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- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand) - 1/4 cup hot honey (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) - 8 flour tortillas (medium size) These main ingredients create the heart of your quesadillas. The cooked chicken adds protein, while the barbecue sauce and hot honey give it a sweet and spicy kick. The cheese melts beautifully, tying all the flavors together. Finally, the tortillas wrap everything up perfectly. - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color for a vibrant dish) - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Sour cream (for serving) You can personalize your quesadillas with fresh vegetables. Red onion and bell peppers add crunch and color. Chopped cilantro brightens the dish and gives it an extra layer of flavor. Sour cream serves as a cool dip that balances the heat. These optional ingredients can take your quesadillas from good to amazing! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by shredding your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce and hot honey. Make sure every piece of chicken gets a nice coating. This step is key for bringing out the flavors. You want the chicken to be rich and sweet with a hint of heat. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. Let it warm up until it shimmers. Lay one tortilla flat in the skillet. Spoon about half a cup of the chicken mixture evenly across the tortilla. Next, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top. Then, add sliced red onion and diced bell peppers. This adds crunch and color. Place a second tortilla on top and gently press down. Cook until the bottom tortilla turns golden and crispy, about three to four minutes. Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula. If needed, drizzle the remaining olive oil around the edge. This helps crisp the other side. Cook for another three to four minutes until it is golden and the cheese is fully melted. Once the quesadilla is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for a minute. This makes it easier to slice. Cut the quesadilla into wedges. Repeat the cooking process with the rest of the tortillas and filling. To make the dish pop, garnish each quesadilla with chopped cilantro. Serve with a small bowl of cool sour cream for dipping. This adds a nice touch and balance to the heat. Enjoy your flavorful twist on a classic dish! To make your quesadillas crispy, follow these tips: - Cooking Times: Cook each quesadilla for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Watch for a golden color. - Oil Usage: Use 1 tablespoon of olive oil for each quesadilla. Coat your skillet well to help with crispiness. A hot skillet helps achieve that perfect crunch. If the oil smokes, turn the heat down. Want to add more flavor? Here are some ideas: - Spices and Seasonings: Try adding garlic powder or smoked paprika to the chicken mix. This adds depth to the flavor. - Sauce Pairings: Serve your quesadillas with ranch or a zesty salsa. These add coolness and a nice kick. You can also try adding fresh lime juice over the quesadillas before serving. It brightens up the dish. Explore different combinations to find your favorite! Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the amount of hot honey based on your spice preference, or use regular honey for a milder flavor. Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist on flavor and texture. Serve with Sides: Pair these quesadillas with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. {{image_4}} For a tasty twist, you can swap out chicken. Try shredded pork or beef. These meats soak up flavors well and add depth to your quesadillas. If you're in the mood for a meatless meal, use black beans or lentils. Both options provide protein and pair nicely with the sauce. Barbecue sauce comes in many styles. You can use a sweet, tangy sauce or a smoky one. Each brings a unique taste to the quesadillas. For cheese, consider trying pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a mild flavor. Mixing cheeses can also help create a rich, gooey texture that melts beautifully. To keep your quesadillas fresh, cool them down quickly. Let them sit at room temperature for no more than two hours. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them from drying out. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. When it’s time to reheat, use a skillet for the best results. Heat the skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Place the quesadilla in the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This method keeps them crispy and tasty. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. Be aware that this may make them a bit soggy. You can freeze both uncooked and cooked quesadillas. For uncooked quesadillas, assemble them as usual but do not cook. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to cook them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Cook them in a skillet as mentioned above. For cooked quesadillas, let them cool completely before freezing. Wrap them well and store them in a freezer bag. To reheat, you can thaw them in the fridge or microwave. Then, heat them in a skillet for a few minutes on each side until warm. This keeps them nice and crispy while ensuring the cheese melts perfectly. You can enjoy these quesadillas with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Corn on the cob: Sweet and crunchy, it pairs well. - Guacamole: Creamy and fresh, it adds a nice touch. - Pico de gallo: This salsa brings a burst of flavor. - Mixed green salad: Light and refreshing, it balances the meal. - Chips and salsa: Crunchy chips and zesty salsa make a fun snack. These sides enhance the flavors and make the meal more exciting. Yes, you can prepare some parts of this recipe in advance. Here’s how: - Cook and shred the chicken: Do this a day before. Store it in the fridge. - Mix the chicken, barbecue sauce, and hot honey: Combine these in advance for quick assembly. - Chop the vegetables: Slice the red onion and bell peppers a few hours ahead. By preparing ahead, you can whip up your quesadillas in no time. If you don’t have hot honey, here are some easy swaps: - Regular honey with cayenne pepper: Mix a bit of cayenne into honey for heat. - Maple syrup with chili flakes: This gives a sweet and spicy kick. - Agave nectar with hot sauce: Combine these for a unique flavor. These substitutes keep the sweet heat that makes the quesadillas special. Creating Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas is simple and fun. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and how to customize your dish. Remember, using the right oil makes a crisp quesadilla. You can even swap ingredients for a unique flavor. Storing leftovers properly keeps your meal fresh for next time. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and creating this tasty dish. Each bite offers a burst of flavor you will love!

Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Delicious quesadillas filled with spicy honey BBQ chicken, cheese, and colorful vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 4 cup hot honey
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 2 cup diced bell peppers
  • 8 pieces flour tortillas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 serving sour cream

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, and hot honey.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Lay one tortilla flat in the heated skillet. Spoon approximately 1/2 cup of the chicken mixture evenly across the tortilla.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken, and distribute sliced red onion and diced bell peppers evenly on top.
  • Place a second tortilla on top of the filled one, pressing down gently. Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil around the edge if needed. Cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes or until golden and the cheese has melted.
  • Once cooked, transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board and let it rest for a minute before slicing into wedges.
  • Repeat the cooking process with the remaining tortillas and filling mixture until all quesadillas are prepared.
  • Garnish each quesadilla with chopped cilantro just before serving and accompany with a side of sour cream.

Notes

For a burst of color and freshness, garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream.
Keyword BBQ, chicken, honey, quesadillas, spicy