Hot Honey BBQ Chicken has become my absolute go-to for weeknight dinners, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! I remember the first time I tried a spicy sweet BBQ chicken dish; the combination of that sticky, sweet honey glaze with a hint of chili heat was pure magic. It’s like a flavor explosion in every bite! This easy hot honey BBQ chicken recipe brings that same incredible taste to your table with minimal fuss. Get ready for a symphony of sweet, spicy, and smoky that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey BBQ Chicken
You’re going to adore making and eating these quesadillas. They’re a fantastic way to bring a little excitement to your mealtime routine!
- Incredible Flavor Combination: The sweet honey and spicy chili notes create an unforgettable taste.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Kid-Friendly (with adjustments): Tone down the heat for the little ones, or let them enjoy the sweet heat.
- Versatile: These quesadillas are great for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty appetizer.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the cheese, add veggies, or tweak the spice level to your liking.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a good barbecue chicken dish, and this twist is a guaranteed hit.
- Deliciously Spicy: Get ready for that satisfying sweet heat that makes this spicy honey BBQ chicken so addictive.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual dinners to game nights, this sweet and spicy BBQ chicken is always a winner.
Ingredients for Easy Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Recipe
Gather these simple ingredients to create the most delicious hot honey BBQ chicken quesadillas. You’ll find the balance of sweet and spicy in this barbecue chicken with hot honey glaze is just perfect!
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil, divided – we use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola
- 450 grams boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts – thighs offer more moisture, but breasts work too!
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – for basic seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground is best
- 2 teaspoons BBQ seasoning blend – your favorite store-bought or homemade mix
- 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzling – use your preferred brand for that classic smoky flavor
- 2 tablespoons hot honey, plus extra for drizzling – this is key for that sweet heat!
- 4 large (30 cm) flour tortillas – standard size for a good quesadilla
- 340 grams shredded cheese of choice – a Mexican blend or Monterey Jack melts beautifully
- 15 grams fresh cilantro, chopped (optional) – adds a fresh, herbaceous note
- Sour cream (optional, to serve) – for a cool, creamy contrast
- Pickled jalapeños (optional, to serve) – for an extra kick of spice and tang
How to Cook Spicy BBQ Chicken
This recipe transforms everyday chicken into an amazing spicy sweet chicken creation with a delicious hot honey glaze. It’s surprisingly simple and delivers big on flavor!
- Step 1: Get your griddle or flat top grill screaming hot over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and carefully place your seasoned chicken in a single layer. I like to use chicken thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts work great too. Season them generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and your favorite BBQ seasoning blend. Let them cook undisturbed for about 6 minutes until a nice golden-brown crust forms.
- Step 2: Now for the magic sauce! Pour in the BBQ sauce and the hot honey. Keep stirring and tossing the chicken for another 2 minutes. You want every piece coated in that sticky, sweet, and spicy goodness. Seriously, the smell at this point is incredible! Once coated, remove the chicken from the griddle. Scrape up any browned bits left behind – that’s pure flavor! Lower the heat to medium-low for the next step.
- Step 3: Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of cooking oil onto the griddle. Lay out your large flour tortillas. On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle a generous amount of your chosen shredded cheese. Then, pile on that beautifully cooked spicy BBQ chicken. Drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce and hot honey over the chicken – don’t be shy! Add chopped cilantro if you’re using it. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Step 4: Fold the other half of each tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Cook these beauties for about 1-2 minutes per side. You’re looking for that golden-brown, crispy tortilla and perfectly melted, gooey cheese inside. Once they’re perfectly golden and crisp, slide them off the griddle. Slice them up and serve immediately.
Grilling the Chicken with Hot Honey Glaze
You’ll start by searing the chicken with a savory BBQ seasoning blend until it’s beautifully browned. Then, we add the star players: BBQ sauce and hot honey, creating a sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor.
Assembling the Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Layering is key here! Start with a generous base of cheese on one half of the tortilla, followed by the seasoned chicken. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and hot honey for that signature sweet heat, then top with more cheese for ultimate gooeyness.
Cooking the Quesadillas to Golden Perfection
Cook the folded quesadillas on medium-low heat until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is completely melted and bubbly. This ensures a perfect contrast between the crisp exterior and the warm, savory filling.
Pro Tips for the Best Hot Honey BBQ Chicken
Want to elevate your quesadilla game? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that make this spicy sweet chicken recipe truly shine. These tips ensure you get that perfect sweet heat every single time!
- Don’t overcrowd the griddle when cooking the chicken; give it space to brown properly.
- Taste and adjust the hot honey and BBQ sauce mixture before coating the chicken – balance is key!
- Use a blend of cheeses for better flavor and meltability. A sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack is my favorite.
- Let the quesadillas rest for a minute after cooking before slicing so the cheese has time to set slightly.
What’s the secret to perfect Hot Honey BBQ Chicken?
The real secret to perfect spicy honey BBQ chicken is the combination of a good quality hot honey and not overcooking the chicken. That quick cook in the sauce ensures it stays moist and absorbs all that delicious flavor. For more on achieving perfect chicken, check out these tips for cooking chicken thighs.
