Introduction

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a quick and tasty meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Combining smoky barbecue chicken with melted cheddar cheese creates a satisfying and flavorful dish that everyone will love.

A sliced quesadilla arranged in a circular pattern on a white plate shows a golden-brown, crispy outer layer with slightly charred spots. Between the layers of the tortilla, melted cheese and bits of orange filling peek through. On top, there are small chopped green herbs and thin slices of red onion scattered in the center along with small pieces of tomatoes, adding color contrast. A white saucer with a thick white sauce sits near the top edge of the plate. All is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 large flour tortillas
1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce until the chicken is evenly coated.
Step 2: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil.
Step 3: Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese evenly over it.
Step 4: Spread half of the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese, then sprinkle with some chopped green onions if using.
Step 5: Top with a little more cheese, then place a second tortilla on top to form a sandwich.
Step 6: Cook for 3-4 minutes, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bottom tortilla is golden and the cheese starts to melt.
Step 7: Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the other side is golden and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 8: Remove from skillet and let rest for a minute before slicing into wedges. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the chicken mixture.
Try using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy kick.
Add sautéed bell peppers or corn for added texture and sweetness.
Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping.

Storage

Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep the tortillas crispy, or microwave briefly if short on time.

How to Serve

A round quesadilla cut into eight triangular slices is arranged on a white marbled surface, each slice showing a crispy, golden-brown, slightly charred top layer with melted cheese. Visible layers inside the quesadilla include a light brown tortilla, gooey melted cheese with orange and white colors, and bits of what looks like cooked tomato or sauce peeking through. The slices are topped with thin slices of red onion and fresh green cilantro leaves scattered over the middle. A small white bowl of green salsa or guacamole is in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make BBQ chicken quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them in advance and store in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. Cook just before serving for the best texture.

What can I substitute for flour tortillas?

You can use whole wheat, corn tortillas for a different flavor, or even large pita bread for a variation on the quesadilla style.

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 74 reviews

Delicious BBQ Chicken Quesadillas featuring tender shredded chicken mixed with tangy barbecue sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and crisped in a skillet until golden brown. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal or snack.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 quesadillas (serves 4) 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Quesadilla Filling

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

Quesadillas & Cooking

4 large flour tortillas
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce and chopped green onions (if using), mixing thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly.
Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay out the flour tortillas. On one half of each tortilla, evenly spread a layer of the barbecue chicken mixture, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Fold the other half of the tortilla over to cover the filling.
Cook the Quesadillas: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Place one or two quesadillas in the skillet (depending on size) and cook until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until golden and cheese is fully melted. Repeat with remaining quesadillas, adding more olive oil as needed.
Serve: Remove quesadillas from the skillet and let cool for a minute before cutting into wedges. Serve warm with your choice of dips like sour cream or salsa.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder to the chicken mixture.
Use a mix of cheeses such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a creamier texture.
Whole wheat tortillas can be substituted for a healthier option.
Leftover quesadillas can be reheated in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, BBQ Quesadillas, Chicken Quesadilla Recipe, Easy Quesadilla, Skillet Quesadilla