Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

These hot honey BBQ chicken quesadillas deliver the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors. Juicy chicken seasoned and grilled on a griddle is tossed with tangy barbecue sauce and drizzled with hot honey for a fiery sweet kick. Layered inside soft yet sturdy flour tortillas with plenty of melty cheese and fresh cilantro, these quesadillas are grilled until crisp and golden. They make for an easy dinner or camping meal that everyone will love, especially when paired with toppings like sour cream or jalapeños.

I first tried hot honey at a family picnic and instantly loved how it enhanced BBQ chicken. Since then, quesadillas cooked right on the griddle have become a favorite tradition during summer when we gather outdoors.

Ingredients

• Cooking oil of choice: select oils with a high smoke point like avocado or canola to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: thighs are juicier but breasts work well for a leaner option always pick fresh chicken for the best flavor
• Kosher salt and pepper: essential to bring out the natural flavors flaky salt is great for even seasoning
• BBQ seasoning blend: adds smoky savory notes pick one with a hint of sweetness for balance
• BBQ sauce: provides tang and rich caramelization opt for a quality smoky sauce for depth
• Hot honey: delivers sweet heat choose a real honey base and adjust amount to your spice preference
• Large burrito size flour tortillas: sturdy enough to hold the filling without tearing fresher bakery tortillas produce better results
• Shredded cheese of choice: melts beautifully good options are Monterey Jack cheddar mozzarella or a blend for maximum gooeyness
• Chopped cilantro (optional): offers a fresh herbal contrast choose bright green leaves with no wilting
• Optional toppings like sour cream and jalapeños: add coolness or extra kick according to taste

Instructions

Preheat the Griddle:

Set your Blackstone griddle to medium heat and allow it to fully warm. This ensures even cooking of the chicken and crisping of the tortillas which is key for texture.

Season and Cook the Chicken:

Drizzle cooking oil evenly across the hot griddle. Add the chicken pieces then sprinkle kosher salt pepper and BBQ seasoning over them. Cook the chicken for about six minutes stirring occasionally with spatulas so each piece gets golden and well seasoned.

Sauce the Chicken:

Pour BBQ sauce and hot honey over the cooked chicken on the griddle. Mix everything well and continue cooking for two minutes to let the sauce thicken and coat the chicken. Remove the chicken and scrape the griddle clean to prevent burning. Reduce heat to medium low for the next steps.

Assemble the Quesadillas:

Lightly oil the griddle again and lay out the flour tortillas. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on one side of each tortilla. Add a generous amount of the sauced chicken over the cheese drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce and hot honey then sprinkle chopped cilantro if desired. Top with the remaining cheese to help the quesadilla stick together when cooked.

Fold and Grill:

Fold the empty side of the tortilla over the filling to create a half moon shape. Cook each quesadilla on the griddle for one to two minutes per side until the tortillas turn golden brown and crispy and the cheese inside has melted fully.

Serve and Top:

Remove the quesadillas from the griddle and slice into wedges. Serve immediately with optional toppings such as sour cream fresh jalapeño slices or additional hot honey for extra flavor.

Hot honey has become my secret weapon in grilling. The first time I used it at a family backyard cookout we drizzled it on everything. Now it is a must have whenever the griddle comes out and even my kids ask for extra on their quesadilla slices.

Storage Tips

Store leftover quesadilla wedges in an airtight container inside the fridge where they keep well for two days. Reheat on the griddle or in a skillet to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the tortillas soggy. For longer storage freeze cooled quesadillas in a zip lock bag for up to one month.

Ingredient Substitutions

Rotisserie chicken works well to save time on prep. Cheddar jack or mozzarella can substitute for your favorite shredded cheese blend. If hot honey is unavailable try regular honey mixed with a dash of hot sauce for a similar flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a fresh side salad or grilled corn for a full meal. They taste great dipped in ranch or extra BBQ sauce. For brunch top with a fried egg and sprinkle scallions on top.

These hot honey BBQ chicken quesadillas are quick to make and packed with layered sweet spicy and smoky flavors. Theyre perfect for weeknights backyard gatherings or camping trips when you want something satisfying with minimal cleanup.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What cheese works best for these quesadillas?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blends melt beautifully and complement the smokiness of BBQ chicken.

→ Can chicken breasts be used instead of thighs?

Yes, both boneless skinless chicken thighs and breasts suit this dish; thighs offer juiciness, breasts provide a leaner texture.

→ How do I achieve crispy tortillas on the griddle?

Preheat the griddle well and lightly oil it. Cook the folded quesadillas over medium to medium-low heat until golden and crisp.

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

Use a spoon or squeeze bottle to evenly drizzle before folding, adding extra after cooking for enhanced flavor.

→ Which toppings complement this dish?

Sour cream adds coolness, jalapeños bring heat, and fresh cilantro adds a herby freshness.

→ Can these be prepared ahead for camping?

Yes, grill the chicken beforehand and assemble quesadillas at the campsite, then crisp on the griddle for fresh, melty results.