Save These Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas are the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. Tender chicken pieces are seasoned with a blend of spices, then tossed in a sticky-sweet hot honey glaze that caramelizes slightly when cooked. The combination of melty cheddar and Monterey Jack creates that irresistible cheese pull when you take a bite, while the cool jalapeño cream sauce adds a refreshing contrast to the heat.
Save These quesadillas have become a weeknight staple in my home. The combination of crispy tortillas, spicy-sweet chicken, and gooey cheese is utterly irresistible. Plus, they're so versatile – perfect for a quick lunch, easy dinner, or cut into smaller pieces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering.
- 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 black pepper, 0.33 cup honey, 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- For the Jalapeño Cream Sauce: 1 cup sour cream, 1–2 fresh jalapeños (deseeded and finely chopped), 1 teaspoon lime juice, 0.5 teaspoon salt
- For 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, optional)
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. In a bowl, toss the chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked. In a small bowl, whisk together honey and hot sauce. Pour over cooked chicken, toss well to coat, and keep warm.
- Prepare the Jalapeño Cream Sauce
- In a bowl, mix together sour cream, chopped jalapeños, lime juice, and salt. Stir well, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
- Assemble the Quesadillas
- Lay a flour tortilla flat. Sprinkle about 1/8 of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over one half. Top with a portion of the hot honey chicken. Add a little more cheese, then fold the tortilla in half (or top with a second tortilla if making full quesadillas).
- Cook the Quesadillas
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a little butter. Cook each quesadilla for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cheese is melted. Remove from skillet and let rest for 1 minute before cutting into wedges.
- Serve
- Drizzle or serve with jalapeño cream sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
For the best results, don't overfill your quesadillas. It's tempting to add more chicken and cheese, but overstuffed quesadillas can be difficult to flip and may leak. When cooking the quesadillas, use medium heat to ensure the tortillas get crispy and golden without burning while giving the cheese enough time to melt completely.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with black beans and corn. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the hot sauce or use a milder variety. For extra flavor, add some sautéed bell peppers and onions to the filling. If you're watching calories, use reduced-fat cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the jalapeño sauce.
These quesadillas pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or Mexican rice. For a complete meal, serve with a side of refried beans or black bean soup. If you're entertaining, set up a toppings bar with extra jalapeño cream sauce, fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, and lime wedges so guests can customize their quesadillas.
Save These Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas have quickly become a family favorite in our home. The combination of crispy tortilla, spicy-sweet chicken, and gooey melted cheese creates the perfect comfort food that's still quick enough for busy weeknights. The jalapeño cream sauce adds that special finishing touch that takes these quesadillas to the next level. Give them a try, and I'm confident they'll become a regular in your meal rotation too!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the chicken flavorful?
Coat the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper before cooking. Toss cooked chicken in a hot honey and sauce mixture for sweet and spicy flavor.
- → What cheeses work best in these quesadillas?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses complement the spicy chicken well, offering a good melt and balanced flavor.
- → How can I adjust the spiciness level?
Modify the amount of hot sauce used with the honey glaze and jalapeños in the cream sauce to suit your preferred heat level.
- → Can I prepare the jalapeño cream sauce ahead?
Yes, the sauce can be mixed and refrigerated until serving, allowing flavors to meld and making assembly quicker.
- → What are good additions to enhance flavor?
Sautéed bell peppers or onions add depth, while a squeeze of fresh lime brightens the overall taste.