Grabbing a bite of something delicious can easily transform a mundane evening into a joyful culinary experience. Imagine the mouthwatering scent of seasoned chicken sizzling on a griddle, combined with an irresistible sweet and spicy barbecue glaze. It’s the kind of dish that promises to make any gathering feel special while still being in your comfort zone.
Crafting Blackstone Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas is not only about indulging in delightful flavors but also about simplicity and versatility in the kitchen. You’ll find that this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to whip up something quick yet satisfying, or when you’re entertaining a crowd and need something everyone will rave about. Get ready to savor the ultimate quesadilla experience that brings sweet heat and cheesy goodness right to your plate!
Why Make This Recipe
One of the best parts of these quesadillas is their incredible flavor profile. The combination of tender chicken marinated in BBQ seasoning and drizzled with hot honey creates a taste experience that dances on your palate, satisfying both savory and sweet cravings.
Additionally, they are effortlessly easy to prepare. You only need one griddle and around 20 minutes to go from raw ingredients to a delicious meal, making this an ideal option for a quick dinner or a fun snack.
These quesadillas are also incredibly versatile. You can tailor the flavors to suit your preferences, whether you decide to amp up the spice, add different cheeses, or even sneak in some veggies. With these Blackstone Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, you are just a few simple steps away from a satisfying dish everyone will love.
How to Make Blackstone Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Ingredients
- Cooking oil of choice
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- Kosher salt
- Pepper
- BBQ seasoning blend
- 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce (plus more to drizzle in quesadillas)
- 2 tablespoons hot honey (plus more to drizzle in quesadillas)
- 4 large burrito-size flour tortillas
- 3 cups shredded cheese of choice
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- Optional toppings: sour cream, jalapeños
Helpful Notes:
- You can find hot honey at specialty food stores or online. Alternatively, you can make your own by mixing honey with a dash of hot sauce.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute regular cheese with a plant-based alternative.
- It’s best to use room temperature chicken for quicker and more even cooking.
Directions
- Preheat your griddle to medium heat (approximately 375°F). Add a drizzle of cooking oil to coat the surface.
- Introduce the chicken thighs to the griddle, seasoning generously with kosher salt, pepper, and your chosen BBQ seasoning blend. Cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally with spatulas until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add 3 tablespoons of BBQ sauce and 2 tablespoons of hot honey to the chicken, mixing well to combine. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes until everything is well coated and bubbling at the edges. Remove from the griddle and scrape the surface clean before lowering the heat to medium-low.
- Add another drizzle of cooking oil and lay the flour tortillas flat on the griddle. Sprinkle half of the cheese on one side of each tortilla.
- Evenly distribute the cooked chicken over the cheese on each tortilla. Drizzle with a little extra BBQ sauce and hot honey, then add cilantro if desired, followed by the remaining cheese.
- Fold the empty side of each tortilla over the filled side. Cook the quesadillas for 1-2 minutes per side or until the tortillas are crisped to your liking and the cheese has melted beautifully.
- Carefully remove the quesadillas from the griddle and serve immediately with optional toppings like sour cream and jalapeños if desired.
How to Serve Blackstone Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Serve these quesadillas hot off the griddle for the best experience. For a lovely presentation, cut each quesadilla into wedges and arrange them on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Pair with refreshing drinks like iced tea or a light beer to balance the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the hot honey. Add a side of salsa or guacamole for a complete meal that has all bases covered.
How to Store Blackstone Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
To store leftovers, place the quesadillas in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to save them for longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each quesadilla individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best method to reheat is in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until they’re heated through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but the texture may not be as satisfying. Always check for freshness before consuming leftovers and discard anything that doesn’t smell or look right.
Tips to Make Blackstone Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- Prep Ahead: Pre-cook your chicken and store it in the fridge to save time when making these quesadillas.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with using a blend of cheeses for more depth in flavor; consider adding pepper jack for extra heat.
- Watch the Heat: Monitor the griddle carefully to avoid burning. Adjust the heat as needed during cooking.
- Equipment Tip: If you don’t have a griddle, a large skillet works just as well.
- Batch Cooking: Make a larger batch and freeze some for a quick meal option on busy nights.
- Texture Control: If you like a gooey center, reduce the cheese a touch for a more balanced bite.
- Flavor Upgrade: Add minced garlic or diced onions to the chicken for an aromatic boost.
- Dietary Adaptation: Use gluten-free tortillas if necessary to make this recipe suitable for gluten intolerance.
- Leftover Magic: Transform leftover quesadilla filling into a wrap or salad topping for a new meal.
- Cook Evenly: Make sure not to overcrowd your griddle when cooking the chicken for even cooking.
Variations
Veggie Bliss Quesadilla: Replace chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, corn, and bell peppers for a fresh, plant-based twist. Add some black beans for protein.
Spicy BBQ Chicken Madness: For those who love heat, include chopped jalapeños into the chicken mixture before grilling or opt for a spicier BBQ sauce.
Breakfast Quesadilla: Swap chicken for scrambled eggs and add sautéed bell peppers and onions. Top with salsa for a hearty breakfast choice.
Latin-Inspired Quesadilla: Integrate spices like cumin and coriander into the chicken blend for a savory, South American flair. Serve with an avocado-lime crema.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken mix and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble the quesadillas and cook them as directed.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them, wrapped well, for up to 2 months.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes! Wrap each quesadilla in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you want to eat them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I substitute for the chicken?
You can use shredded rotisserie chicken, tofu, or any cooked protein of your choice. Ground turkey or beef would also work well.
How do I prevent sticking?
Make sure to use enough cooking oil on the griddle and avoid overcrowding, which can lead to sticking. After cooking each batch, ensure the griddle is cleaned and oiled again.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily make it gluten-free by using appropriate tortillas and ensuring all seasonings and sauces are gluten-free.
Can I use a non-stick skillet instead of a griddle?
Yes, a non-stick skillet is a great alternative and will work perfectly for making these quesadillas.
How do I know when it’s done?
The quesadillas are done when the cheese is melted, and the tortillas are golden brown and crispy on both sides. Use a spatula to peek underneath if you’re unsure.
Blackstone Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Ingredients
Chicken Preparation
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- to taste Kosher salt
- to taste Pepper
- to taste BBQ seasoning blend
- 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce (plus more to drizzle)
- 2 tablespoons hot honey (plus more to drizzle)
Quesadilla Assembly
- 4 large burrito-size flour tortillas
- 3 cups shredded cheese of choice
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional) For garnish or flavor
Optional Toppings
- sour cream For serving
- jalapeños For serving
Cooking Oil
- cooking oil of choice For cooking
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your griddle to medium heat (approximately 375°F). Add a drizzle of cooking oil to coat the surface.
- Introduce the chicken thighs to the griddle, seasoning generously with kosher salt, pepper, and BBQ seasoning blend. Cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add 3 tablespoons of BBQ sauce and 2 tablespoons of hot honey to the chicken, mixing well. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes until everything is well coated and bubbling at the edges. Remove from the griddle and scrape the surface clean.
- Lower the heat to medium-low, add another drizzle of cooking oil, and lay the flour tortillas flat on the griddle.
- Sprinkle half of the cheese on one side of each tortilla, then evenly distribute the cooked chicken over the cheese.
- Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and hot honey, then add cilantro if desired, followed by the remaining cheese.
- Fold the empty side of each tortilla over the filled side. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side or until the tortillas are crisped and the cheese has melted.
Serving
- Serve hot off the griddle. Cut each quesadilla into wedges and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Pair with drinks like iced tea or light beer, and consider adding a side of salsa or guacamole.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze individually wrapped for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or microwave, but the texture may be different.