Imagine crisp, golden tortillas hugging tender chicken tossed in a tangy barbecue sauce, a gooey blanket of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack, and a bright sprinkle of fresh cilantro. These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas deliver juicy, smoky flavor in every bite, perfect for cheering on your favorite team or gathering friends for a quick, crowd-pleasing snack. Simply stack, grill until the cheese oozes, then slice into irresistible wedges that pair brilliantly with zesty lime crema or chipotle yogurt dip. Whether it’s game day, a casual weeknight, or anytime you crave something fun, these quesadillas always steal the show.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Loaded with smoky flavor from BBQ sauce and tender chicken.
- Cheesy goodness that melts in your mouth with every bite.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings like jalapeños or avocado.
- Great for sharing during game day or casual gatherings!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 6 minutes |
| Extra Time | 1 minute resting |
| Total Time | 17 minutes |
| Dietary | High Protein |
| Serves | 6 |
| Best Served | Hot and crispy with fresh cilantro! |
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious BBQ Chicken Quesadillas!
- 6 flour tortillas – 8-inch, perfect for holding the filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken – shredded, for that smoky flavor
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce – adds a sweet and tangy taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – melty goodness
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro – chopped, for a fresh touch
- 1 tbsp butter or oil – for cooking, to get that crispy texture
How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Get ready for a delicious treat! The preparation time is just 10 minutes, and cooking takes about 6 minutes. Let’s not forget a minute to let them rest before slicing. Perfect for a quick dinner or game day!
Step 1: Spread the Chicken
Spread shredded chicken in a bowl and toss with BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a little butter or add oil.
Step 3: Add the Tortilla
Place one tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle half of the cheese evenly over it.
Step 4: Layer the Filling
Top with BBQ chicken mixture, chopped cilantro, and remaining cheese.
Step 5: Cover and Cook
Cover with second tortilla and cook for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and cheese starts to melt.
Step 6: Flip and Finish
Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook another 2–3 minutes until both sides are crisp and cheese is fully melted.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Transfer to a cutting board, let rest for 1 minute, then slice into wedges. Serve hot.
Pro Tips for Making BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- Shred the chicken finely for even distribution.
- Use a mix of cheeses for a melty, flavorful filling.
- Preheat the skillet for a perfectly crispy tortilla.
- Add fresh cilantro just before serving for a burst of flavor.
- Experiment with different BBQ sauces for unique tastes.
How to Serve this BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- Serve with a side of creamy ranch or avocado dip for extra flavor.
- Pair with a fresh corn salad for a refreshing crunch.
- Top with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Enjoy with a side of tortilla chips and salsa for a complete snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your BBQ Chicken Quesadillas for later enjoyment:
Storing BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Leftovers
- Allow quesadillas to cool completely.
- Wrap each quesadilla in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place wrapped quesadillas in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- Cool quesadillas completely before freezing.
- Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place wrapped quesadillas in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- For refrigerated quesadillas, heat in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
- For frozen quesadillas, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Check for melted cheese and crispy edges before serving.
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Spread shredded chicken in a bowl and toss with BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a little butter or add oil.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle half of the cheese evenly over it.
- Top with BBQ chicken mixture, chopped cilantro, and remaining cheese.
- Cover with second tortilla and cook for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and cheese starts to melt.
- Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook another 2–3 minutes until both sides are crisp and cheese is fully melted.
- Transfer to a cutting board, let rest for 1 minute, then slice into wedges. Serve hot.
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 30g |
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works perfectly in these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the BBQ sauce for a quick and delicious filling.
2. What type of cheese works best for quesadillas?
For quesadillas, a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and cheddar is fantastic. They melt well and provide a nice flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick!
3. Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble the quesadillas and cook them for a few minutes until crispy. This makes for a quick meal option!
4. What can I serve with BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?
These quesadillas pair wonderfully with sides like guacamole, salsa, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with sour cream or a yogurt-based dip for added creaminess. Enjoy your meal!
Final Thoughts
Get ready to savor the deliciousness of BBQ Chicken Quesadillas! They’re not just a treat for game day; they’re a quick and satisfying meal any night of the week. With crispy tortillas, smoky chicken, and gooey cheese, every bite is a celebration. So gather your ingredients, whip them up, and enjoy the simple joy of this delightful dish!