Hot Honey BBQ Quesadillas

These hot honey BBQ chicken quesadillas deliver a fantastic combination of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors that make for a satisfying meal any night of the week or during outdoor cooking adventures. Juicy, well-seasoned chicken is grilled and coated in tangy barbecue sauce with a drizzle of hot honey for that special kick. Layered with melty cheese and fresh cilantro inside large flour tortillas, then cooked on a griddle until golden and crispy, these quesadillas offer a perfect balance of textures and tastes in every bite.

I first discovered hot honey on grilled chicken at a summer picnic and became hooked on pairing it with BBQ. Making quesadillas on the flat top grill evolved into a must-have tradition for my family during outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients

• Cooking oil of choice: for griddle use high smoke point oils like avocado or canola to prevent sticking
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: chosen fresh for tender juicy meat
• Kosher salt and pepper: for essential seasoning use flaky salt for even flavor distribution
• BBQ seasoning blend: that adds smoky and savory notes with a touch of sweetness pick your favorite bottled or homemade mix
• BBQ sauce: for tang and caramelized flavor select a quality smoky variety
• Hot honey: to add a sweet and spicy element seek a pure honey base and adjust amount for heat preference
• Large burrito size flour tortillas: sturdy enough to hold the filling choose fresh bakery-style for best texture
• Shredded cheese of choice: like Monterey Jack cheddar or mozzarella melts smoothly for gooey results
• Chopped cilantro: optional fresh herbaceous brightness use bright green leaves without wilting
• Optional toppings: sour cream for coolness jalapenos for extra heat allow customization at the table

Instructions

Preheat the Griddle:

Set your Blackstone griddle to medium heat and allow it to come fully up to temperature. This ensures even cooking for the chicken and crispy tortillas later.

Season and Cook the Chicken:

Pour a drizzle of cooking oil on the griddle to prevent sticking. Place chicken pieces on the hot surface. Sprinkle kosher salt, pepper, and BBQ seasoning evenly over the chicken. Cook for about six minutes turning and stirring occasionally with spatulas to promote golden color and well-distributed flavor.

Sauce the Chicken:

Pour BBQ sauce and hot honey over the cooked chicken, mixing thoroughly. Continue cooking for an additional two minutes to thicken the sauce and fully coat the chicken. Remove chicken from the griddle, scrape it clean to avoid burning in following steps, and lower heat to medium low.

Assemble the Quesadillas:

Lightly oil the griddle again and lay out the flour tortillas. On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle half of the shredded cheese. Pile on the cooked chicken mixture. Drizzle a little more BBQ sauce and hot honey for an extra flavor punch. Add chopped cilantro if you like, then top with the remaining cheese covering the filling.

Fold and Grill:

Fold the empty half of each tortilla over the filling creating a half-moon shape. Place folded quesadillas on the griddle and cook one to two minutes per side until the exterior is golden brown and crisp while the cheese inside melts perfectly.

Serve and Top:

Remove quesadillas from the griddle, slice into wedges, and serve immediately with optional toppings such as sour cream or fresh jalapeno slices.

Hot honey is my secret weapon for this recipe. The first time I used it was at a backyard cookout with my brother where we drizzled it on nearly everything. Now it is a staple when the grill comes out and my kids even ask for extra drizzle on their slices.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover quesadilla wedges in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat them on the griddle or in a skillet to bring back crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the tortillas soggy. For longer storage, freeze cooled quesadillas in a sealed zip bag for up to one month.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and seasoning the meat. Swap out shredded cheese for cheddar jack or mozzarella or your favorite melting cheese blend. Hot honey can be substituted by mixing regular honey with a dash of hot sauce if you cannot find a ready-made version.

Serving Suggestions

Serve quesadillas alongside a simple green salad or grilled corn on the cob for a full meal experience. They are fantastic dipped in ranch dressing or extra BBQ sauce for added flavor and make a perfect brunch addition topped with a fried egg and sprinkle of scallions for a savory twist.

These hot honey BBQ chicken quesadillas are an easy crowd-pleaser whether you cook them at home or outdoors. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy the sweet and smoky contrast.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What cheese works best for these quesadillas?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican cheese blends melt smoothly and complement the BBQ chicken flavors perfectly.

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, both boneless skinless thighs and breasts work well; thighs offer juiciness while breasts provide a leaner texture.

→ How do I get crispy tortillas on the griddle?

Preheat the griddle and lightly oil it. Cook folded quesadillas on medium to medium-low heat until golden and crisp on both sides.

→ What’s the best way to apply BBQ sauce and hot honey?

Use a spoon or squeeze bottle for even drizzling over the cooked chicken, both before and after assembling.

→ What toppings pair well with these quesadillas?

Sour cream adds coolness; jalapeño slices bring heat. Fresh cilantro and extra hot honey also enhance the flavors.

→ Can these be prepared ahead for camping?

Yes, grill and season the chicken at home. Assemble and crisp quesadillas fresh on-site for melty, hot bites.