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For tasty BBQ chicken quesadillas, you need some key ingredients: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup BBQ sauce - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 4 large flour tortillas - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper, to taste These ingredients work together to create a rich flavor. The chicken mixes well with the BBQ sauce. The cheese adds a creamy texture. Red onion gives a sweet crunch, while cilantro brightens the dish. You can enhance your quesadillas with some fun toppings: - Sour cream - Lime wedges Sour cream adds a cool touch. Lime gives a zesty kick when squeezed on top. You can also serve a side of salsa or guacamole for more flavors. Feel free to get creative! When picking your ingredients, focus on quality: - Choose fresh chicken for better taste. - Use your favorite BBQ sauce for a personal touch. - Select good cheese, like fresh mozzarella and sharp cheddar. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. Always check for bright colors and firm textures in your veggies. This way, your BBQ chicken quesadillas will shine on your table! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by shredding 2 cups of cooked chicken. This can be rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Stir well so every piece of chicken is coated. This mixture gives your quesadillas their great flavor. Set it aside for later. Next, grab a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 thinly sliced red onion to the skillet. Sauté the onions for about 5 minutes. You want them to soften and start to caramelize. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once done, remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside. Now it’s time to make the quesadillas! Take one large flour tortilla and lay it flat in the skillet. On one half of the tortilla, sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese helps the filling stick together. Spoon half of the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese. Then add half of the sautéed onions on top. Finally, sprinkle some fresh cilantro for extra flavor. Carefully fold the tortilla in half. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Flip the quesadilla gently and cook for another 3-4 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and the tortilla to be crispy. Once cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and let it cool for a minute. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into wedges. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling. Serve warm with sour cream and lime wedges for dipping. Enjoy! To get a crispy quesadilla, start with a hot skillet. Use enough oil to coat the bottom. This helps the tortillas brown well. Flip the quesadilla gently to keep the filling inside. Cook each side until golden, about three to four minutes. For extra crunch, press down lightly with a spatula while cooking. A large skillet is key for making these quesadillas. Non-stick pans work best for easy flipping. A spatula helps you flip without spilling the filling. A sharp knife or pizza cutter is great for slicing. Consider using a food thermometer to check if cheese is melted. If your quesadilla is soggy, it may have too much BBQ sauce. Start with less sauce and add more if needed. For burnt edges, lower the heat and cook longer. If the cheese does not melt, cover the pan with a lid briefly. This creates steam and helps melt the cheese evenly. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: If you have any leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken, this is a great way to use it up and save time on cooking. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. Pepper jack or gouda can add a nice twist to these quesadillas. Add Some Heat: If you enjoy a spicy kick, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture. Serve with a Side: These quesadillas pair perfectly with a simple salad or some fresh guacamole for a complete meal. {{image_4}} You can switch chicken for other proteins. Try using beef or pulled pork. Both add great flavor. You can also use turkey for a leaner choice. Just season well with BBQ sauce. Each protein gives a unique taste to your quesadilla. For a vegetarian twist, use grilled veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms work well. Cook them until soft, then season with salt and pepper. Layer the grilled veggies with cheese in your quesadilla. This option is colorful and packed with nutrients. Cheese is key in quesadillas. Mozzarella and cheddar are classic, but you can try others. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick. Feta brings a tangy flavor. Mix and match your favorite cheeses for a unique blend. Use what you like best to make it your own! To store leftover quesadillas, let them cool first. Wrap each quesadilla in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and tasty for your next meal. When ready to eat, reheat the quesadillas for the best taste. Use a skillet over medium heat. Place the quesadilla in the skillet without oil. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This method keeps the quesadilla crispy. You can also use a microwave. Heat on a plate for about 1-2 minutes. However, this may make the tortilla soft. To freeze quesadillas, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out the air. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To cook frozen quesadillas, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above for the best results. This way, you have a quick meal ready to go! Yes, you can make BBQ chicken quesadillas ahead of time. Prepare the chicken mixture and the sautéed onions. Store them in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, assemble and cook the quesadillas. They will taste fresh and delicious. The best BBQ sauce depends on your taste. I recommend using a sweet and tangy sauce. Look for one with a balance of flavors. A smoky BBQ sauce also adds great depth. You can even try a spicy sauce if you like heat! Yes, you can use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Corn tortillas add a unique flavor. They are also gluten-free. Keep in mind that corn tortillas may be less flexible. They might crack when folded, so handle them gently. You now have a solid guide to making BBQ chicken quesadillas. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You can add your favorite toppings or choose alternative proteins. Remember to store your leftovers properly for later enjoyment. With these insights, you can create a tasty meal any day. Try different cheese combinations or grilling veggies for a unique twist. Enjoy the process and have fun in the kitchen!

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas with Red Onion & Cilantro

Delicious quesadillas filled with BBQ chicken, cheese, and fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 whole red onion, thinly sliced
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional sour cream and lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Stir well to ensure that all the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated. Set the mixture aside for later use.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced red onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions have softened and started to caramelize. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside.
  • Take one large flour tortilla and lay it flat in the heated skillet. On one half of the tortilla, sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Spoon half of the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese, then evenly distribute half of the sautéed red onions on top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
  • Carefully fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom side turns a golden brown. Flip the quesadilla gently and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the tortilla is crispy.
  • Once cooked, transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board and let it cool slightly for about a minute. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into wedges. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
  • Serve the quesadillas warm, accompanied by a side of sour cream and lime wedges for a zesty dip.

Notes

Serve with sour cream and lime wedges for added flavor.
Keyword BBQ chicken, easy recipe, quesadillas