Introduction

Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Combining tender BBQ chicken with a sweet and spicy honey glaze, melty cheeses, and sautéed vegetables, this dish makes for a quick and satisfying meal any day of the week.

A tan speckled white plate sits on a white marbled texture, filled with eight triangular quesadilla pieces arranged in a circular pattern with some piled on top. Each quesadilla has two soft light-toasted tortilla layers with a slightly bubbly texture, filled with shredded juicy brown chicken, melted orange-yellow cheese, and hidden layers of sauce. On top of the quesadilla pieces, dollops of white sour cream create a smooth contrast, drizzled with thick dark brown barbecue sauce that glistens under the light. Scattered finely chopped purple-red onions and bright green cilantro leaves brighten the dish. On the plate's edge, two small clear glass bowls contain one thick white creamy sauce and one dark glossy sauce. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
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

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, honey, and hot sauce. Stir until the chicken is well coated. Set aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté until they’re soft and slightly browned, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Lay one tortilla flat and sprinkle a layer of cheddar and mozzarella cheese over half of it. Add a layer of the BBQ chicken mixture, followed by onions and bell peppers. Sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top.
Step 4: Fold the tortilla in half over the filling.
Step 5: Heat another skillet or a griddle to medium heat. Place the filled tortilla onto the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool slightly before cutting into wedges.
Step 7: Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 8: Serve the quesadillas warm with a side of sour cream and guacamole if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use spicy BBQ sauce to increase the heat if you prefer more spice.
Try mixing different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a unique flavor.
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the finished quesadillas for a bright, zesty touch.
Grill the quesadillas instead of pan-frying to add a smoky flavor.
Leftover filling is perfect for tacos or sandwiches, so avoid wasting any extras.

Storage

Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat to keep the tortillas crispy and the cheese melted. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the tortillas soggy.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a stack of six folded quesadilla wedges, each with three visible layers: the outer tortilla layer is light golden brown with some toasted spots, the middle layer is filled with shredded chicken in a rich brown sauce, and the inner layer contains melted yellow cheese. The quesadillas are topped with dollops of white sour cream, dark brown barbecue sauce drizzled over all pieces, and garnished with chopped green parsley and small cubes of purple onion. On the top left of the plate, there are two small clear bowls, one filled with dark brown barbecue sauce and the other with white sour cream. The entire setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use cooked chicken for this recipe to save time and ensure even cooking inside the quesadilla. If using raw chicken, cook it thoroughly and shred it before mixing with the BBQ sauce.

How can I store leftover quesadillas?

Place leftover quesadillas in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet for best results, which preserves the crispy texture and melted cheese.

What can I substitute for the honey in the recipe?

If you don’t have honey, you can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness and consistency.

Can I make these quesadillas vegetarian?

Yes. Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or your favorite veggies, and use BBQ sauce and cheeses as directed for a tasty vegetarian option.

How spicy are these quesadillas, and can I adjust the heat level?

The heat level depends on the hot sauce and BBQ sauce you use. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preference or choose a mild BBQ sauce to keep it mild. For more heat, increase the hot sauce or add chili flakes.