The sizzle of chicken thighs meeting the griddle fills the air, mingling with the sweet scent of hot honey and tangy BBQ sauce that dances around the kitchen. I stumbled onto this recipe for Blackstone Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas during one of those lazy weekends when all I craved was comfort food with a twist. With each bite, you’ll be met with a delightful crunch followed by a warm, gooey explosion of cheesiness and flavors that are both spicy and sweet.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun outdoor gathering, these quesadillas embody the best of American BBQ and Mexican cuisine, making them a crowd-pleasing staple in any home. Best of all, they come together in less than 30 minutes, leaving you with more time to enjoy the moments that matter most. So let’s fire up that griddle and whip up a batch of these scrumptious quesadillas that are sure to impress!
Why are Blackstone Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas irresistible?
Bold flavors: The combination of hot honey and BBQ sauce creates a beautifully balanced dish that’s sweet and savory.
Crispy Crunch: Enjoy a satisfying bite with a perfectly golden-brown exterior that contrasts beautifully with the gooey cheese inside.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
Versatile Options: Swap in your favorite proteins or even veggies to cater to different tastes, making it customizable for everyone.
Outdoor Fun: Perfect for camping trips or backyard barbecues, these quesadillas add a fun twist to traditional cooking.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from kids to adults will rave about this dish, making it a guaranteed hit at your next gathering.
Blackstone Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Ingredients
For the Quesadillas
• Cooking Oil – Helps achieve a crispy texture while preventing sticking; feel free to use high-heat oils like avocado or olive oil.
• Chicken Thighs (1 lb) – Provides juicy, flavorful protein; you can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• Kosher Salt, Pepper, BBQ Seasoning Blend – These enhance the dish’s flavor; swap for your preferred seasoning blend for a personal touch.
• BBQ Sauce (3 tablespoons + additional) – Adds sweetness and moisture; homemade or unique flavor BBQ sauces work well too.
• Hot Honey (2 tablespoons + additional) – Delivers that irresistible sweet heat; replace with regular honey mixed with crushed red pepper flakes if needed.
• Flour Tortillas (4) – The base of your quesadilla; whole wheat or gluten-free options can add variety.
• Shredded Cheese (3 cups) – Melts for creamy goodness; try your favorites like cheddar or Monterey Jack.
• Chopped Cilantro (½ cup, optional) – Adds a touch of freshness and color; can be swapped out with green onions if preferred.
For Serving
• Optional Toppings – Sour cream adds a creamy contrast; pickled jalapeños deliver an extra kick for those who crave heat.
Get ready to savor each bite of these Blackstone Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, packed with flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds!
How to Make Blackstone Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
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Preheat the Griddle:
Start by setting your griddle to medium heat. Once heated, drizzle a bit of cooking oil to prevent the quesadillas from sticking. -
Cook the Chicken:
Add diced chicken thighs to the griddle. Season generously with kosher salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ seasoning blend. Sauté for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through. -
Combine Flavors:
Drizzle BBQ sauce and hot honey over the cooked chicken, stirring it to coat evenly. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld before removing from the griddle. -
Prepare the Tortillas:
Lower the griddle heat to medium-low and add more oil. Place the flour tortillas flat on the griddle, ready for filling. -
Fill the Tortillas:
On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese. Add the chicken mixture on top, drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and hot honey, then top with more cheese. -
Cook the Quesadillas:
Fold the tortillas over the filling and cook each side for 1-2 minutes. They’re ready when the cheese melts and the tortillas turn golden brown. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the quesadillas from the griddle, slice into wedges, and serve hot. For an extra touch, consider adding optional toppings like sour cream or pickled jalapeños.
Optional: Garnish with extra chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Blackstone Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?
Embrace a full flavor experience with delightful sides that complement your quesadillas perfectly.
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Creamy Guacamole: The rich, buttery texture of guacamole contrasts beautifully with the crispy quesadillas, adding a refreshing touch.
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Zesty Salsa: A tomatillo or pico de gallo salsa amplifies the flavors with a burst of freshness, balancing the sweetness of the hot honey.
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Corn Salad: A vibrant corn salad brings crunch and brightness, harmonizing the smoky BBQ flavors with its sweet and tangy notes.
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Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of crispy fries pairs beautifully, offering a satisfying bite that enhances the dish’s sweet-spicy profile. They’re a great texture contrast too!
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Cilantro Lime Rice: This herb-infused rice adds a light, zesty element and pairs wonderfully with the rich, cheesy quesadillas.
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Chilled Beer or Soda: A cold drink is refreshing against the warming spices, making every bite more enjoyable. Try a light lager or citrus soda for the perfect complement.
Create a meal that warms the heart and tantalizes the taste buds!
