There’s nothing like the sound of tortillas sizzling on the stovetop, creating a crispy shell around delicious fillings. These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a crowd-pleaser, bringing together tender chicken, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights, they’re loved for their quick prep and comforting flavor.
Imagine a delightful combination of smoky BBQ, soft chicken, and melted cheese all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. This easy recipe comes together in no time, making it as simple as using leftover chicken or a quick rotisserie find. Whether served with salsa or a crunchy salad, it’s a cozy dish that feels indulgent without the fuss.
Started whipping these up back in 2015 when my kids needed a quick dinner after soccer practice. I’ll never forget the way their eyes lit up when they took that first bite. One insight? A sprinkle of red onion adds a nice kick! After years of blogging and testing recipes, this one always reminds me that simple can still be seriously satisfying.
Thomas Baker
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: Easy and Irresistible Dinner
Enjoy these Easy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas that bring together tender shredded chicken coated in tangy barbecue sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and perfectly crispy tortillas. This Quick BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Dinner is both satisfying and flavorful, making Crispy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas a perfect choice for any weeknight meal or a delicious snack.
Mix the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce thoroughly in a bowl until the chicken is evenly coated.
Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Lay one tortilla flat in the skillet, then sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on it, spread half of the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese, and add another 1/2 cup of cheese on top.
Place a second tortilla on top and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom tortilla turns golden and the cheese starts melting.
Flip the quesadilla carefully and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the other side is golden and the cheese has melted completely.
Transfer the cooked quesadilla off the skillet and repeat these steps for the remaining tortillas and BBQ chicken filling.
Cut each quesadilla into wedges, garnish with chopped green onions if you like, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Feel free to use your favorite brand of BBQ sauce to customize the flavor.
Add sliced jalapeños inside the quesadilla if you like some extra spice.
Try serving with sour cream or guacamole for delicious dips.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Whip up these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Kid-Friendly: With melty cheese and savory BBQ chicken, they’re a hit with the whole family.
Flexible Ingredients: Great for using up leftover chicken or trying different BBQ sauces to customize flavors.
Comfort Food: The warm, crispy tortillas and gooey cheese offer that cozy, nostalgic feeling in every bite.
Key Ingredients and Tools
Cooked Shredded Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option or any leftover chicken from your fridge!
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite flavorsmoky, spicy, or tangyfor a personalized touch.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: This melts beautifully to create that yummy gooey texture we love!
Flour Tortillas: Large ones are best for wrapping up all that delicious filling!
Skillet: A non-stick skillet works wonders here, making cooking and flipping a breeze.
How It Works: Step-by-Step
In a bowl, mix the cooked shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until it’s well-coated.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in your skillet over medium heat.
Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top.
Spread 1/2 cup of the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese, then add another 1/2 cup of cheese on top.
Cover with a second tortilla and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and cheese starts to melt.
Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula and cook another 3-4 minutes until golden and fully melted.
Remove from skillet, slice into wedges, and garnish with green onions if you’d like.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Storage Tips
Want to save some of your BBQ Chicken Quesadillas for later? Here’s how to keep them fresh:
Storage Method
Duration
Tips
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days
Store in an airtight container. Reheat in a skillet for crispy results.
Freezer
Up to 2 months
Place between parchment paper to avoid sticking. Reheat in the oven!
Tweaks and Variations
Add Heat: Spice things up with sliced jalapeños for a Spicy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla.
Go Loaded: Add extra toppings like bell peppers or corn to create a Loaded BBQ Chicken Quesadilla.
Health-Friendly Swaps: Use whole wheat tortillas and low-fat cheese for a Healthy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla.
Air Fryer Option: For Crispy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, try cooking them in the air fryerjust adjust the time to 6-8 minutes!
Serving Suggestions
These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas can be served with all sorts of delicious sides:
Dips: Serve with sour cream or guacamole for that creamy contrast.
Salads: A fresh garden salad pairs deliciously with the savory quesadillas.
Salsa: A side of fresh salsa gives it a vibrant pop!
Quick Timing Chart
Activity
Time
Prep Chicken and Sauce
5 minutes
Cook Quesadilla
3-4 minutes per side
Total Time
20 minutes
Expert Says
When preparing BBQ chicken quesadillas, consider using a mix of cheeses for enhanced flavor and creaminess. A blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully, creating a delightful texture. Additionally, incorporating vegetables like bell peppers or onions not only boosts nutritional value but also adds a sweet crunch to each bite.
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The Journey to My BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Perfecting these BBQ chicken quesadillas was no walk in the park. After a few batches that were too soggy or didn’t have enough flavor, I finally landed on the right balance. The aroma of smoky BBQ combined with melty cheese made every experiment worthwhile, and now they’re a family favorite that brings everyone together at the table.
FAQs ( BBQ Chicken Quesadillas )
How long to cook BBQ chicken quesadillas?
Cook the quesadillas for 3-5 minutes on each side over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown. If using an air fryer, about 8-10 minutes at 375°F works well for crispy quesadillas.
What are the best toppings for BBQ chicken quesadillas?
Common toppings include shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and diced jalapeños for a kick. You can also serve it with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa to enhance the flavors.
Can I use leftover chicken for quesadillas?
Absolutely! Using leftover chicken is a great way to save time and reduce waste. Simply shred the chicken and mix it with BBQ sauce before filling your tortillas.
How to make BBQ chicken quesadillas spicy?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or chipotle sauce into the chicken mixture. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes inside for an extra kick.
Can I make BBQ chicken quesadillas in an air fryer?
Yes, cooking them in an air fryer gives a delightful crunch. Place the filled quesadillas in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion
In just 20 minutes, you’ll create flavorful BBQ Chicken Quesadillas that are bound to become a family favorite! The crispy tortillas, warm cheese, and smoky BBQ aroma will make your kitchen feel like home. Trust me, they turn out delicious every time.
Feel free to switch up the BBQ sauce or add some veggies for a tasty twist! And don’t worry about leftoversjust store them in the fridge and reheat in a skillet for that crispy touch. A trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen!
I’d love to see how yours turn outshare your photos or memories with me! Did you grow up enjoying something similar? Save this recipe and share it with your loved ones for cozy weeknight dinners. You’ve got this!
