Introduction to Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Welcome to the world of flavors where busy days meet delicious meals! If you’re anything like me, juggling a thousand tasks while trying to unleash your inner chef, then these Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are just the ticket. They’re not only quick to whip up but are also a surefire way to wow your family or guests. Imagine biting into a warm, cheesy quesadilla that has just the right kick. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, they’re truly the comfort food we all crave!
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
These Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a lifesaver for busy nights when you want something flavorful yet effortless. They come together in about 25 minutes, making them ideal for hectic schedules. The perfect blend of sweet and spicy creates unforgettable taste with every bite. Plus, they’re customizable, so you can satisfy even the pickiest eaters in your household. Who can resist cheesy goodness?
Ingredients for Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Get ready to gather some tasty ingredients for these Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cooking oil: This is essential for cooking the chicken and making sure everything doesn’t stick. Use your favorite, whether it’s olive, canola, or vegetable oil.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: The star of the show! Thighs tend to be more tender and juicy, while breasts are leaner. Choose what your family prefers.
- Kosher salt: This enhances flavor and brings out the chicken’s natural juiciness. Adjust according to your taste.
- Black pepper: A simple seasoning that adds a hint of zing to your chicken. Freshly ground is always best!
- BBQ seasoning blend: This gives your chicken that smoky, BBQ flavor we love. You can use a store-bought blend or mix your own spices.
- BBQ sauce: Adds moisture and a sweet tang. You can stick with your favorite brand or try homemade for a personal touch.
- Hot honey: The magic ingredient! It adds a sweet heat that elevates your quesadillas to something special. Want to control the spice? Adjust the amount as you like.
- Flour tortillas: Choose large tortillas to hold all your delicious fillings. Whole wheat or gluten-free options work just as well!
- Shredded cheese: Cheese is crucial! Opt for your preferred kind—cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack—for that melty deliciousness.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): A touch of color and fresh flavor! If you’re not a fan, feel free to skip it.
- Sour cream (optional): Cool and creamy, it pairs perfectly with the heat. A dollop can make all the difference!
- Pickled jalapeños (optional): For those who like an extra kick, these tangy slices will take your quesadillas up a notch.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where everything is available for printing!
How to Make Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Ready to dive into the kitchen? Let’s bring those Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas to life! Follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll be savoring every delicious bite.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First things first—let’s get that chicken ready!
Preheat your griddle or flat top grill to medium heat. Once it’s hot, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. What I love about this method is how evenly the chicken cooks!
Place your boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts in a single layer. Sprinkle kosher salt, black pepper, and BBQ seasoning blend over the top. It’s crucial to season generously here. After about six minutes of cooking, make sure to turn and mix the chicken with spatulas. This will help achieve beautiful browning on all sides!
Step 2: Add the Sauces
Next up, let’s amp up the flavor!
Pour in your BBQ sauce and hot honey over the chicken. The combination produces a sweet and spicy sensation that’s hard to resist. Stir everything well to coat the chicken thoroughly, cooking for an additional two minutes. Trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Once done, remove the chicken from heat, scraping the griddle clean. We want a nice surface for the tortillas.
Step 3: Assemble the Quesadillas
Now comes the fun part—assembling our quesadillas!
Drizzle a bit of the remaining cooking oil on the griddle and lay out your flour tortillas flat. This is where the magic happens!
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on one side of each tortilla, then layer on your cooked chicken. Don’t be shy with the BBQ sauce and hot honey; you can drizzle more for that extra zing! If you like, add some chopped cilantro for brightness.
Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top before folding each tortilla in half, covering the delicious filling completely.
Step 4: Cook Them to Perfection
The last step is crucial for achieving that delightful crunch!
Carefully place each quesadilla on the griddle and cook for 1–2 minutes on each side. You want them to turn golden brown and crispy while the cheese melts beautifully!
Once cooked, remove the quesadillas from the griddle, slice them into triangles, and serve hot. Don’t forget to add a dollop of sour cream and some pickled jalapeños on the side for those wanting a little more heat!
Tips for Success
- Prep your ingredients ahead of time for a smooth cooking experience.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill; cook in batches if necessary.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors and melt quality.
- Adjust the hot honey based on your desired spice level; it’s all about personal taste!
- Keep the cooked quesadillas warm in a low oven while you finish the rest.
Equipment Needed
- Griddle or Flat Top Grill: A must-have for even cooking. Alternatively, use a skillet.
- Spatulas: Essential for flipping and mixing the chicken. A sturdy one works wonders!
- Sharp Knife: For slicing those delicious quesadillas. A serrated knife is a great option.
- Cutting Board: For easy assembly and slicing.
Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add chopped fresh jalapeños to the chicken mixture for an extra kick!
- Veggie Delight: Swap out chicken for grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Creamy Avocado: Top your quesadillas with sliced avocado or guacamole for a creamy finish.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist, or use a Mexican cheese blend for authenticity.
- Low-Carb Option: Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a lighter, low-carb version of these quesadillas.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas with a fresh green salad for a light meal.
- Serve with a side of crispy tortilla chips and salsa for extra crunch.
- A cold glass of sweet iced tea complements the spicy flavors beautifully.
- For a festive touch, plate the quesadillas with some cilantro sprigs.
FAQs about Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Got questions? No problem! Here are some common queries about Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas that I hope will help you create the best dish possible!
Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken and assemble the quesadillas ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and cook them right before you’re ready to serve for a quick meal any night of the week.
What can I substitute for hot honey?
If you can’t find hot honey, you can mix regular honey with a few dashes of hot sauce. It’ll give you a similar sweet and spicy kick!
Are these quesadillas suitable for kids?
Yes! You can adjust the amount of hot honey used to make them milder. They’re cheesy and delicious, which appeals to kids and adults alike!
How can I store leftovers?
Leftover quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or a skillet for the best texture.
Can I freeze Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?
Yep! Freeze them after they are cooked. Make sure they cool completely before wrapping them tightly in foil. They’ll be ready for a quick meal on busy days!
Final Thoughts
Making Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas is more than just cooking; it’s about creating joyful moments in the kitchen and at the dinner table. The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and cheesy flavors has a way of bringing everyone together, sparking laughter and conversation. I love how these quesadillas can easily become a weeknight staple or a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. Plus, they remind me that even those busiest days can end on a delicious note. Try them out, and I promise you’ll find yourself returning to this delightful recipe again and again!
Description
Delicious and spicy Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas that are sure to impress your taste buds!
- Preheat griddle or flat top grill to medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon cooking oil, then place chicken in a single layer. Season evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, and BBQ seasoning. Cook for 6 minutes, turning and mixing using spatulas to ensure even browning.
- Pour in BBQ sauce and hot honey. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, stirring to coat the chicken thoroughly. Remove chicken from the griddle, scraping the surface clean. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Drizzle remaining cooking oil onto the griddle. Lay tortillas flat and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on one side of each tortilla. Top with cooked chicken, additional BBQ sauce and hot honey as desired, and cilantro if using. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Fold each tortilla over to cover the filling. Cook quesadillas for 1–2 minutes per side until cheese is melted and tortillas turn golden and crisp.
- Remove quesadillas from the griddle, slice, and serve hot with optional sour cream and pickled jalapeños.
Notes
- Feel free to mix and match cheeses for different flavors.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey to taste for desired spiciness.
- These quesadillas can be easily customized with additional toppings like avocado or tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 100mg