughly means every shred is coated evenly with that splendid hot honey BBQ flavor, setting the stage for a luscious quesadilla filling.
Step 4: Assemble and Cook the Quesadillas
Clear out the skillet and bring to medium heat again. Place one flour tortilla flat in the pan, then sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese evenly over it. Dollop half the sauced chicken on top, and scatter some thin red onion slices for that crisp bite. Add the remaining cheese before closing it with the second tortilla. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until the bottom tortilla turns golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. Carefully flip and cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes. The quesadilla should be perfectly toasted, with a melty cheesy center.
Step 5: Slice and Garnish
Transfer your golden quesadilla to a cutting board and slice into wedges while hot. Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped cilantro on top—a bright, fresh contrast to the smoky richness and a final touch that makes this Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe truly shine.
How to Serve Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro is a no-brainer because it wakes up the dish with its herbal brightness. For extra flair, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of diced avocado can soften the heat and add creaminess, inviting a cool balance to the spiced sauce.
Side Dishes
This Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp sides like a tangy coleslaw or a simple green salad tossed in a zesty lime dressing. For a heartier meal, consider serving with corn on the cob or smoky grilled vegetables that echo the quesadilla’s flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by stacking the quesadilla wedges like a tower on a rustic wooden board, surrounded by small bowls of guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. Sprinkle extra cilantro and even edible flowers around for a splash of color that will have everyone reaching for that first bite immediately.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them from getting soggy, separate layers with parchment paper or paper towels. This way, each wedge retains its crispiness and flavor for an easy next-day snack or meal.
Freezing
For longer storage, quesadillas freeze wonderfully. Wrap each wedge tightly in plastic wrap and place all wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag. When you want to enjoy them later, just pull out a few wedges and warm them up without losing that freshly cooked magic.
Reheating
Reheat quesadillas in a dry skillet over medium heat to restore their crispiness while melting the cheese again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the tortillas chewy or soggy. A brief flip or two on the skillet will have them tasting just like fresh-made.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time. Just shred it and toss it in the hot honey BBQ sauce as directed. This swap keeps the dish flavorful and makes dinner even easier.
How spicy is this Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe?
The hot sauce adds a gentle heat that perfectly balances with the sweetness of honey and barbecue sauce. If you prefer mild flavors, reduce or omit the hot sauce. For more fiery quesadillas, feel free to add extra hot sauce or sprinkle some chili flakes inside.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Sharp cheddar is ideal because it melts beautifully and provides a nice tangy contrast to the sweet and spicy chicken. You can experiment with Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses if you’re looking to switch things up.
Can I make these quesadillas gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas. Just ensure all sauces and ingredients used are certified gluten-free to avoid any issues. The rest of the recipe remains the same and just as delicious.
What’s the best way to slice the quesadillas for serving?
Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice the quesadillas into 4 to 6 wedges. Cutting them while hot ensures clean slices and lets the gooey cheese hold the wedges together perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so cozy and uplifting about the Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe that makes it hard not to make it again and again. The combo of sweet, spicy, smoky, and melty in one handheld bite is pure joy. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it with people you love—it’s truly a crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Print
Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 quesadillas (serves 2-4 people)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a delicious blend of smoky barbecue chicken, sweet honey, and a spicy kick from hot sauce, all melted together with cheddar cheese in crispy flour tortillas. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal that combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Quesadilla Assembly
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add minced garlic, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until fully cooked through, with no pink remaining inside. Remove the chicken and let it rest.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, combine barbecue sauce, honey, and hot sauce over low heat. Stir and warm the mixture until heated through.
- Shred and Coat Chicken: Shred the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the warmed sauce to coat the chicken evenly.
- Heat Tortilla and Add Cheese: Wipe out the skillet and return to medium heat. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the entire surface.
- Add Chicken and Onion: Spoon half of the sauced chicken evenly over the cheese, followed by a few slices of red onion. Then sprinkle with the remaining cheese and top with another tortilla.
- Cook Quesadilla: Cook the quesadilla for 2 to 3 minutes until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and cheese begins to melt. Carefully flip it and cook the other side for another 2 minutes until golden and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve: Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board, slice into wedges, and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Use medium heat to prevent the tortillas from burning before the cheese melts.
- For extra heat, add more hot sauce or diced jalapeños inside the quesadilla.
- You can substitute flour tortillas with whole wheat for a healthier alternative.
- Leftover quesadillas can be reheated in a skillet or oven to retain crispiness.
- Serve with sour cream or guacamole for added flavor.
