BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

If you’re craving a quick, satisfying meal that bursts with smoky flavor and cheesy delight, these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are exactly what you need. Combining tender, juicy chicken smothered in tangy BBQ sauce with melted cheese and crispy tortillas, this recipe makes for a perfect lunch or dinner solution that’s both easy to whip up and incredibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: Ready in under 30 minutes, making dinner a breeze on busy days.
• Flavor-Packed: The smoky BBQ chicken and melty cheese create an irresistible taste combo.
• Kid-Friendly: Soft, cheesy, and mildly seasoned – it’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak with your favorite toppings and cheeses.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Great to make extra and enjoy later or pack for lunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of BBQ Chicken Quesadillas lies in simple and accessible ingredients that come together to create a wonderfully balanced dish. Each one plays a role, from juicy chicken to gooey cheese and flavorful extras that bring freshness or a touch of heat.

• Cooked Chicken: Use shredded or diced chicken breast or thighs for tender, juicy bites.
• BBQ Sauce: Your favorite smoky or sweet BBQ sauce adds the star flavor.
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend melts perfectly for that gooey texture.
• Flour Tortillas: Large flour tortillas provide the crispy exterior and soft interior contrast.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a slight crunch and sharpness.
• Bell Peppers: Optional, diced for color and a subtle sweetness.
• Olive Oil or Butter: Helps crisp the tortillas to golden perfection.
• Fresh Cilantro: For garnish and a burst of fresh herbal flavor.

Variations for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

The wonderful thing about BBQ Chicken Quesadillas is how easy they are to personalize. Whether you want to switch up the protein, add veggies, or adjust to your spice preferences, these ideas will inspire you to make this recipe your own.

• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to heat things up.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for grilled mushrooms or black beans for a plant-based twist.
• Cheese Choices: Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or queso fresco for different textures and flavors.
• Sweet and Tangy: Use a honey BBQ sauce for a sweeter flavor profile that pairs beautifully with mild cheese.
• Crunch Factor: Add crispy bacon bits or toasted corn kernels for texture contrast.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by shredding or dicing cooked chicken and tossing it in your favorite BBQ sauce until it’s evenly coated and flavorful.

Step 2: Assemble the Quesadilla

Lay a flour tortilla flat, then layer a generous amount of BBQ chicken, followed by shredded cheese, red onions, and bell peppers if using. Top with another tortilla or fold the tortilla in half for easier handling.

Step 3: Cook Until Crispy

Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly brush with olive oil or melt a bit of butter. Place the assembled quesadilla in the skillet and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side, and cheese is melted inside.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board and let it sit for a minute before slicing into wedges for easy serving.

Pro Tips for Making BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

• Use warm tortillas: It makes folding easier and helps avoid tearing.
• Don’t overload fillings: Too much filling can make quesadillas hard to flip and messy to eat.
• Low and slow heat: Cook on medium to low to allow cheese to melt without burning the tortilla.
• Leftover chicken works great: Saves time and infuses extra flavor when mixed with fresh BBQ sauce.
• Press while cooking: Gently press the quesadilla with a spatula to help it crisp evenly.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a squeeze of lime juice to brighten up the bold BBQ flavors and add freshness.

Side Dishes

Classic sides like guacamole, salsa, or a fresh garden salad complement the quesadillas perfectly and balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking smaller wedges for a fun, shareable platter or serve with dipping sauces in individual bowls for a party-friendly presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover BBQ Chicken Quesadillas tightly in foil or airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and ready to reheat.

Freezing

Place cooled quesadilla wedges in a freezer-safe bag with parchment between layers to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 2 months for quick meals later.

Reheating

Reheat quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer to restore their crispy texture without drying out the filling.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for the BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly when shredded and mixed with BBQ sauce, saving you prep time and adding great flavor.

What kind of BBQ sauce is best for the quesadillas?

Choose a smoky or sweet BBQ sauce depending on your preference. Thicker sauces work well to coat the chicken without making the quesadilla soggy.

Can I make these quesadillas gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap regular flour tortillas for gluten-free versions made from corn or other gluten-free flour blends.

How can I add more veggies to the quesadillas?

Feel free to load up on diced bell peppers, onions, corn, or even spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

What’s the best cheese for melting in BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack are ideal thanks to their excellent melting properties and complement to BBQ flavors, though blends work well too.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a warm, crispy quesadilla filled with smoky BBQ chicken and melted cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy days or casual get-togethers, combining simple ingredients with bold flavors that everyone will adore. Give these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas a try and watch how quickly they become a family favorite you’ll return to time and again!

Related Posts

• Baked Ziti with Cheese and Meat
• Honey Garlic Sausage Sweet Potato Skillet
• Creamy Garlic Butter Beef and Rice Skillet

Print