Spicy Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: Crispy & Flavorful (Print Version)

Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas bring a sweet and spicy kick to your weeknights. Crispy tortillas, tender chicken, and gooey cheese make a comforting meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Fusion
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Gluten

# Ingredients:

→ Main Fillings

01 - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
02 - 8 large flour tortillas
03 - 2 cups shredded cheese blend (Monterey Jack & cheddar)

→ Flavor Powerhouses

04 - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, your favorite
05 - 2-3 tablespoons hot honey (more or less to taste)
06 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Garnish & Toppings

08 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
09 - Sour cream or extra BBQ sauce for serving (optional)

→ For the Pan

10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for cooking)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that chicken ready. If you're using leftover cooked chicken, shred it or dice it into small, bite-sized pieces. I usually just pull it apart with two forks; it’s messy but satisfying. In a medium bowl, combine your shredded chicken with a generous amount of your favorite BBQ sauce, a good drizzle of hot honey (start with a little, you can always add more!), the finely diced red onion, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Mix it all up until the chicken is completely coated and smells amazing. This is where the magic begins for our Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas!
02 - Grab a large non-stick skillet or a griddle and heat it over medium-low heat. You don't want it screaming hot, or your tortillas will burn before the cheese melts. I've made that mistake more times than I care to admit! Place one flour tortilla in the warm pan. Let it hang out for about 30 seconds to a minute, just until it starts to soften a bit. This makes it easier to fold and prevents cracking later. It’s a small step, but it makes a huge difference, trust me.
03 - Now for the fun part: assembly! On one half of the warmed tortilla, sprinkle a thin layer of your shredded cheese blend. This acts as a delicious barrier and helps everything stick. Spoon a good amount of your hot honey BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese. Don't overfill, or it'll be a chaotic mess when you try to fold it – been there! Top the chicken with another sprinkle of cheese. I always add a bit more cheese than I think I need; it’s never a bad idea, honestly.
04 - Carefully fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filled half, creating a crescent shape. Gently press down with a spatula. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is starting to get melty and gooey. Keep an eye on it; every stove is different. I love watching the cheese bubble up, it means deliciousness is on the way!
05 - With a confident flick of the wrist (or a careful spatula maneuver, no judgment!), flip the quesadilla to the other side. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until that side is also golden brown and crispy, and all the cheese is completely melted. You want that perfect balance of crispy exterior and warm, luscious filling. Sometimes I press down lightly with the spatula to ensure even contact with the pan and maximum crispiness.
06 - Once your Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is perfectly golden and gooey, carefully transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for a minute – this helps the cheese set a little and prevents a lava-like explosion when you cut it. Slice it into wedges, usually 2 or 3 per quesadilla, and garnish with fresh cilantro, if you like. Serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream or extra BBQ sauce. The smell alone will make your mouth water!

# Notes:

01 - Always use a medium-low heat for the pan; it prevents burning and ensures the cheese melts.
02 - Leftovers are best reheated in a skillet or toaster oven to bring back the crispiness.
03 - Try adding a spoonful of corn or black beans to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
04 - A squeeze of lime juice over the top before serving adds a lovely bright finish.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large non-stick skillet or griddle
02 - mixing bowl
03 - spatula
04 - cutting board

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 550-650
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 50-60g
Protein: 30-40g

Back