If you’re looking for a quick yet delicious meal that packs a flavor punch, look no further than Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas! This recipe brings together the sweet and spicy blend of hot honey with the smokiness of BBQ sauce, delivering a delightful combination that will leave your taste buds dancing. These quesadillas are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a fun appetizer for gatherings – anyone who tries them will be asking for the recipe! Plus, the best part is that they are super easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients, making them an ideal choice for busy nights.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a quesadilla that’s crispy on the outside, with gooey, melted cheese and flavorful chicken on the inside. Whether you’re enjoying these quesadillas for a casual dinner with family or serving them at a game day party, they are bound to be a hit. Thanks to their gluten-free option, this recipe is versatile enough to cater to different dietary preferences, ensuring everyone at your table can indulge in this flavorful feast.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadilla
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of hot honey and BBQ sauce creates a sweet-spicy flavor that enhances the juicy chicken, making every bite an experience.
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 25 minutes, these quesadillas are perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something delicious without a lot of fuss.
- Customizable: Feel free to add in your favorite veggies or spice levels, allowing everyone to enjoy a quesadilla just the way they like it.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make extra quesadillas for quick lunches throughout the week; they reheat perfectly in the microwave or oven.
- Fun to Eat: Crispy, cheesy, and perfectly portioned, these quesadillas are fun to chow down on, especially when served with your favorite dipping sauces!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into making your Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather all the necessary tools. Start by ensuring you have everything at hand: a griddle or flat-top grill, a spatula for flipping, and a sharp knife for slicing the quesadillas once they’re done. Also, have a cutting board ready to chop your cilantro, if you choose to include it. It’s advisable to have all your ingredients measured, and the chicken chopped into bite-sized pieces to streamline the cooking process.
Ingredients
- 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
- 4 large (30 cm) flour tortillas
- 340 grams shredded cheese of choice
- 15 grams fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Sour cream (optional, to serve)
- Pickled jalapeños (optional, to serve)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Cooking Surface
Start by preheating your griddle or flat-top grill to medium heat. This is crucial for achieving that perfect golden brown color and crisp texture. Once heated, add one tablespoon of cooking oil, making sure it’s evenly distributed to prevent sticking. This step is essential, especially when working with chicken, as it ensures that searing begins immediately for an even cook.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Next, lay the chicken in a single layer on the hot griddle. Season it generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and your BBQ seasoning blend for a deep flavor. After about six minutes, turn and mix the chicken using a spatula. This helps to create a golden crust on all sides while ensuring the chicken cooks thoroughly. You’ll notice the enticing aroma filling your kitchen – this is a sign you’re on the right track!
Step 3: Add Sauces
Once the chicken has developed a nice crust, pour in the BBQ sauce and hot honey. Stir well to coat each piece of chicken, allowing the flavors to meld together. Continue cooking for an additional two minutes, stirring occasionally. This step locks in that irresistible sweet and spicy flavor combination, making your chicken incredibly enjoyable. After cooking, remove the chicken from the griddle and set aside, scraping away any residue left on the surface before proceeding.
Step 4: Prepare Tortillas
Now it’s time to set up for assembling your quesadillas. Drizzle the remaining cooking oil onto the griddle to help toast the tortillas. Lay them flat and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over one side of each tortilla. This creamy blanket of cheese acts as a glue for the fillings, keeping everything intact and adding an extra layer of flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Cook
Top each tortilla with the cooked chicken, adding more BBQ sauce and hot honey to taste. If you’re including cilantro, sprinkle it over the chicken for a fresh touch. Follow that with the rest of the cheese, ensuring that every quesadilla is generously filled. Carefully fold each tortilla in half to encase the fillings, creating a satisfying pocket of deliciousness. Cook each quesadilla for about one to two minutes per side, or until the cheese is melty, and the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Once they’ve reached perfection, remove the quesadillas from the griddle. Allow them to rest for a moment before slicing them into manageable wedges. Serve them hot, accompanied by options like sour cream and pickled jalapeños for dipping.
Variations
- Protein: Substitute the chicken with cooked shrimp, beef, or even plant-based proteins for a vegetarian take.
- Vegetables: Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or corn for a colorful and nutritious addition.
- Spices: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the chicken while cooking.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your griddle is preheated properly for the best sear on the chicken.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese – cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack all work beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these quesadillas with a fresh guacamole for an extra flavorful experience.
- Serve with a refreshing side salad to balance out the richness of the cheese.
Tips
- Let your quesadillas cool slightly after cooking to make slicing easier and prevent filling spills.
- Consider making a double batch; they reheat well and are perfect for meal prep!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving
- Protein: 25 grams
- Sodium: 800 milligrams
FAQs
Can I add more vegetables to my quesadillas?
Absolutely! Sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even spinach make great additions for added nutrition and flavor.
What can I do with leftover quesadillas?
Leftover quesadillas can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave. They’re also delicious cold!
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack all work well for this recipe.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
You can add sliced jalapeños to the chicken, use spicy BBQ sauce, or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper to turn up the heat!
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavors that tantalize your taste buds. This recipe showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and fun to enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a gathering, these quesadillas promise a delicious experience that will leave everyone wanting more. Don’t forget to experiment with different fillings and serve them with your favorite sides. Share your experiences in the comments below and let us know how you made these quesadillas your own!
Print
Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
If you're looking for a quick yet delicious meal that packs a flavor punch, look no further than Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas!
Ingredients
- 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
- 4 large (30 cm) flour tortillas
- 340 grams shredded cheese of choice
- 15 grams fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Sour cream (optional, to serve)
- Pickled jalapeños (optional, to serve)
Instructions
- Start by preheating your griddle or flat-top grill to medium heat. This is crucial for achieving that perfect golden brown color and crisp texture. Once heated, add one tablespoon of cooking oil, making sure it’s evenly distributed to prevent sticking.
- Next, lay the chicken in a single layer on the hot griddle. Season it generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and your BBQ seasoning blend for a deep flavor. After about six minutes, turn and mix the chicken using a spatula.
- Once the chicken has developed a nice crust, pour in the BBQ sauce and hot honey. Stir well to coat each piece of chicken, allowing the flavors to meld together. Continue cooking for an additional two minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Now it’s time to set up for assembling your quesadillas. Drizzle the remaining cooking oil onto the griddle to help toast the tortillas. Lay them flat and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over one side of each tortilla.
- Top each tortilla with the cooked chicken, adding more BBQ sauce and hot honey to taste. If you’re including cilantro, sprinkle it over the chicken for a fresh touch. Follow that with the rest of the cheese.
- Once they’ve reached perfection, remove the quesadillas from the griddle. Allow them to rest for a moment before slicing them into manageable wedges. Serve them hot, accompanied by options like sour cream and pickled jalapeños for dipping.
Notes
Enjoy these quesadillas with your favorite sides! They are great for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 25 g