Cheesy hot honey chicken quesadillas topped with melted cheese and drizzled with honey

Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas

Posted: Emily Wilk

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Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas are a delicious mashup of flavors that are perfect for any meal or snack. With layers of gooey cheese and a sweet-heat from the honey and hot sauce, you’ll find this recipe incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, these quesadillas promise to be a hit!

Ingredients List for Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

0.5 teaspoon pepper, to taste

0.33 cup honey

2-3 tablespoons hot sauce

1 cup sour cream

1-2 fresh jalapeños, deseeded and chopped

1 teaspoon lime juice

0.5 teaspoon salt, to taste

8 large flour tortillas

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

2 tablespoons butter, for grilling

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Time Breakdown

  • Preparation time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 20 minutes
  • Total time: 35 minutes

How To Make Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas Step-by-Step

Directions:

  1. Cooking the Chicken
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Preparing the Jalapeño Cream Sauce
  4. In a small bowl, combine sour cream, chopped jalapeños, lime juice, and salt. Mix until well combined and set aside.
  5. Assembling the Quesadillas
  6. Place a tortilla on a flat surface and sprinkle half with a mixture of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, followed by a portion of the cooked chicken. Drizzle hot honey over the chicken, then add more cheese on top before folding the tortilla over. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
  7. Cooking the Quesadillas
  8. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a little butter. Place the quesadilla in the skillet and cook on each side until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Repeat for all quesadillas.

Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas

Chef’s Notes & Pro Tips About Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas

  • Use fresh spices for a stronger flavor profile.
  • Let the cooked chicken cool slightly before assembling to keep the tortillas from getting soggy.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting the amount of hot sauce or jalapeños.
  • Ensure the skillet is not too hot to prevent burning the quesadillas before the cheese melts.
  • Serve the quesadillas immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Reasons Why You’ll Love Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas

  • Quick and simple recipe, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Delicious combination of sweet and spicy flavors.
  • Great for leftovers—easy to reheat in a pan or microwave.
  • Fun to customize with your favorite ingredients and sauces.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas

Serve your Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas with extra hot sauce, guacamole, salsa, or a fresh salad. Pair them with a cold beverage like lemonade or a light beer for an extra treat.

Tips For Success

  • Always use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
  • If you’re preparing for a crowd, keep quesadillas warm in an oven set to low.
  • Cut quesadillas into wedges for easy serving.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese based on your preference.

Flavor Variations

  • Add black beans or corn for added texture and nutrition.
  • Use different meats such as shredded beef or pork if you prefer.
  • Try adding diced pineapple for a sweet twist.
  • Swap out jalapeños for other peppers if you want different heat levels.

How To Storage Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas

  • Cool cooked quesadillas completely before storing.
  • Place quesadillas in an airtight container to prevent moisture.
  • Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in a skillet for a crispy texture or microwave for quick warmth.
  • If frozen, defrost in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs About Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas

  1. Can I use whole wheat tortillas instead?
  2. Yes, whole wheat tortillas work well and are a healthier option.
  3. How do I make these quesadillas vegetarian?
  4. Skip the chicken and substitute with grilled vegetables or beans for a hearty filling.
  5. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
  6. Absolutely, pre-cooked chicken will save time; just mix it with the spices before assembling.
  7. What can I serve as a side dish?
  8. A simple side salad or some tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole would be great.

Closing Notes

Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas are a delightful addition to your recipe collection. They combine cheesy goodness with a touch of sweetness and spiciness that everyone will enjoy. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can whip these up any time a craving strikes. So gather your ingredients and enjoy a tasty meal that is sure to become a family favorite!

Cheesy hot honey chicken quesadillas topped with melted cheese and drizzled with honey

Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas

ee8d2c4fa85a1f7e263a052ae6581b29e45d88341ce9275f54b8d86f6180e5af?s=30&d=mm&r=gEmily Wilk
A delicious mashup of flavors featuring gooey cheese and a sweet-heat combination from honey and hot sauce, perfect for any meal or snack.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course, Snack
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon pepper, to taste

For the Hot Honey Sauce

  • 0.33 cup honey
  • 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce

For the Jalapeño Cream Sauce

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1-2 pieces fresh jalapeños, deseeded and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt, to taste

For Assembling the Quesadillas

  • 8 large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter, for grilling
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cooking the Chicken

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat.

Preparing the Jalapeño Cream Sauce

  • In a small bowl, combine sour cream, chopped jalapeños, lime juice, and salt. Mix until well combined and set aside.

Assembling the Quesadillas

  • Place a tortilla on a flat surface and sprinkle half with a mixture of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, followed by a portion of the cooked chicken. Drizzle hot honey over the chicken, then add more cheese on top before folding the tortilla over. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Cooking the Quesadillas

  • Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a little butter. Place the quesadilla in the skillet and cook on each side until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side. Repeat for all quesadillas.

Notes

Use fresh spices for a stronger flavor profile. Let the cooked chicken cool slightly before assembling to keep the tortillas from getting soggy. Customize heat levels by adjusting the amount of hot sauce or jalapeños. Ensure the skillet is not too hot to prevent burning the quesadillas before the cheese melts. Serve the quesadillas immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 900mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10g
Keyword Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken, Chicken Recipes, Easy Dinner, quesadillas, Spicy Food
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