There’s nothing quite like a cozy evening spent cooking in the kitchen, surrounded by the intoxicating aromas of a delicious meal. I remember the first time I made Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas for my friends during a small get-together. The night was filled with laughter, stories, and the crackling sound of frying tortillas. As the quesadillas sizzled in the skillet, a blend of BBQ sauce and sweet-hot honey filled the air, drawing everyone into the kitchen. I’ll never forget the smiles on their faces as they took that first bite, the melted cheese oozing out and mingling with the smoky chicken and a hint of sweetness. It was a moment of pure culinary joy—a memory I cherish to this day.
Now, it’s your turn to create this magical experience in your own home!
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 10 minutes
- Active Cooking: 15 minutes
- Total Duration: 25 minutes
- Portion Size: 4 quesadillas
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: 400
- Protein: 28 grams
- Carbs: 30 grams
- Fats: 20 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugars: 5 grams
- Sodium: 700 mg
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
These Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are the epitome of comfort food—crispy, cheesy, and with a delightful kick! The combination of sweet and spicy hot honey with tangy BBQ sauce brings your taste buds to life. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite veggies or even swap out the protein for something else. Best of all? They come together in just about 25 minutes, making them a perfect option for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun snack while watching the game.
The Complete Cooking Journey
Every step of this recipe is a delightful journey—from mixing the chicken with the sauce, to layering and frying, there’s a rhythm to the process that makes cooking feel almost meditative. As the quesadillas cook, the anticipation builds, and once you finally slice into one, the golden crust and bubbling cheese make it all worth it. You’ll find that these quesadillas aren’t just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavors and togetherness.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup hot honey
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (optional)
- Cooking oil for frying
Method:
Step 1: Mix the Chicken
In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and hot honey until well coated.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil.
Step 3: Layer the Quesadilla
Place one tortilla in the skillet and layer it with 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture, 1/2 cup of cheese, and any optional vegetables you desire.
Step 4: Toast One Side
Top with another tortilla and cook until golden brown on one side, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Flip and Cook
Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook until the other side is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Step 6: Repeat the Process
Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Cut the quesadilla into wedges and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve these quesadillas with a side of fresh guacamole, homemade pico de gallo, or a cooling sour cream dip. They also pair wonderfully with a crisp salad or some crunchy tortilla chips for an added texture.
Storage & Leftovers Guide
Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months. Just reheat in a skillet or toaster oven for the best crispy results.
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Make sure your cheese is well distributed for an even melt.
- Don’t overfill your quesadillas, as this can make flipping them a challenge.
- Experiment with different types of hot honey for varying levels of heat.
- If you have leftover BBQ chicken, this is a fantastic way to use it up.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Feel free to swap the chicken for shredded beef, pork, or even a plant-based protein. Add in some spices like cumin or smoked paprika for an extra kick. You can also try adding black beans or corn for a heartier quesadilla.
Reader Questions & Solutions
-
Q: Can I use store-bought shredded chicken?
A: Absolutely! It’s a great time-saver. -
Q: What if I don’t have hot honey?
A: You can mix regular honey with a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a similar effect. -
Q: How do I make them crispy without frying?
A: You can bake them in the oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. Use a little cooking spray on both sides for crispiness. -
Q: Can I use whole wheat tortillas?
A: Yes! Whole wheat tortillas are a nutritious option and will taste great with the filling. -
Q: Can I make these quesadillas in advance?
A: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Assemble and cook shorter before serving.
Wrapping Up
Cooking these Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas is not just about making a meal; it’s about creating joyful moments in the kitchen and delicious bites that bring everyone together. Embrace the simplicity of this recipe, let your creativity shine, and savor every mouthful. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just for yourself, these quesadillas are sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Now, get that skillet sizzling and enjoy every scrumptious bite!
Print
Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 quesadillas 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Crispy, cheesy quesadillas filled with smoked chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and sweet-hot honey.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup hot honey
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (optional)
- Cooking oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and hot honey until well coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet and layer it with 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture, 1/2 cup of cheese, and any optional vegetables you desire.
- Top with another tortilla and cook until golden brown on one side, about 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook until the other side is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Cut the quesadilla into wedges and serve hot.
Notes
Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
