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Get ready for a fun meal that’s both easy and full of flavor! My BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are the perfect way to satisfy your cravings. With juicy chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, and melted cheese between crispy tortillas, you won’t want to miss this. I’ll share my simple recipe, helpful tips, and tasty variations. Let’s get cooking and bring some deliciousness to your table!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal for busy schedules.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of BBQ sauce, melted cheese, and sautéed veggies creates an explosion of flavors in every bite.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or to suit your taste preferences.
- Great for Sharing: These quesadillas are perfect for gatherings or family dinners, making them a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients Needed
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 large flour tortillas
The main ingredients for BBQ chicken quesadillas create a rich flavor. The cooked chicken provides protein, while BBQ sauce adds sweetness and depth. Mixing mozzarella and cheddar gives a creamy texture. Flour tortillas hold everything together and make it easy to eat.
Optional Ingredients
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Sour cream, for serving
– Sliced jalapeños (optional, for topping)
These optional ingredients enhance your dish. Fresh cilantro adds brightness and color. Sour cream gives a cool contrast to the warm quesadillas. Sliced jalapeños can spice things up for heat lovers.
Cooking Essentials
– Olive oil
– Cooking utensils like a skillet, spatula, and knife
Using olive oil prevents sticking and adds flavor. Essential utensils help you cook and serve your quesadillas with ease. A good skillet is key for even cooking. A spatula helps flip the quesadillas without spilling the filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
To start, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce. Use a big bowl for this. Pour in one cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Stir well until the chicken is fully coated. This step adds a lot of flavor to the quesadillas.
Sautéing the Vegetables
Next, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the hot skillet. Once it’s hot, toss in the thinly sliced red onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir them occasionally until they soften and turn golden. This makes them sweet and tasty. When done, take them out and set them aside.
Assembling the Quesadilla
Now it’s time to build the quesadilla. In the same skillet, lay a flour tortilla flat. On one half, add a good amount of the BBQ chicken mixture. Top it with the sautéed veggies. Then sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top. This helps bind everything together and adds that cheesy goodness.
Cooking Quesadilla
Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes on one side. You want the cheese to melt and the tortilla to turn golden brown. Carefully flip it over and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Repeat this for all tortillas and fillings.
Slicing and Serving
After cooking, let the quesadilla rest for a minute. This helps with slicing. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut it into wedges. For a nice presentation, arrange the slices on a colorful plate. Add a dollop of sour cream in the middle and jalapeños around it. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes!
Tips & Tricks
Best BBQ Sauce to Use
For the best flavor, choose a BBQ sauce that you love. Here are some popular brands:
– Sweet Baby Ray’s
– Stubb’s
– KC Masterpiece
You might like a spicy sauce for a kick. A honey BBQ sauce adds sweetness, too. Remember, the sauce makes the chicken shine!
Achieving the Perfect Crispy Quesadilla
To get a crispy quesadilla, use medium heat. This helps cook the tortilla evenly. Brush the outside with olive oil. It adds flavor and helps with browning. Flip the quesadilla gently to avoid spills. Cook until golden brown on both sides.
Customization Ideas
Want to change things up? Try these ideas:
– Add black beans for extra protein.
– Include corn for sweetness.
– Toss in spinach or kale for greens.
– Use different cheeses like pepper jack for spice.
Feel free to mix and match! Create your dream BBQ chicken quesadilla.
Pro Tips
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to utilize leftover rotisserie chicken, saving time and adding flavor.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor!
- Perfectly Crisp Tortillas: For an extra crispy texture, brush the outside of the tortillas with olive oil before cooking.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try mixing different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a unique twist on flavor.

Variations
Vegetarian BBQ Quesadillas
You can make a tasty vegetarian version of BBQ quesadillas. Just swap the chicken for hearty veggies. Here are some great options:
– Mushrooms: Use sliced mushrooms for a meaty texture.
– Zucchini: Thinly sliced zucchini adds a fresh crunch.
– Black Beans: Add black beans for protein and fiber.
– Corn: Sweet corn gives a nice pop of flavor.
Mix your veggies with BBQ sauce to keep that smoky taste.
Spicy BBQ Quesadillas
Want some heat? You can add spicy peppers to your quesadillas. Here are a few options:
– Jalapeños: Slice them and sprinkle on top for a classic kick.
– Chipotle Peppers: Use chipotle for a smoky, spicy flavor.
– Serrano Peppers: These bring a bright heat to your dish.
Add just the right amount to suit your spice level.
Loaded BBQ Quesadillas
Make your quesadillas even better with extra toppings. Consider these additions:
– Avocado: Sliced or mashed avocado adds creaminess.
– Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa can give a burst of flavor.
– Extra Cheese: Use a mix of cheeses like pepper jack for more taste.
– Fresh Herbs: Cilantro or green onions can brighten the dish.
These toppings can take your BBQ quesadillas to the next level!
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Quesadillas
To store leftover quesadillas, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing.
Freezing Quesadillas
To freeze quesadillas, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. You can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, take one out and thaw in the fridge overnight. This helps keep the texture nice.
Reheating Tips
For reheating, use a skillet or oven. If using a skillet, heat over medium. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until warm. If using an oven, preheat to 350°F and bake for 10-15 minutes. This way, your quesadillas stay crispy and tasty. Enjoy them with fresh toppings!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. Look for a chicken with a smoky taste to enhance your quesadilla. Just shred the meat and mix it with BBQ sauce. This shortcut makes your BBQ chicken quesadillas quick and easy.
How do I keep my quesadillas from getting soggy?
To keep your quesadillas crispy, use a few simple tricks. First, avoid using too much BBQ sauce. Less is more here. Also, cook your veggies before adding them. This step removes moisture. Finally, use a hot skillet and don’t overcrowd the pan. These tips will help you achieve that perfect crunch.
What sides pair well with BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?
Great sides for BBQ chicken quesadillas include fresh salads and chips. A simple green salad balances the rich flavors. You can also serve tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole. These options add freshness and texture to your meal. For a fun twist, try coleslaw for a crunchy side.
In this post, we explored how to make delicious BBQ chicken quesadillas. I covered key ingredients, cooking steps, tips for perfecting texture, and fun variations. Remember, the right sauce and fresh veggies elevate flavor. Customize your quesadillas to suit your taste. Lastly, store or freeze leftovers properly for later enjoyment. Now, it’s time to create your own tasty quesadillas and impress everyone at the tabl
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Delicious quesadillas filled with BBQ chicken, cheese, and sautéed vegetables.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 whole bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 large flour tortillas
- to taste tablespoons olive oil, for cooking
- to taste tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- to taste servings sour cream, for serving
- optional servings sliced jalapeños, for topping
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Stir well until the chicken is evenly coated.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced red onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, place a tortilla flat. On one half, layer the BBQ chicken mixture, sautéed onion, and bell pepper. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes. Repeat until all tortillas and filling are used.
Once cooked, remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for a minute. Slice into wedges.
Serve garnished with fresh cilantro, accompanied by sour cream and sliced jalapeños.
Arrange the quesadilla slices on a vibrant plate, served with a dollop of sour cream in the center and jalapeños arranged around for a pop of color and flavor.
Keyword BBQ chicken, easy recipe, quesadillas
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