Introduction

Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas combine tender, spicy chicken with gooey melted cheese and a sweet-hot honey glaze. Paired with a creamy jalapeño sauce, this dish is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner that’s quick and delicious.

A close-up image of a stack of four folded quesadilla slices arranged in a slightly spread fan shape on a dark surface, each slice showing melted cheese oozing out with bits of green herbs and lightly browned tortilla edges. The top slice is garnished with small green herb pieces. A small white bowl of creamy white dip with green herbs is placed beside the quesadilla stack. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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 pepper, to taste
0.33 cup honey
2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
1 cup sour cream
1-2 fresh jalapeños, deseeded and chopped
1 teaspoon lime juice
0.5 teaspoon salt, to taste
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)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Season the chicken pieces with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Cook the chicken in the skillet for about 10 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together honey and hot sauce. Pour this mixture over the cooked chicken and toss to coat well. Keep warm.
Step 5: Prepare the jalapeño cream sauce by mixing sour cream, chopped jalapeños, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. Refrigerate until serving.
Step 6: Lay one flour tortilla flat and sprinkle a layer of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over it.
Step 7: Add a portion of the hot honey chicken on top of the cheese, then sprinkle a little more cheese over the chicken.
Step 8: Top with a second tortilla to form the quesadilla.
Step 9: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a little butter.
Step 10: Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted throughout.
Step 11: Slice the quesadilla into wedges and serve with the jalapeño cream sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, leave some jalapeño seeds in the cream sauce or add sliced jalapeños inside the quesadilla.
Use a mix of cheeses like pepper jack for a spicier kick.
Substitute chicken with cooked shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
Try serving with a side of guacamole or salsa for extra flavor contrast.

Storage

Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep them crispy, or use a microwave for convenience, though they won’t be as crisp. Keep the jalapeño cream sauce chilled and serve fresh for best taste.

How to Serve

The image shows a stack of four golden-brown quesadilla slices arranged in a slightly overlapping way on a white plate. Each slice has a crispy, toasted outer layer with a bubbly texture and some dark brown spots. Between the thin layers of tortilla, there is melted cheese oozing out, with some green herbs mixed in, creating a creamy, shiny texture. The edges of the slices reveal bits of diced chicken and green herbs inside. The plate is on a white marbled surface, and a woman's hand is reaching to pick up one slice from the top. In the background, a blurred white cup with a creamy dip is visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and jalapeño cream sauce in advance, but it’s best to assemble and cook the quesadillas just before serving to keep them crispy and melty.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

Reduce or omit the hot sauce and jalapeños to make a milder version. The honey and cheese will still provide great flavor without the heat.