Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken is a dish that brings together the lusciousness of melted cheese and the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Featuring quesadillas filled with tender chicken and drizzled with a spicy jalapeño cream sauce, this recipe is sure to be a hit at any dinner table. Ideal for busy weeknights, it combines the convenience of quick preparation with flavors that tantalize the taste buds. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and elevate your mealtime experience!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken
This Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken recipe is not only mouthwatering but also incredibly versatile. Here are a few reasons why it stands out:
- Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet honey and spicy jalapeños creates a delightful contrast.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy, flavorful chicken wrapped in a crispy tortilla.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level to suit your family’s taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make extra for leftovers or lunch the next day.
- Gluten-Free Option: With the right tortillas, this dish can fit gluten-free diets.
This Hot Honey Chicken Recipe is not only a fun twist on traditional quesadillas but also a great way to introduce new flavors to your family.
Ingredients for Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken
Gather these items:
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1-2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 pieces fresh jalapeños
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 4 pieces large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro
How to Make Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway. Remove and slice.
- Step 2: Mix 3 tablespoons of honey with 1-2 tablespoons of hot sauce in a small bowl. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet over low heat. Pour hot honey mixture over the chicken, tossing to coat.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of sour cream, 2 finely chopped jalapeños, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt to taste. Mix well and refrigerate.
- Step 4: Lay out tortillas. Sprinkle cheese on one half, add hot honey chicken, and more cheese. Fold tortillas.
- Step 5: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Cook quesadillas for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
- Step 6: Slice quesadillas into wedges and serve warm with spicy jalapeño cream sauce and garnish with cilantro.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of hot sauce.
- For extra richness, try adding cream cheese to the filling.
- This dish is best served immediately for optimal crispiness.
Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken
Consider these serving ideas:
- Pair with a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve with guacamole or salsa for added flavor.
- Enjoy with rice or beans for a complete dinner plate.
How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken
To store, place any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until warmed through. This dish is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken
What is Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken?
Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken is a delicious dish combining spicy honey-glazed chicken with melted cheese in a quesadilla format. It’s a unique twist on traditional chicken recipes that brings a sweet and spicy flavor profile.
Can I make Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the jalapeño cream sauce ahead of time. Simply assemble the quesadillas just before cooking to maintain their crispiness.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken?
To avoid soggy quesadillas, ensure your filling is not overly wet. Additionally, cook on medium heat to achieve a crispy exterior without burning.
Variations of Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken You Can Try
Here are a few creative twists to explore:
- Add black beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Use different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicier kick.
- Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
- Try using corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
For more delicious recipes, check out Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil or Mediterranean Chickpea Salad. If you’re interested in meal prep, you might also like Easy Avocado Toast Recipe.
For more information on the health benefits of honey, you can visit Healthline.
PrintCheesy Hot Honey Chicken: 5 Dazzling Quesadilla Recipes
Cheesy Hot Honey Chicken Quesadillas with Spicy Jalapeño Cream Sauce combine melted cheese with a kick of heat. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 pieces fresh jalapeños
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 4 pieces large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway. Remove and slice.
- Mix 3 tablespoons of honey with 1-2 tablespoons of hot sauce in a small bowl. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet over low heat. Pour hot honey mixture over the chicken, tossing to coat.
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of sour cream, 2 finely chopped jalapeños, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt to taste. Mix well and refrigerate.
- Lay out tortillas. Sprinkle cheese on one half, add hot honey chicken, and more cheese. Fold tortillas.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Cook quesadillas for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
- Slice quesadillas into wedges and serve warm with spicy jalapeño cream sauce and garnish with cilantro.
Notes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg












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