If you’re craving a meal that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors, these Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are your answer. Combining tender shredded chicken smothered in tangy BBQ sauce with a drizzle of honey and a kick of hot sauce, this dish delivers a mouthwatering punch in every bite.
Crispy golden tortillas wrapped around gooey cheddar and mozzarella cheeses melt together with sautéed onions and bell peppers, creating a delightful texture and flavor harmony that’s sure to become a dinner favorite. Ready in under 35 minutes, this beginner-friendly recipe brings excitement to any mealtime.
- The perfect blend of sweet and spicy elevates classic quesadillas to a gourmet level.
- Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Versatile filling that pairs well with various toppings and sides.
Ingredients
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Moist, tender shredded chicken serves as the hearty protein base, soaking up the flavorful sauces.
- BBQ sauce (1 cup): Adds smoky and tangy depth, infusing the chicken with rich barbecue flavor.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Provides a natural sweetness that balances the heat and acidity perfectly.
- Hot sauce (1 teaspoon, adjust to taste): Introduces a spicy kick to excite your palate and enhance the overall flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Sharp and creamy, melts beautifully to bind all layers together.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Offers a mild, gooey texture that complements the cheddar.
- Large flour tortillas (4): The crispy, golden exterior wrapping all fillings with just the right chew.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing vegetables and crisping the tortillas, adding a fruity depth.
- Sliced red onions (1/2 cup): Provides a subtle sweetness and crunch when sautéed.
- Chopped bell peppers (1/2 cup, any color): Adds vibrant color and a sweet vegetal note after being softened.
- Fresh cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Bright, herbaceous freshness that lifts all flavors.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the flavors.
- Sour cream and guacamole (optional, for serving): Creamy and cool accompaniments to contrast the quesadilla’s heat.
Instructions
- Mix BBQ Chicken Filling
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In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, honey, and hot sauce until well coated. This step ensures every bite bursts with the perfect sweet and spicy flavor balance.
- Sauté Onions and Bell Peppers
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced red onions and chopped bell peppers, cooking until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Assemble the Quesadillas
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Lay one flour tortilla flat and sprinkle an even layer of cheddar and mozzarella cheese over half. Add a generous portion of the BBQ chicken mixture, then top with the sautéed onions, bell peppers, and fresh cilantro. Folding the tortilla in half encloses the filling neatly for grilling.
- Cook the Quesadillas
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Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat and carefully place the folded quesadilla onto it. Cook each side for about 3 minutes until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheeses are melted inside, creating a crispy, gooey delight.
- Rest and Slice
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Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and allow it to cool for 5 minutes to set the filling. This resting time helps prevent the cheese from oozing out and makes slicing into neat wedges easier.
- Repeat and Serve
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Repeat the assembly and cooking process with the remaining tortillas and filling. Serve warm with optional sour cream and guacamole for extra creaminess and flavor contrast.
- Choose a spicy BBQ sauce if you prefer a more intense heat level in your quesadillas.
- Different cheese blends like pepper jack or Monterey Jack can add unique flavor profiles.
- For an extra zing, squeeze fresh lime juice over the finished quesadillas before serving.
- Grilling these quesadillas outdoors can infuse them with a delicious smoky aroma.
- Leftover filling can be repurposed easily into tacos or sandwiches the next day.
Storage Tips
Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness rather than using a microwave.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side salad or fresh salsa for a refreshed meal. Consider adding a tangy coleslaw or corn on the cob for a complete Tex-Mex inspired dinner.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better meltability and flavor.
- Prepare the chicken ahead of time to streamline the assembly process on busy nights.
- Finely chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and texture.
- Press the quesadilla gently with a spatula during cooking to help the cheese melt evenly and bind the filling.
FAQs
- Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
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Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly as it’s already cooked and flavorful, saving you preparation time.
- What type of hot sauce is best?
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A cayenne-based or chipotle hot sauce complements the BBQ sauce well, but adjust the amount to your heat preference.
- Can I make these quesadillas gluten-free?
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Absolutely, just substitute flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas or use corn tortillas for a traditional twist.
- How do I store leftovers properly?
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Wrap leftover quesadillas tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Is it possible to freeze these quesadillas?
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Yes, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze. Reheat in the oven or skillet to retain crispness.
- Can I add other vegetables?
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Yes, adding ingredients like corn, jalapeños, or mushrooms can enhance flavor and texture.
- What dips go well with these quesadillas?
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Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or a creamy chipotle sauce are all great choices to complement the flavors.
Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Equipment
- 1 skillet for sautéing vegetables and cooking quesadillas
- 1 mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce adjust to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup sliced red onions
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers any color
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream and guacamole for serving optional
Instructions
- Combine shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, honey, and hot sauce in a bowl until evenly coated; set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté onions and bell peppers for about 5 minutes until soft and slightly browned. Season with salt and pepper and remove from heat.
- Lay one tortilla flat and evenly sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese over half of it. Add a layer of the BBQ chicken mixture followed by sautéed vegetables and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
- Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling.
- Heat a clean skillet or griddle to medium heat and cook the filled tortilla for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese melts.
- Remove quesadilla and let it cool slightly before slicing into wedges.
- Repeat the assembly and cooking process with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Serve warm with sour cream and guacamole if desired.
Notes
- Use spicy BBQ sauce to increase heat level.
- Try different cheese blends for unique tastes.
- Add fresh lime juice for extra zing.
- Quesadillas can be grilled for smoky flavor.
- Leftover filling works great in tacos or sandwiches.
