If you’re craving a meal that brings together the smoky sweetness of barbecue with melty cheese and the satisfying crisp of a perfectly toasted tortilla, you’re in for a treat with this BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe. It’s a lively twist on a classic favorite that’s easy to whip up in under 30 minutes, making it an unbeatable option for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. The combination of tender shredded chicken tossed in rich BBQ sauce, vibrant veggies, and gooey cheese creates a flavor-packed experience that gets better with every bite. Trust me, once you try this BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to comfort meals!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the perfect BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe. Each item here plays an essential role—from the tender chicken and bold BBQ sauce to the melty cheese that brings everything together with delicious harmony.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Using shredded chicken allows the BBQ sauce to coat every bite perfectly.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite barbecue sauce to set the flavor tone—sweet, tangy, or smoky works beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): Cheddar brings sharpness, while mozzarella offers a creamy stretch—both melt wonderfully.
- 4 large flour tortillas: Large tortillas hold up well, giving you plenty of room for filling and easy folding.
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a sweet yet savory crunch that balances the rich BBQ flavors.
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, thinly sliced: Bell peppers contribute a fresh pop of color and mild sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the veggies and crisp up the tortilla to golden perfection.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle layer of warmth and savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor while keeping the taste mellow.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing the whole dish together.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds a bright, herbal note that livens up each bite.
- Sour cream (optional, for serving): Creamy and cooling contrast that pairs perfectly with the smoky BBQ flavors.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Step 1: Get Prepped and Ready
Start by heating your skillet over medium heat and adding the olive oil to coat the pan’s surface. This ensures the veggies and tortillas won’t stick and will develop that irresistible golden crust. Meanwhile, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl until every strand is flavorful and coated evenly.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Once your skillet is warm, toss in the thinly sliced red onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes—just until they soften and release their sweet, fragrant aroma. These veggies add a vibrant crunch and a touch of freshness to balance the rich chicken filling.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Veggies
Add the BBQ-coated chicken to the skillet with the softened vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the flavors meld while heating thoroughly. This step fuses the savory, sweet, and smoky elements into one satisfying filling.
Step 4: Assemble Your Quesadillas
Lay a large flour tortilla flat and spread a generous amount of the chicken mixture over half of it. Don’t skimp here—the balance of protein, veggies, and sauce is what makes this BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe stand out. Next, sprinkle a hearty layer of shredded cheese over the chicken. Fold the tortilla in half carefully, creating the quesadilla shape, ready for the pan.
Step 5: Cook Until Crispy and Melted
Transfer the folded quesadilla to your hot skillet. Cook it for about 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom turns golden brown and irresistibly crispy. Gently flip with a spatula and cook the other side for 2 to 3 more minutes. The cheese should be melted inside, binding everything into a melty, flavorful pocket of yum.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Remove the cooked quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool for a minute or two—that way, you avoid losing all the molten cheese! Once slightly cooled, cut it into wedges to serve. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling until all are cooked to perfection.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches elevate any dish, and with this BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe, bright fresh chopped cilantro adds a fantastic herbal pop that balances the robust flavors. A dollop of sour cream on the side is also a classic companion, offering a creamy coolness that beautifully contrasts the smoky barbecue taste.
Side Dishes
Serve these quesadillas with a fresh, crisp side salad or some zesty Mexican rice for a complete meal. Black beans or corn salsa also make wonderful accompaniments, adding texture and variety. These simple sides keep the meal vibrant and satisfying without overpowering the main star.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual get-together, cut your BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe into bite-sized triangles and arrange them on a colorful platter with small bowls of guacamole and salsa for dipping. Layering with different sauces not only looks inviting but lets everyone customize their ideal bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any of these quesadillas left over, wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, retaining most of their deliciousness.
Freezing
To freeze, prepare the quesadillas completely, cool them down, and then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap followed by foil. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat to revive that crisp, gooey magic. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crunchy exterior and melted cheese. Cook each side for a few minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and works perfectly because it’s already tender and flavorful, making the preparation even quicker.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
It really depends on your preference. Smoky or sweet barbecue sauces add rich depth, while tangier ones bring a sharper bite. Feel free to experiment until you find your perfect match.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the flour tortillas for your favorite gluten-free tortillas, and you’re good to go without compromising taste or texture.
Is it okay to add other vegetables?
Definitely. Mushrooms, corn, or even jalapeños can be great additions if you want extra layers of flavor and texture.
How spicy is this BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe?
This version is mild, focusing on smoky and sweet notes. However, you can easily add some hot sauce or chopped chiles if you like it with a kick.
Final Thoughts
I hope this BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe inspires you to create something deliciously satisfying in your kitchen. It’s a wonderful combination of flavors and textures that feels both comforting and exciting at the same time. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, these quesadillas are guaranteed to bring smiles and full bellies. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and dive into making this crowd-pleaser tonight!
Print
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce is combined with sautéed peppers and onions, then layered with melted cheese inside crispy, golden tortillas. Ready in just 30 minutes, they make a satisfying lunch or dinner that’s flavorful and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, thinly sliced
Quesadillas
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Garnish and Serving
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather and prepare all ingredients including shredding the cooked chicken and slicing the vegetables.
- Heat Skillet and Add Oil: Preheat your skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil to coat the pan evenly.
- Mix Chicken with BBQ Sauce and Spices: In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to incorporate all flavors.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the sliced red onion and bell pepper to the heated skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
- Add Chicken Mixture to Skillet: Stir the BBQ chicken mixture into the skillet with the vegetables and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Assemble Quesadilla: Lay one tortilla flat on a surface. Spread a portion of the chicken and vegetable mixture evenly over half of the tortilla.
- Add Cheese and Fold: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken side, then fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
- Cook Quesadilla – First Side: Carefully place the folded quesadilla into the hot skillet. Cook about 3-4 minutes until the bottom side is golden brown and crispy.
- Flip Quesadilla and Cook Other Side: Gently flip the quesadilla with a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is melted inside.
- Cool and Cut: Remove the quesadilla from the skillet. Let it cool for a minute before slicing into wedges.
- Repeat for Remaining Quesadillas: Continue assembling and cooking the remaining tortillas with the filling in the same manner.
Notes
- Use any BBQ sauce of your choice for varying flavor profiles.
- Cheddar or mozzarella cheese works well, but feel free to use a blend for extra taste.
- Serve with sour cream and fresh cilantro for added creaminess and freshness.
- To make it spicier, add chopped jalapeños to the filling.
- Ensure skillet is hot before adding ingredients to get a crispy exterior on the quesadillas.
