Looking for a quick, delicious, and easy-to-make meal? These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are the perfect solution! Full of smoky BBQ flavor, tender chicken, and melty cheese, these quesadillas come together in just 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights, lunch, or even a fun snack.
Let’s dive into how to make the best BBQ Chicken Quesadillas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather these simple ingredients. You can adjust them based on your preferences or what you have in your kitchen.
- Cooked Chicken – Shredded or chopped (leftover chicken works great!)
- BBQ Sauce – Use your favorite BBQ sauce for that smoky, tangy flavor
- Flour Tortillas – Medium-sized tortillas work best, but feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free options
- Shredded Cheese – Cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend
- Onions – Sliced thin for a little extra flavor
- Cilantro – Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Sour Cream – For dipping (optional)
- Olive Oil or Butter – To cook the quesadillas
How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas (Step-by-Step)
Making BBQ Chicken Quesadillas is simple and fun. Here’s how you can do it:
- Prepare the Chicken
If you don’t already have cooked chicken, you can quickly cook some. You can use grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover chicken. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mix it with BBQ sauce until it’s nicely coated. - Prepare the Tortillas
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brush one side of each tortilla with a little olive oil or butter. This will help them get golden and crispy while cooking. - Assemble the Quesadillas
Place a tortilla on the skillet (oil side down). On one half of the tortilla, add a handful of shredded cheese, then spread a layer of the BBQ chicken mixture. You can also add thin slices of onion at this stage if you like a little extra flavor. Then sprinkle some more cheese on top for extra meltiness. - Cook the Quesadillas
Fold the tortilla in half, covering the filling. Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on one side until it’s golden and crispy. Flip it over carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until the cheese is fully melted inside. - Serve and Enjoy
Once both sides are crispy and the cheese is gooey, remove the quesadilla from the skillet. Let it rest for a minute, then cut it into wedges. Serve with a side of sour cream, cilantro, or even extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- Crispiness: If you want extra crispy quesadillas, press them down gently with a spatula while they cook.
- Cheese: Make sure to use a good amount of cheese. It helps hold everything together and makes each bite gooey and delicious.
- Add Veggies: Want to sneak in some veggies? Add bell peppers, spinach, or corn to the chicken mixture for more flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add sliced jalapeños or some hot sauce to the chicken mix.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
These quesadillas are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to complete the meal:
- Side Dishes: Serve with a fresh salad, coleslaw, or even some crispy sweet potato fries.
- Dips: Try pairing with guacamole, salsa, or extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
- Drinks: A cold soda, iced tea, or lemonade goes perfectly with these cheesy quesadillas.
Meal Prep, Storage, and Reheating Tips
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are perfect for meal prep. Here’s how you can store and reheat them:
Storage
Let the quesadillas cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Reheat quesadillas in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes to get them crispy again. You can also warm them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy.
Freezing
If you want to freeze them, place the cooked quesadillas in an airtight container or wrap them in foil. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use a different kind of chicken?
Yes! You can use any kind of chicken you prefer, like grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even ground chicken.
Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the quesadillas, store them in the fridge, and then cook them later. This is great for meal prep.
Can I use gluten-free tortillas?
Yes, you can! Just use your favorite gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Quick BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (leftover works great!)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 4 flour tortillas
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- ½ small onion, thinly sliced
- Olive oil or butter for cooking
- Optional: Sour cream, cilantro, or extra BBQ sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until evenly coated. Set aside.
- Assemble the Quesadillas: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brush with olive oil or butter. Place one tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle with cheese, then add a generous amount of BBQ chicken and some onions. Top with more cheese and place another tortilla on top.
- Cook the Quesadillas: Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted inside. Repeat for remaining quesadillas.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the quesadillas into wedges and serve with sour cream, cilantro, or extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
