If you are craving a dish that perfectly blends sweet and spicy flavors with the comforting crunch of a quesadilla, then you have to try the Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: A Sweet and Spicy Delight Recipe. This dish combines tender BBQ chicken coated in a delectable hot honey glaze, melted cheese, and sautéed veggies all enveloped in a golden, crispy tortilla. Each bite offers a harmonious punch of smoky, sweet, and fiery notes that will easily become a favorite for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. I’m excited to share this lively recipe that is not only quick to make but also endlessly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: A Sweet and Spicy Delight Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that bring this dish to life.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and ensures juicy, tender bites.
- Hot honey: A perfect balance of sweetness and heat that defines this recipe’s signature flavor.
- BBQ sauce: Opt for your favorite smoky variety to add depth and richness.
- Monterey Jack cheese: Melts smoothly and adds creamy texture; swap with cheddar or pepper jack for a bolder taste.
- Flour tortillas: Crispy when cooked, but corn tortillas work well for gluten-free options.
- Bell peppers: Add vibrant color and a subtle sweetness.
- Onions: Bring caramelized savoriness when sautéed.
- Corn (optional): For a subtle pop of sweetness and crunch.
- Jalapeños (optional): Amp the heat if you love extra spice.
- Olive oil: Ensures a nice sear and crispiness during cooking; butter is a flavorful alternative.
How to Make Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: A Sweet and Spicy Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken Mixture
Start by combining shredded chicken with hot honey and your favorite BBQ sauce in a bowl. Stir until every shred is perfectly coated, infusing that sweet and spicy punch into every bite. Feel free to tweak the amount of hot honey here depending on how fiery you want your quesadillas to be.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a splash of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook until they soften and begin to caramelize, releasing wonderful natural sweetness. This step is essential as it creates a tasty, tender veggie layer that contrasts beautifully with the chewy chicken and crisp tortilla.
Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas
Lay a tortilla flat and sprinkle half of it generously with Monterey Jack cheese. Layer on the BBQ chicken mixture and sautéed veggies before topping with a bit more cheese. Fold the tortilla over, sealing all those fantastic flavors inside.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden and Crispy
In the same skillet, add a little more oil or butter and set it over medium heat. Place the folded quesadilla in the pan and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until its exterior turns irresistibly crispy and golden. Gently press with a spatula to ensure even browning and melted cheese throughout.
Step 5: Repeat the Process
Continue filling and cooking the remaining tortillas with the rest of your ingredients, adding fresh oil as needed to keep that perfect golden crust forming.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once cooked, remove your Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas from the skillet and allow them to cool for a minute. Slice into wedges and serve with extra BBQ sauce and hot honey on the side for dipping to maximize the sweet and spicy delight.
How to Serve Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: A Sweet and Spicy Delight Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a few thin slices of green onions brighten up the quesadillas, adding a herby freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a scoop of guacamole can also offer a creamy coolness that pairs wonderfully with the heat.
Side Dishes
Complement your Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas with a crisp mixed green salad, zesty coleslaw, or simple tortilla chips and salsa for an easy, balanced meal that’s bursting with flavor and texture variations.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your quesadilla wedges stacked on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of assorted dipping sauces like chipotle mayo or extra hot honey for guests to customize their flavor experience. For a festive twist, add some pickled jalapeños or fresh lime wedges on the side to brighten every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled quesadillas in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They retain their flavors wonderfully and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual quesadilla wedges tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. This method preserves freshness and flavor for up to one month.
Reheating
To reheat, heat a skillet over medium heat, add a teaspoon of oil, and warm the quesadillas until crispy and heated through. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that delicious crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack melts beautifully, cheddar adds sharpness, and pepper jack can introduce extra spice—choose whichever you prefer for your ideal flavor and meltiness.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for black beans, grilled mushrooms, or seasoned tofu, and keep the BBQ sauce and hot honey for that signature sweet and spicy kick.
How spicy is the hot honey?
The heat level can vary depending on the brand or recipe of hot honey you use. You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or less hot honey to the chicken mixture based on your taste preference.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Prepare the filling and assemble the quesadillas a few hours before cooking, then cook them fresh right before serving to keep them crispy and warm.
What dip pairs best with Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?
Extra hot honey and smoky BBQ sauce are top contenders, but sour cream, guacamole, or even a fresh salsa verde will complement the flavors beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: A Sweet and Spicy Delight Recipe that feels both comforting and exciting at the same time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, these quesadillas deliver layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become your go-to for a fun and flavorful meal!
Print
Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: A Sweet and Spicy Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors wrapped in a crispy tortilla. Featuring shredded rotisserie chicken coated in hot honey and smoky BBQ sauce, complemented by sautéed bell peppers, onions, and melty Monterey Jack cheese, they offer a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, these quesadillas make an excellent appetizer or main dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Protein & Cheese
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or grilled/baked chicken breasts or shredded beef)
- 1 to 1½ cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (or cheddar cheese, or pepper jack for extra kick)
Sauces & Sweeteners
- ¼ cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade with honey and hot sauce, adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety, preferably smoky)
Vegetables
- 1 medium bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- ½ cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1–2 jalapeños, sliced (optional)
Others
- 4 large flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with hot honey and BBQ sauce. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated. Adjust the amount of hot honey to suit your desired level of spiciness.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Sauté the sliced bell peppers and onions until they become tender and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. If using, add corn and jalapeños during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Quesadilla: Lay a tortilla flat and sprinkle half of it with a layer of shredded cheese. Add a generous scoop of the BBQ chicken mixture on top of the cheese, then spoon on the sautéed vegetables. Top with more cheese before folding the tortilla over to form a half-moon shape.
- Cook the Quesadilla: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil or butter and heat over medium heat. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook until the bottom is golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Press down gently with a spatula for even browning and melting.
- Repeat and Finish: Continue assembling and cooking the remaining quesadillas, adding more oil as needed to prevent sticking. Once cooked, transfer each quesadilla to a cutting board.
- Serve: Allow the quesadillas to cool for a minute, then slice into wedges. Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce and hot honey on the side for dipping.
Notes
- You can customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of hot honey or adding more jalapeños.
- For a gluten-free meal, substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas.
- Use shredded beef instead of chicken for a different protein option.
- To make homemade hot honey, gently warm honey and mix in your preferred hot sauce to taste.
- Monterey Jack cheese melts well, but feel free to mix cheeses for different flavors.
- Leftover quesadillas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in a skillet for best texture.
