Save The first time I made hot honey BBQ chicken quesadillas was during a chaotic Tuesday when my fridge had random ingredients and zero inspiration. I drizzled honey over some leftover BBQ chicken and the smell that filled my kitchen was absolutely intoxicating. That accidental combination has become my go-to whenever I need something that feels special but comes together in minutes.
Last summer I made these for a group of friends who dropped by unexpectedly. They stood around my kitchen island, eating quesadilla wedges straight off the cutting board and asking for the recipe before they even finished chewing. Now whenever someone mentions coming over, they half jokingly ask if the hot honey quesadillas are on the menu.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here, or use leftover grilled chicken breast
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce: Choose a sauce you already love because it will define the overall flavor profile
- 2 tablespoons honey: The honey creates that perfect sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce: Adjust based on your heat tolerance and the spice level of your BBQ sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing the sweet and spicy elements
- 1 cup sliced red onions: These add a sweetness that complements the honey perfectly
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers: Any color works but red peppers add beautiful color and extra sweetness
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables until they are tender and lightly charred
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: This adds brightness and cuts through the rich cheese and sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor contrast to the sweet sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This provides the incredible melt factor that holds everything together
- 4 large flour tortillas: Burrito size works best for folding without tearing
Instructions
- Mix the sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, honey, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until every piece of chicken is evenly coated and set aside to let flavors meld.
- Sauté the vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced red onions and chopped bell peppers, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
- Assemble the quesadillas:
- Lay a tortilla flat and sprinkle half with cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Layer on the BBQ chicken mixture, sautéed vegetables, and fresh cilantro.
- fold and cook:
- Fold the tortilla over to create a half moon shape. Cook in a clean skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes per side until golden and crispy with melted cheese.
- Rest and serve:
- Let the quesadilla cool for 1 to 2 minutes before cutting into wedges. This prevents the cheese from immediately oozing out.
Save My daughter has started requesting these for her birthday dinner every year. Something about the combination of crispy tortilla, gooey cheese, and that sticky sweet sauce just hits different when you are celebrating.
Making It Your Own
Once you master the basic formula, endless variations become possible. I have added pickled jalapeños for extra tang, corn kernels for sweetness, and even black beans for added protein.
The Perfect Cheese Blend
The cheddar and mozzarella combination is not random. Cheddar brings the sharp flavor while mozzarella provides that incredible stretch factor. Sometimes I throw in a little pepper jack when I want extra kick.
Serving Suggestions That Elevate
While these quesadillas are delicious on their own, the right toppings take them to another level. A simple garnish can transform them from weeknight dinner to company worthy food.
- Fresh lime juice squeezed over the top cuts the richness beautifully
- Extra cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness
- A dollop of sour cream helps tame the heat for sensitive palates
Save These quesadillas have saved countless weeknights when motivation was low but hunger was high. Hope they become a staple in your kitchen too.
Cooking Guide
- → How spicy are these quesadillas?
The heat level is easily adjustable. Start with one teaspoon of hot sauce, then add more to taste. You can also choose a spicy BBQ sauce or mellow it with extra honey for less heat.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. A store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred the meat and toss it with the BBQ sauce mixture as directed.
- → What cheese works best?
The cheddar and mozzarella blend offers great flavor and melt. Monterey Jack or pepper jack are excellent alternatives for different flavor profiles.
- → Can I make these ahead?
Prepare the filling components in advance and store separately. Assembly and cooking should happen just before serving for the crispiest results.
- → How do I get extra crispy tortillas?
Use a well-heated skillet or griddle over medium heat. Don't overload the tortillas, and press gently with a spatula while cooking for even browning.
- → What toppings pair well?
Sour cream, guacamole, and fresh lime wedges are classic choices. Pico de gallo, sliced jalapeños, or extra drizzles of hot honey also work beautifully.