These Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas combine tender chicken tossed in smoky barbecue sauce and sweet hot honey with melty cheese, all folded into golden, crispy tortillas. The balance of sweet heat and savory BBQ makes them irresistible as a quick dinner, snack, or game-day treat. Crispy edges, gooey cheese, and bold flavor come together in under 30 minutes for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Large skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Plate or cutting board for serving
Ingredients
- Cooked shredded chicken – 2 cups
- BBQ sauce – ½ cup
- Hot honey – 2–4 tablespoons (adjust to spice preference)
- Shredded cheese – 1 cup (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Large flour tortillas – 4
- Olive oil or cooking spray – 1–2 tablespoons
- Optional: diced red onion – ¼ cup
- Optional: chopped cilantro – 2 tablespoons
- Optional: sour cream or additional hot honey for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and hot honey until well coated.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly brush with oil or spray.
- Place one tortilla flat in the skillet.
- Sprinkle about ¼ cup of shredded cheese over half of the tortilla.
- Add a portion of the chicken mixture on top of the cheese.
- Sprinkle optional onion and cilantro if using, then add another layer of cheese.
- Fold the empty side of the tortilla over the filled side to create a half-moon.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden and crispy and the cheese begins to melt.
- Carefully flip and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes until the tortilla is crisp and the cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from heat and let rest 1 minute before cutting into wedges.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Serve warm with sour cream or extra hot honey if desired.
Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 quesadillas
- Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex
- Course: Main
How to Store
- Cool quesadillas completely before storing.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep the tortillas crispy.
- Quesadillas can also be frozen individually wrapped for up to 2 months; reheat directly from frozen.
What Not to Do
- Do not skip adding cheese first—it helps everything stick together.
- Do not flip too early; wait until the bottom is golden to prevent tearing.
- Do not overload the tortilla, or it will be hard to fold and cook evenly.
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken to save prep time.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and heat.
- Swap in pepper jack cheese for spicier melty goodness.
- Try whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas if preferred.
- Pair with guacamole or pico de gallo for fresh contrast.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Quesadilla)
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Protein: ~25 g
- Carbohydrates: ~35 g
- Fat: ~18 g
- Saturated Fat: ~8 g
- Sugar: ~10 g
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and hot honey until well coated.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly brush with oil or spray.
- Place one tortilla flat in the skillet.
- Sprinkle about ¼ cup of shredded cheese over half of the tortilla.
- Add a portion of the chicken mixture on top of the cheese.
- Sprinkle optional onion and cilantro if using, then add another layer of cheese.
- Fold the empty side of the tortilla over the filled side to create a half-moon.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden and crispy and the cheese begins to melt.
- Carefully flip and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes until the tortilla is crisp and the cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from heat and let rest 1 minute before cutting into wedges.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Serve warm with sour cream or extra hot honey if desired.
Notes
- Protein: ~25 g
- Carbohydrates: ~35 g
- Fat: ~18 g
- Saturated Fat: ~8 g
- Sugar: ~10 g
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes—leftover roasted or grilled chicken works perfectly when mixed with the sauces.
What makes it “hot honey”?
Hot honey is sweet honey infused with heat, either commercially prepared or made by adding hot sauce/chili flakes to honey.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes—substitute the chicken with spiced tofu or roasted vegetables.
How do I keep quesadillas crispy when reheating?
Reheat in a skillet or oven instead of the microwave to preserve crispiness.
What else can I serve with them?
Try ranch dressing, salsa, guacamole, or a fresh salad on the side.
