If you love bold flavors with a perfect balance of sweet heat and smoky goodness in a crispy, melty package, then this Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. With tender chicken coated in a spicy-sweet hot honey and BBQ glaze wrapped inside crunchy tortillas loaded with gooey cheese, every bite is pure joy. It’s comfort food elevated with a little kick, easy enough to whip up on a weeknight yet impressive enough to serve guests. If quesadillas are your thing, this Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe is everything you never knew you needed!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential for building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish sing. Each component plays its part— from juicy chicken to melty cheese, spicy-sweet sauces, and fresh cilantro for brightness.
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil, divided: Helps achieve a golden crust and ensures nothing sticks while cooking.
- 450 grams boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: The hearty protein that soaks up the BBQ and hot honey flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Perfect seasoning booster to enhance all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle peppery warmth against the sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons BBQ seasoning blend: This brings smoky, savory undertones for that classic BBQ taste.
- 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzling: The sticky, tangy base for the chicken glaze and quesadilla drizzle.
- 2 tablespoons hot honey, plus extra for drizzling: Sweetness with a spicy snap that elevates the whole dish.
- 4 large (30 cm) flour tortillas: The crisp and chewy shell that holds everything together.
- 340 grams shredded cheese of choice: Melty, stretchy goodness inside every bite—cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend works perfectly.
- 15 grams fresh cilantro, chopped (optional): Adds a burst of fresh, herbal brightness.
- Sour cream (optional, to serve): A cooling sidekick to balance the heat.
- Pickled jalapeños (optional, to serve): Extra tangy spice for those who love a kick.
How to Make Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
First, heat your griddle or flat top grill to medium and add a tablespoon of cooking oil. Arrange the chicken thighs or breasts in one single layer and season evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, and your BBQ seasoning blend. This step sets the foundation by locking in savory, smoky flavors. Cook for about 6 minutes while turning and tossing with spatulas to ensure even browning—this caramelization is key for that irresistible depth of flavor.
Step 2: Glaze the Chicken
Now pour in the BBQ sauce and hot honey to the sizzling chicken. This is where the magic happens; the sticky, sweet-spicy glaze coats every morsel. Stir frequently and keep cooking for another 2 minutes so all the flavors meld perfectly. Then remove the chicken from the griddle and scrape the cooking surface clean. Lower the heat to medium-low so your tortillas won’t burn while assembling.
Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas
Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of oil onto the griddle, then lay your flour tortillas flat. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly on one half of each tortilla. Next, spread the hot honey BBQ chicken over the cheese, followed by a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce and hot honey if you want an added punch. If you like freshness, scatter the chopped cilantro over the chicken. Finish with the remaining cheese on top before folding the tortillas over like a half-moon.
Step 4: Cook the Quesadillas
Cook the folded quesadillas for 1 to 2 minutes per side, pressing gently and flipping carefully. The goal here is to melt the cheese completely, get a crispy golden-brown exterior, and allow the flavors inside to marry. The sizzling sound and golden color are signs that they are perfectly cooked.
Step 5: Serve!
Once they’re beautifully crisp and melty, remove the quesadillas from the griddle and slice them into wedges. Serve immediately while hot, with optional sour cream and pickled jalapeños to round out the flavor spectrum.
How to Serve Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up each quesadilla plate with a dollop of sour cream, which cuts through the richness with a cool tang. Pickled jalapeños add an additional layer of spicy tanginess that complements the hot honey’s sweet heat perfectly. For a fresh finish, sprinkle extra chopped cilantro directly on top before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your quesadillas with crunchy coleslaw for crisp texture contrast or a simple green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted corn or black bean salad works wonderfully too, bringing more depth and a nod to that classic BBQ meal vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family gatherings, serve these Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe wedges on a large wooden board lined with parchment paper. Offer small bowls of extra hot honey and BBQ sauce for dipping, along with toppings stations featuring sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce for a fun build-your-own experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they have cooled completely before storing to prevent sogginess. They make excellent next-day lunches or snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked quesadillas in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe is in a skillet on medium-low heat until the outside is crisp again and the cheese is melted. Avoid microwaves if you want to keep that delightful crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well too. Just be careful not to overcook them so they remain juicy and tender. The BBQ and hot honey flavors will still shine through beautifully.
How spicy is the hot honey in this dish?
The heat level of hot honey varies by brand but generally provides a mild to moderate warmth balanced by sweetness. If you prefer more heat, you can drizzle extra hot honey or add pickled jalapeños when serving.
What type of cheese is best for these quesadillas?
A good melting cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend works perfectly. You want something stretchy and creamy that complements the smoky chicken and tangy BBQ flavors.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms, seasoned jackfruit, or a plant-based chicken alternative. The BBQ sauce and hot honey will still give you plenty of smoky-sweet flavor.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
It can be, especially if you tone down the hot honey or leave out the pickled jalapeños. The sweet and cheesy quesadilla flavor tends to be a big hit with kids!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly satisfying about the combination of sweet, spicy, smoky, and melty textures in this Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try next time you want a fun, easy meal that’s packed with bold flavor. I promise it won’t disappoint!
Print
Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the perfect blend of spicy and sweet with these Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas. Tender, seasoned chicken thighs are coated in a flavorful BBQ and hot honey sauce, then layered with melted cheese inside warm, crispy tortillas. This quick and easy griddled meal is ideal for lunch or dinner, served with optional sour cream and pickled jalapeños for a delightful kick.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil, divided
- 450 grams boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons BBQ seasoning blend
- 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons hot honey, plus extra for drizzling
Quesadillas
- 4 large (30 cm) flour tortillas
- 340 grams shredded cheese of choice
- 15 grams fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
To Serve (Optional)
- Sour cream
- Pickled jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Chicken: Preheat a griddle or flat top grill to medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, then place the chicken in a single layer. Season evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, and the BBQ seasoning blend. Cook for 6 minutes, turning and mixing with spatulas to ensure even browning and thorough cooking.
- Add Sauce and Finish Cooking: Pour in the BBQ sauce and hot honey. Continue cooking the chicken for an additional 2 minutes, stirring to coat the pieces thoroughly with the sauce. Remove the chicken from the griddle and scrape the surface clean. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Prepare Quesadillas: Drizzle the remaining cooking oil onto the griddle. Lay the flour tortillas flat and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on one side of each tortilla. Top with the cooked chicken, additional BBQ sauce and hot honey as desired, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro if using. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the chicken.
- Cook Quesadillas: Fold each tortilla over to cover the filling. Cook the quesadillas for 1 to 2 minutes per side on the griddle, until the cheese melts and the tortillas turn golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Remove the quesadillas from the griddle, slice into wedges, and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with sour cream and pickled jalapeños for added flavor and heat.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier quesadillas or breasts for a leaner option.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey based on your preferred spice level.
- Feel free to use your favorite shredded cheese such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tortillas.
- Leftover quesadillas can be refrigerated and reheated on a griddle or in an oven for best texture.
