Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Crispy flour tortillas filled with smoky BBQ chicken, melty cheese, and a sticky hot honey finish. Ready in about 35 minutes and perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp hot honey or 2 tbsp honey + 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Quesadillas
- 6 large flour tortillas 8-inch
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion optional
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp butter or neutral oil, for frying
- Pickled jalapeños or sliced jalapeño, for serving (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
Optional
- Extra hot honey or hot sauce for drizzling
- Pico de gallo or coleslaw, for serving
Instructions
- Season chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium with a splash of oil and cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and let rest 5 minutes, then shred.
- Return shredded chicken to the skillet over low heat. Stir in BBQ sauce and hot honey and warm until glossy and combined. Adjust seasoning or heat to taste.
- Place a tortilla on a flat surface and sprinkle cheese over half. Add 1/3–1/2 cup saucy chicken, a few red onion slices, and cilantro. Top with a little more cheese and fold the tortilla over.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium and melt butter. Cook the folded quesadilla 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted. Let rest 1 minute, then slice into wedges.
- Serve hot with lime wedges, extra hot honey, and pickled jalapeños or a quick slaw on the side.
Notes
- Make hot honey by warming honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce until infused.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time — about 2 cups shredded works well.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness.
- To make vegetarian, swap chicken for pulled jackfruit or roasted cauliflower tossed in BBQ sauce.
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 32gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 9gSodium: 920mgSugar: 18g
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