How to Store and Freeze Blackstone Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
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Room Temperature: These quesadillas are best enjoyed immediately, but if needed, they can sit out for up to 2 hours before refrigeration.
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Fridge: Store cooked quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To prevent sogginess, place parchment paper between layers.
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Freezer: Wrap individual quesadillas in plastic wrap and then foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: Reheat quesadillas on a skillet over medium heat for about 3–5 minutes, until heated through and crispy again. Enjoy them just as delicious as the first bite!
Blackstone Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and tailor this recipe to your taste buds with these scrumptious twists!
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Rotisserie Chicken: Swap diced chicken thighs for shredded rotisserie chicken, saving time without sacrificing flavor. This makes meal prep a breeze!
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Pulled Pork: Use pulled pork instead of chicken for a rich, smoky flavor that brings BBQ vibes to new heights. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing meal!
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Vegetarian Delight: Fill your quesadillas with grilled vegetables, black beans, and corn for a hearty, plant-based option that still satisfies.
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Heat Factor: Increase the heat by adding chopped jalapeños or using spicy BBQ sauce. For those who love a kick, this will elevate it beautifully!
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Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy twist or feta for a crumbly contrast that adds intrigue to every bite.
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Flour Tortilla Options: Swap regular flour tortillas for whole wheat or gluten-free versions for a healthier twist without compromising on that satisfying crunch!
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Toppings Twist: Instead of sour cream, try drizzling with cool avocado crema or even a zesty cilantro-lime sauce for a refreshing finish after each bite.
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Add Fruits: Top the quesadillas with fresh pineapple or mango slices; the sweetness will balance out the BBQ and hot honey perfectly for a tropical flair!
With these variations, you can make each batch feel like a new culinary adventure while keeping things deliciously fun!
Expert Tips for Blackstone Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
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Preheat Properly: Ensure your griddle is well-preheated to medium heat before cooking to prevent sticking and achieve an even crispness.
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Watch the Cheese: Monitor the quesadillas closely while cooking; they can brown quickly. Flip carefully to avoid burning.
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Flavor Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheese varieties or BBQ seasoning blends for unique flavor profiles in your Blackstone Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas.
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Protein Substitutions: For a quicker option, consider using shredded rotisserie chicken or alternative proteins like pulled pork for a delicious twist.
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Tortilla Types: Explore using whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas to cater to dietary preferences while maintaining the dish’s deliciousness.
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Storage Solutions: Assemble quesadillas ahead of time and refrigerate. Cook them fresh just before serving for the best taste and texture!
Make Ahead Options
These Blackstone Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can season and cook the chicken thighs up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can assemble the quesadillas by layering the chicken mixture, cheese, and tortillas, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. To maintain quality and avoid soggy tortillas, keep the layers separate if possible. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat your griddle and cook the quesadillas for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden brown and the cheese is melted. This way, you’ll enjoy warm, delicious quesadillas with minimal effort!
Blackstone Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe FAQs
What kind of chicken should I use for this recipe?
You can use chicken thighs for their juicy and flavorful profile. However, if you prefer a leaner option, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can also work wonderfully. Just make sure to adjust cooking time as breasts may cook faster.
How should I store leftover quesadillas?
Store cooked quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain texture, place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking.
Can I freeze these quesadillas?
Absolutely! Wrap each quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap, then cover them with foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw them in the fridge before reheating.
What if my quesadillas are sticking to the griddle?
If they’re sticking, it could be that the griddle wasn’t preheated enough or not enough oil was used. Ensure you properly preheat your griddle and add a generous drizzle of cooking oil before placing the tortillas.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Yes! For gluten-free eaters, simply swap regular flour tortillas for gluten-free varieties. Also, if anyone has a honey allergy, consider using maple syrup mixed with red pepper flakes as an alternative to hot honey.
How can I adjust the spice level in these quesadillas?
To control the spice, you can vary the amount of hot honey used. For a milder flavor, start with just 1 tablespoon and gradually taste. If you like it spicier, add sliced jalapeños or extra crushed red pepper to the chicken mixture!
Irresistible Blackstone Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the Griddle: Start by setting your griddle to medium heat. Drizzle a bit of cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Chicken: Add diced chicken thighs to the griddle. Season with kosher salt, pepper, and BBQ seasoning blend. Sauté for about 6 minutes until cooked through.
- Combine Flavors: Drizzle BBQ sauce and hot honey over the cooked chicken, stirring to coat. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
- Prepare the Tortillas: Lower the heat and add more oil. Place the flour tortillas on the griddle.
- Fill the Tortillas: On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle shredded cheese. Add the chicken mixture, drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and hot honey, then top with more cheese.
- Cook the Quesadillas: Fold the tortillas over the filling and cook each side for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and they turn golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the griddle, slice into wedges, and serve hot. Consider adding optional toppings.