These sweet and spicy quesadillas are perfectly suited for a flat-top griddle, combining juicy BBQ chicken with gooey melted cheese. They provide a satisfying balance of heat and sweetness, making them an ideal choice for outdoor gatherings or camping trips.
List of ingredients
- Cooking oil of choice – used for searing chicken and crisping the tortillas.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts – diced into uniform pieces.
- Kosher salt – to enhance the natural flavors of the meat.
- Black pepper – for a foundational spicy note.
- BBQ seasoning blend – adds a smoky, savory depth to the chicken.
- 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce (plus more for drizzling) – provides tanginess and sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons hot honey (plus more for drizzling) – gives a floral sweetness with a spicy kick.
- 4 large burrito size flour tortillas – the structural base for the quesadillas.
- 3 cups shredded cheese of choice – creates a melted, cohesive filling.
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional) – adds a fresh, herbaceous finish.
- Optional toppings: sour cream and jalapenos – used for cooling and extra heat.
step-by-step instructions
- Sear the chicken: Preheat your griddle to medium heat. Add cooking oil, chicken, kosher salt, pepper, and BBQ seasoning, then cook for 6 minutes, mixing occasionally with spatulas.
- Glaze the meat: Stir in the BBQ sauce and hot honey. Cook for 2 more minutes while mixing together, then remove the chicken from the surface, scrape the griddle clean, and lower the heat to medium-low.
- Prepare the base: Add more cooking oil and lay the tortillas flat on the griddle. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on one side of each tortilla.
- Fill the tortillas: Add the cooked chicken to the cheese, then drizzle with additional BBQ sauce and hot honey. Add chopped cilantro if using, and top with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Crisp and melt: Fold the empty side of each tortilla over the filled side. Cook the quesadillas for one to two minutes per side until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the griddle and serve immediately with sour cream and jalapenos if desired.
Expert Griddle Techniques
Calibrate Griddle Heat Zones
Managing the temperature is critical because the sugars in the honey and BBQ sauce can burn quickly. Use medium heat for the chicken to get a good sear, but always drop to medium-low before adding tortillas. This ensures the cheese melts fully before the flour tortilla chars.
Use High-Smoke Point Oils
Avoid using butter or extra virgin olive oil for the initial sear, as these can burn at medium-high temperatures. Opt for avocado oil or canola oil to keep the cooking surface clean. This prevents an acrid taste from transferring to the chicken.
Ensure Uniform Meat Sizing
Dice the chicken thighs or breasts into small, consistent cubes of about half an inch. Uniform pieces cook at the same rate, preventing some pieces from drying out while others remain raw. This results in a more consistent texture inside the quesadilla.
Prevent Tortilla Tearing
Do not overcook the tortillas before adding the filling, as they can become brittle and crack when folded. Apply the oil lightly and move quickly with the cheese and chicken. A light golden brown color is the target for the perfect crunch.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap Chicken Thighs for Breasts
While thighs offer more moisture and flavor, boneless skinless breasts are a leaner alternative. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them during the initial searing phase. Reduce the cook time by a minute if the pieces are cut very small.
Experiment with Different BBQ Profiles
Depending on your preference, you can use a hickory-smoked sauce for a deeper flavor or a honey-gold sauce for more sweetness. Ensure the sauce does not contain excessive corn syrup, which can burn more easily on the griddle. A vinegar-based sauce adds a nice tang to cut through the richness of the cheese.
Create a Homemade Hot Honey
If you do not have store-bought hot honey, you can easily make a substitute. Mix equal parts honey and a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Warm the mixture slightly in a microwave to help the spices integrate into the honey.
Alternative Cheese Blends
While a Mexican blend is traditional, using a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack provides a great balance of flavor and stretch. Pepper Jack is an excellent choice if you want to amplify the spiciness. Ensure the cheese is freshly shredded for the best melt.
Flavor Variations
Add Sautéed Peppers and Onions
For a fajita-style twist, sauté sliced bell peppers and onions on the griddle before cooking the chicken. Mix them into the filling along with the chicken and cheese. This adds sweetness and a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Incorporate Charred Corn Kernels
Fresh or frozen corn kernels can be charred on the griddle until they are slightly browned. Fold these into the chicken mixture for a pop of color and sweetness. Corn complements the BBQ sauce and hot honey perfectly.
Mix in Diced Pickled Jalapeños
Instead of using jalapenos only as a topping, add diced pickled jalapenos directly inside the tortilla. The acidity of the pickles helps balance the sweetness of the honey. This ensures a spicy kick in every single bite.
Add a Creamy Base Layer
Spread a thin layer of cream cheese or refried beans on the tortilla before adding the shredded cheese. This creates a barrier that prevents the tortilla from getting soggy from the BBQ sauce. It also adds a rich, creamy texture to the interior.
