These Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a mouthwatering treat! Filled with tender chicken and gooey cheese, they are both sweet and spicy, making each bite exciting.
I love serving these with a side of ranch for dipping—it adds a creamy touch! Plus, they’re super easy to whip up for a quick dinner or game day snacks. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience. It’s already cooked and flavorful! If you’re boiling chicken, consider seasoning the water with herbs or spices for extra taste.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce. Sweet, smoky, or spicy—choose what you love! If you’re short on BBQ sauce, a mix of ketchup and vinegar can work in a pinch.
Hot Honey: I like the balance of sweet and spicy. If you can’t find hot honey, you can mix regular honey with a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes for that kick.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but feel free to use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack for extra meltiness. Add pepper jack if you like it spicier!
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are perfect for quesadillas, but corn tortillas work too if you prefer a gluten-free option. Just be careful when flipping, as corn tortillas can be more fragile.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Crispy Quesadilla?
To achieve a crispy quesadilla, start with a hot skillet. Preheat it over medium heat before adding oil or butter. Here’s a step-by-step:
- Use enough oil or butter to coat the pan lightly; this helps to create that golden crust.
- Don’t rush the cooking time! Allow 3-4 minutes for the first side, then flip carefully. A flat spatula helps.
- Feel free to press down gently on the quesadilla after flipping; this ensures even melting and crispiness.
- Let each quesadilla rest a minute after cooking. This helps the cheese set up a little, making it easier to cut.
Enjoying your quesadillas with a little extra crunch makes all the difference!
Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled chicken works well)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp hot honey (honey mixed with a bit of hot sauce or chili flakes)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (plus extra for topping)
- Sour cream, for serving
- Cooking oil or butter, for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. With quick cleanup, you’ll be enjoying your sweet and spicy quesadillas in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and hot honey. Stir well until all the chicken is coated evenly. This will be the flavorful filling for your quesadillas!
2. Heat the Skillet:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a little cooking oil or butter to the pan to help achieve that crispy texture. Make sure to coat the bottom lightly.
3. Assemble the Quesadilla:
Once the skillet is hot, place one tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle half of the cheese evenly over the tortilla. Then, spread half of the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese. Top with some chopped cilantro and red onion, and finish off with the remaining cheese. Finally, place a second tortilla on top and gently press down.
4. Cook the Quesadilla:
Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt. Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula, and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until it’s golden and the cheese is fully melted.
5. Slice and Serve:
Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before cutting it into wedges. This helps the cheese set, making it easier to handle. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
6. Add Final Touches:
Serve your delicious quesadillas warm, topped with extra chopped red onion, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Enjoy your Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas!
Enjoy your cooking adventure! 🍽️
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover shredded chicken from a previous meal is perfect for these quesadillas. Just mix it with the barbecue sauce and hot honey as instructed, and you’re good to go!
What If I Don’t Have Hot Honey?
No worries! If you don’t have hot honey, you can easily make your own by mixing regular honey with a dash of hot sauce or some chili flakes. Adjust the spice level to your liking!
Can I Freeze Quesadillas for Later?
Yes, you can freeze cooked quesadillas! Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake directly from frozen or thaw in the fridge overnight before warming in a skillet.
What Can I Serve with These Quesadillas?
These quesadillas pair wonderfully with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or even a fresh salad. For an extra kick, consider serving them with some spicy jalapeños or your favorite salsa!