Can I make Hot Honey BBQ Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken with the hot honey glaze a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the griddle before adding it to your quesadillas.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Hot Honey BBQ Chicken?
A common pitfall is burning the hot honey glaze; watch it closely as it cooks. Also, avoid overfilling the quesadillas, as this makes them hard to fold and can lead to messy cooking.
Best Ways to Serve Hot Honey BBQ Chicken
These fantastic quesadillas are a meal in themselves, but I love pairing them with a few simple sides to make it a complete feast. They’re perfect for a quick lunch or a fun dinner. For a refreshing contrast to the sweet and spicy BBQ chicken, a simple corn and black bean salad is amazing. You could also serve them with a side of creamy avocado or a dollop of cool sour cream to balance the heat. These quesadillas also make a great appetizer for parties, especially when cut into smaller wedges! If you’re looking for more appetizer ideas, consider these appetizer recipes.
Nutrition Facts for Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional goodness packed into each serving of these delightful quesadillas. Getting that perfect balance of sweet and spicy doesn’t mean sacrificing your health goals!
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Hot Honey BBQ Chicken
Leftover hot honey BBQ chicken is a treasure, perfect for quick meals later. Once the chicken has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep that delicious sweet heat longer, you can freeze portions of the chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s properly sealed to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy your spicy chicken BBQ sauce again, the best way to reheat it is gently on the stovetop or in a low oven. This helps to re-glaze the chicken and keep it from drying out, ensuring you still get that wonderful sweet and spicy flavor. For more tips on preserving food, you might find food safety guidelines helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Honey BBQ Chicken
What’s the secret to perfect Hot Honey BBQ Chicken?
The real secret to perfect spicy honey BBQ chicken is the combination of a good quality hot honey and not overcooking the chicken. That quick cook in the sauce ensures it stays moist and absorbs all that delicious flavor, creating an amazing sweet heat.
Can I make Hot Honey BBQ Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken with the hot honey glaze a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the griddle or in a skillet before adding it to your quesadillas or other dishes.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Hot Honey BBQ Chicken?
A common pitfall is burning the hot honey glaze; watch it closely as it cooks down. Also, avoid overfilling your quesadillas if you’re using them as a base, as this makes them hard to fold and can lead to messy cooking. Ensure your chicken is seasoned well before adding the sauces for a balanced flavor.
What kind of chicken is best for this spicy sweet chicken recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are generally preferred for this recipe because they stay incredibly moist and tender, even with the quick cooking time. However, chicken breasts work perfectly well too, just be mindful not to overcook them to maintain that juicy texture in your BBQ chicken with a kick.
Variations of Hot Honey BBQ Chicken You Can Try
Don’t want to make quesadillas? Or maybe you’re looking for a different spin on this amazing spicy sweet chicken recipe? I’ve got you covered with a few fun twists on this classic combination. These variations ensure you can enjoy that delicious sweet heat in new and exciting ways!
- Oven-Baked Hot Honey BBQ Chicken: For a hands-off approach, toss your chicken pieces with the BBQ seasoning, then bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. In the last 5 minutes, brush generously with a mixture of BBQ sauce and hot honey, then return to the oven to caramelize. This is a fantastic way to get that sticky glaze without a grill.
- Slow Cooker Honey Chili BBQ Chicken: Place chicken breasts or thighs in your slow cooker. Pour over BBQ sauce, hot honey, and a pinch of chili powder. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until tender. Shred the chicken with two forks, stir to coat in the sauce, and serve on buns or over rice for an easy meal.
- Spicy Chicken BBQ Sauce Marinade: Use this flavor combination as a marinade! Whisk together BBQ sauce, hot honey, a splash of apple cider vinegar, and some garlic powder. Marinate chicken pieces for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) before grilling or baking for an intensely flavored honey infused spicy chicken.
Hot Honey BBQ Chicken: 1 Amazing Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Make these delicious and spicy Hot Honey BBQ Chicken Quesadillas for a quick and impressive meal. They are perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, offering a delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil, divided
- 450 grams boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons BBQ seasoning blend
- 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons hot honey, plus extra for drizzling
- 4 large (30 cm) flour tortillas
- 340 grams shredded cheese of choice
- 15 grams fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Sour cream (optional, to serve)
- Pickled jalapeños (optional, to serve)
Instructions
- Preheat griddle or flat top grill to medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon cooking oil, then place chicken in a single layer. Season evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, and BBQ seasoning. Cook for 6 minutes, turning and mixing using spatulas to ensure even browning.
- Pour in BBQ sauce and hot honey. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, stirring to coat the chicken thoroughly. Remove chicken from the griddle, scraping the surface clean. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Drizzle remaining cooking oil onto the griddle. Lay tortillas flat and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on one side of each tortilla. Top with cooked chicken, additional BBQ sauce and hot honey as desired, and cilantro if using. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Fold each tortilla over to cover the filling. Cook quesadillas for 1–2 minutes per side until cheese is melted and tortillas turn golden and crisp. Remove quesadillas from the griddle, slice, and serve hot with optional sour cream and pickled jalapeños.
Notes
- Feel free to mix and match cheeses for different flavors.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey to taste for desired spiciness.
- These quesadillas can be easily customized with additional toppings like avocado or tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 100mg