BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is a fantastic dish that combines the smoky flavor of BBQ sauce with cheesy goodness and tender chicken. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, making it a versatile choice for any meal. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also offers a delightful taste that everyone will love.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Save this!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious meal on the table in no time.
Flavor Packed: The combination of BBQ sauce, chicken, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering experience.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner. It fits any occasion!
Customizable Toppings: Serve with your favorite sides like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for added flavor.
Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this tasty twist on traditional quesadillas.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items to have on hand when making BBQ Chicken Quesadilla.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Skillet
Spatula
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Skillet: A non-stick skillet helps achieve that perfect golden-brown quesadilla without sticking.
Spatula: A flat spatula is essential for flipping quesadillas safely and smoothly.
Knife: Use a sharp knife to chop onions and shred chicken efficiently.
Cutting board: Protects your countertop while prepping ingredients.

Ingredients

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are stuffed with cheese, chicken, onions, and BBQ sauce. They take minutes to prep and cook for a quick and easy dinner.

For the Quesadilla Filling

1 teaspoon Olive oil
½ cup sliced red onions
2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded into big chunks)
1/2 cup bbq sauce

For the Quesadilla Assembly

2 tortillas (10-12 inch burrito size)
2 tablespoons Butter (room temperature)
2 cups shredded cheddar-jack cheese

Optional for Serving

cilantro
sour cream
guacamole
salsa
ranch dip

How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Step 1: Cook the Onions and Chicken Mixture

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the olive oil and sliced red onions to the skillet.
Cook the onions until soft; about 5 minutes.
Add the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce to the skillet.
Stir to combine everything thoroughly and remove from heat.

Step 2: Prepare Tortillas

Spread butter onto one side of each tortilla evenly.

Step 3: Assemble the Quesadilla

Heat another skillet over medium heat.
Place one tortilla in the skillet, butter side down.
Sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded cheese on one half of the tortilla.
Layer half of the chicken mixture over the cheese.
Top with another ¼ cup of cheese.
Fold the tortilla in half carefully.

Step 4: Cook the Quesadilla

Cook until golden brown on one side; then use a spatula to flip it gently.
Cook until golden on the other side as well.
Gently press down while cooking to ensure even melting.
Transfer to a wire rack or cutting board while you repeat with remaining tortillas.

Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Quesadillas!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are not only delicious but also versatile. You can elevate this dish with various sides and toppings. Here are some great serving suggestions to complement your quesadilla.

Fresh Cilantro

Add fresh cilantro on top of the quesadilla for a burst of flavor and freshness.

Sour Cream

Serve with a side of sour cream for a creamy contrast that balances the BBQ sauce’s sweetness.

Guacamole

Pair with guacamole for a rich, creamy texture that enhances the overall taste.

Salsa

A fresh salsa can bring acidity and zest, making each bite more refreshing.

Ranch Dip

Drizzle ranch dip over the quesadilla or serve it on the side for added creaminess.

Pickled Jalapeños

For those who enjoy spice, pickled jalapeños add heat and tang to your serving experience.

How to Perfect BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

To make your BBQ Chicken Quesadilla truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged cheese blends, enhancing the texture.
Don’t Overstuff: Keep your filling moderate to prevent spills and ensure even cooking while maintaining a crispy tortilla.
Cook on Medium Heat: Cooking on medium heat allows the cheese to melt perfectly without burning the tortilla.
Let It Rest: After cooking, let the quesadilla rest for a minute before slicing. This helps keep everything together.
Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheese combinations like pepper jack or mozzarella for varied flavors.
Add Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers or spinach into your filling for extra nutrition and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Pairing side dishes with BBQ Chicken Quesadillas can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to try.

Mexican Rice: Flavored rice complements the quesadilla’s taste and adds heartiness to the meal.
Black Beans: A side of seasoned black beans provides protein and fiber, making your meal more balanced.
Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad adds sweetness and crunch, brightening up your plate.
Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies provide a smoky flavor that pairs well with BBQ chicken.
Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with salsa offer an enjoyable crunch alongside your quesadilla.
Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw balances out the richness of the quesadilla nicely.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are an indulgent treat that complements any Mexican dish perfectly.
Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad offers a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the quesadilla.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, small errors can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common mistakes to keep in mind.

Skipping the Preheat: Not preheating your skillet can result in uneven cooking. Always heat your skillet before adding ingredients for the best texture.
Overstuffing the Quesadilla: Adding too much filling can make it difficult to flip and cook evenly. Keep fillings to a moderate amount for easy handling.
Ignoring Butter Quality: Using cold butter can make spreading difficult and affect browning. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy application.
Using Low-Quality Tortillas: Cheap tortillas may tear easily or not hold up well during cooking. Choose high-quality tortillas for a better experience.
Cooking on High Heat: Cooking on too high of a heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside cold. Stick to medium heat for even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover BBQ Chicken Quesadillas in an airtight container.
They will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Wrap each quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place quesadillas on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate; heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking periodically.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook each quesadilla until warm, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about BBQ Chicken Quesadillas that you might find helpful.

What type of chicken should I use for BBQ Chicken Quesadilla?

You can use any cooked chicken, but shredded rotisserie chicken works great for convenience and flavor.

Can I customize my BBQ Chicken Quesadilla?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peppers or corn, or swap out cheeses based on your preference.

How do I ensure my BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is crispy?

Make sure to spread enough butter on the tortilla and cook over medium heat. This helps achieve that perfect golden crispiness.

What sauces pair well with BBQ Chicken Quesadilla?

Serve with ranch dip, guacamole, or salsa for added flavor and variety.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are not only quick and easy but also versatile and delicious. You can customize them based on your taste preferences by adding different toppings or sides. Give this recipe a try today!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Grace
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Description

BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is the ultimate comfort food that combines smoky BBQ flavors, tender chicken, and melty cheese, all enveloped in a crispy tortilla. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a satisfying meal that pleases everyone at the table. Customize it with your favorite toppings like guacamole and salsa for an extra flavor boost! Whether served as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner, this BBQ Chicken Quesadilla promises to be a hit.

Ingredients

Scale

1 teaspoon olive oil
½ cup sliced red onions
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
½ cup BBQ sauce
2 large tortillas (10–12 inch)
2 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
2 cups shredded cheddar-jack cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sliced red onions. Cook until soft (about 5 minutes).
Stir in shredded chicken and BBQ sauce; combine well and remove from heat.
Spread butter on one side of each tortilla.
In another skillet over medium heat, place one tortilla butter-side down. Sprinkle half of the cheese on one half.
Layer with half of the chicken mixture and top with more cheese before folding the tortilla.
Cook until golden brown on each side, pressing gently to ensure even melting.
Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Mexican