Save Bring the heat and the sweet to your dinner table with these Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas. This recipe combines tender, spice-rubbed chicken with a sticky-sweet glaze and a blend of melting cheeses, all tucked inside crispy tortillas. Whether you are hosting a casual get-together or looking for a fast weeknight meal, these quesadillas deliver a satisfying crunch and a complex flavor profile that hits every taste bud.
Save To balance the richness of the cheddar and Monterey Jack, we serve these quesadillas with a homemade jalapeño cream sauce. The cool sour cream and bright lime juice provide the perfect counterpoint to the spicy chicken, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, 0.33 cup honey, 2–3 tbsp hot sauce
- Jalapeño Cream Sauce: 1 cup sour cream, 1–2 fresh jalapeños (deseeded and finely chopped), 1 tsp lime juice, 0.5 tsp salt
- Quesadillas: 8 large flour tortillas, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 2 tbsp butter, optional fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Toss chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 8–10 minutes until golden. Whisk honey and hot sauce together, pour over chicken, and toss to coat.
- Prepare the Jalapeño Cream Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, chopped jalapeños, lime juice, and salt. Refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
- Assemble the Quesadillas
- On one half of a flour tortilla, sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack. Layer on the hot honey chicken, add a little more cheese, and fold the tortilla over.
- Cook the Quesadillas
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Grill each quesadilla for 2–3 minutes per side until the cheese is gooey and the exterior is golden brown.
- Serve
- Allow the quesadillas to rest for 1 minute, then slice into wedges and serve with the chilled jalapeño cream sauce and fresh cilantro.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best texture, let the quesadillas rest for at least one minute before cutting. This allows the melted cheese to set slightly so the filling doesn't slide out when sliced into wedges. Using a pizza cutter can also help achieve clean, sharp edges.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a boost of vegetables, try adding sautéed bell peppers or onions to the filling. If you are looking for a lighter alternative to the dipping sauce, Greek yogurt works excellently as a substitute for sour cream without sacrificing the tangy flavor.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these quesadillas on a large platter with extra lime wedges on the side. The fresh citrus juice squeezed over the top right before eating brightens the honey glaze and the creamy sauce perfectly.
Save These Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. With their crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful center, they offer a restaurant-quality experience right from your own kitchen.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
The chicken and jalapeño cream sauce can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before assembling. The cream sauce actually benefits from chilling as flavors meld together.
- → What type of hot sauce works best?
Crystal, Frank's RedHot, or Cholula all work beautifully. For more heat, try sriracha or a habanero-based sauce. The amount can be adjusted based on your spice preference—start with less and add more after tasting.
- → Can I use corn tortillas instead?
Corn tortillas can be used but may crack when folded. Warm them first to increase pliability, or use two tortillas per quesadilla instead of folding. Flour tortillas tend to hold up better with the generous cheese filling.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store assembled quesadillas in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness—microwaving will make them soggy. The jalapeño cream sauce keeps separately for about 5 days.
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly. Skip the initial cooking step and simply toss the cooked chicken in the hot honey sauce until heated through. This reduces total time to about 15 minutes.
- → What sides pair well with these quesadillas?
Simple sides like Mexican rice, black bean salad, or corn and avocado salsa complement the flavors beautifully. A light green salad with lime vinaigrette helps balance the richness. Pico de gallo or guacamole also make excellent additions.