Serving Suggestions
Prepare a Variety of Dipping Sauces
Offer a selection of dips to accompany the quesadillas, such as zesty guacamole or a spicy chipotle mayo. A side of salsa verde provides a bright, citrusy contrast to the smoky BBQ flavor. These dips allow guests to customize their flavor experience.
Serve with a Zesty Slaw
A cold, vinegar-based coleslaw is an excellent side dish to cut through the richness of the cheese and oil. Use shredded cabbage, carrots, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. The crunch and acidity cleanse the palate between bites.
Plate as Small Appetizer Wedges
For a party setting, cut each large quesadilla into three equal wedges using a pizza cutter. Arrange them on a platter with the points facing inward. This makes them easy to grab and share as a finger food.
Storage and Reheating
Store in Airtight Containers
Place leftover quesadillas in a single layer inside an airtight container to prevent them from sticking together. Allow them to cool completely before sealing the lid to avoid condensation. This helps maintain the integrity of the tortilla for a short period.
Freeze for Future Meals
Wrap individual quesadillas tightly in aluminum foil and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to two months without losing significant quality. Ensure the foil is tight to prevent freezer burn on the edges of the tortilla.
Reheat Using a Toaster Oven
Avoid the microwave for reheating if you want to preserve the crispy texture. Place the quesadillas in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-8 minutes. This restores the crunch of the flour tortilla and melts the cheese again.
Refresh Using a Skillet
For the best results, reheat the quesadillas in a dry non-stick skillet over medium heat. Flip them every two minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the exterior is crisp. This method most closely mimics the original griddle experience.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Prevent Burning the Honey Glaze
If you notice the BBQ sauce and honey are bubbling too violently or turning black, lower the heat immediately. The high sugar content makes these ingredients prone to caramelizing quickly. Adding a tiny splash of water or vegetable broth can help loosen the glaze.
Fix Under-Melted Cheese
If the tortilla is browned but the cheese is still solid, cover the quesadillas with a metal dome or a lid for one minute. This traps the heat and creates a small oven effect. The steam will melt the cheese without overcooking the tortilla.
Stop Tortillas from Getting Soggy
To avoid a soggy interior, ensure the chicken is well-cooked and most of the excess liquid has evaporated before adding it to the tortilla. Pat the chicken slightly with a paper towel if it is too wet. Drizzle the sauce sparingly to avoid overloading the wrap.
Manage Griddle Stickiness
If the chicken or tortillas begin to stick, it is usually a sign that the griddle is not hot enough or needs more oil. Scrape the surface clean between the chicken phase and the tortilla phase. A clean surface ensures a smooth release and an even golden crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without a griddle?
Yes, you can use a large non-stick skillet or a cast-iron pan on a stovetop. Cook the chicken first, remove it, and then assemble and toast the quesadillas in the same pan. You may need to cook them in batches if your pan is not large enough for the burrito tortillas.
How long do these stay fresh?
Refrigerated leftovers will stay fresh for up to three days. After this point, the tortilla may start to soften significantly or the cheese may lose its flavor. Always store them in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
Can I use corn tortillas?
Corn tortillas can be used, but they are smaller and more prone to breaking. You will need to use smaller portions of filling and may need to fold them into tacos rather than large quesadillas. Lightly fry them in more oil to keep them flexible.
What is the best way to chop the chicken?
Use a sharp chef’s knife to cut the chicken into 1/2-inch cubes. If using chicken breasts, slice them into strips first and then cross-cut them into cubes. This ensures every piece is roughly the same size for even cooking.
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Blackstone Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
Blackstone Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, a sweet & spicy griddle quesadilla recipe perfect for camping or dinner in the great outdoors!
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)
- sour cream (optional topping)
- jalapenos (optional topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat griddle to medium. Add cooking oil, chicken, kosher salt, pepper, and BBQ seasoning. Cook 6 minutes, mixing a few times with spatulas.
- Step 2: Add BBQ sauce and hot honey. Cook 2 more minutes, mixing together. Remove and scrape griddle clean and lower heat to medium-low.
- Step 3: Add more cooking oil and lay the tortillas flat on griddle. Sprinkle half of the cheese on one side of each tortilla. Add chicken, drizzle a little more BBQ sauce and hot honey, add cilantro if using, and remaining cheese.
- Step 4: Fold the empty side of each tortilla over the filled side and cook the quesadillas a minute or two per side. Remove once the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crisped how you prefer.
- Step 5: Serve with sour cream and jalapenos if desired.
Notes
Prepare ingredients on a tray for easy transport to the griddle; use the same tray to carry the meal back inside.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Griddling
- Cuisine: American, Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 724 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg