Hey y’all! Emily here, and I’m beyond excited to share one of my absolute go-to quick dinner recipes: BBQ Chicken Quesadillas! Living in Austin, Texas, I’m all about that smoky, tangy BBQ flavor, and these quesadillas bring it all together in a super simple, family-friendly way. Forget complicated recipes and long cooking times – this is weeknight cooking at its finest. Get ready to ditch the takeout and whip up these crowd-pleasing quesadillas in minutes!
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
Seriously, what’s not to love? These BBQ chicken quesadillas are:
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of smoky BBQ sauce, juicy chicken, and melty cheese is irresistible.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will devour these quesadillas.
- Versatile: Great for lunch, dinner, or even a party appetizer.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken! I often make a big batch of shredded chicken specifically for these quesadillas. You can also use rotisserie chicken to save even more time. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can make them, and they are so much better than anything you can get at a restaurant.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- 8 flour tortillas (2 per quesadilla): I prefer burrito-size tortillas for a hearty quesadilla, but you can use smaller ones if you prefer.
- 2 cups shredded chicken*: Cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works great!
- 1½ cups shredded Monterey jack cheese: Monterey Jack melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that complements the BBQ sauce. Cheddar or a Mexican blend would also work well.
- ½ cup BBQ sauce, plus more for serving: Use your favorite BBQ sauce! I love a smoky, tangy sauce.
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a nice bite and crunch.
- ⅓ cup cilantro, chopped (leaves & stems): Adds a fresh, vibrant flavor.
*For the shredded chicken, you can use leftover grilled chicken, baked chicken, or even rotisserie chicken. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver! You can also quickly poach chicken breasts. Just simmer them in water or chicken broth until cooked through, then shred with two forks.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t be intimidated! Making these quesadillas is a breeze. Here’s how to do it:
- Make the filling. Mix your shredded chicken and bbq sauce together until it’s coated to your liking. Be sure to fully incorporate the bbq sauce to make the chicken taste it’s best.
- Assemble & cook. Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and place one tortilla in the pan while it’s warming up. Layer the tortilla with a handful of shredded cheese, your bbq chicken, sliced onion, cilantro and another layer of cheese. Place another tortilla over the top layer and let the quesadilla cook for a few minutes (or until the cheese begins to melt and the bottom tortilla is golden brown. Then flip and cook until the second side it golden brown.
- Serve. Slide the quesadilla out of the pan and cut it into 4-6 pieces. Serve immediately with extra bbq sauce on the side.
Pro Tips for Perfect Quesadillas
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook one quesadilla at a time to ensure even cooking and prevent the tortillas from steaming.
- Use medium heat: Cooking over medium heat allows the cheese to melt without burning the tortillas.
- Press down gently: Use a spatula to gently press down on the quesadilla as it cooks. This helps the tortillas adhere to the filling and ensures even browning.
- Get creative with fillings: Feel free to add other ingredients like black beans, corn, or jalapeños.
- Use a non-stick pan: This will prevent the tortillas from sticking and make flipping easier.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the quesadilla: Too much filling will make it difficult to flip and the quesadilla may fall apart.
- Using too much heat: High heat will burn the tortillas before the cheese melts.
- Not using enough cheese: Cheese is the glue that holds the quesadilla together, so don’t skimp on it!
- Flipping too early: Wait until the bottom tortilla is golden brown before flipping to prevent sticking.
BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious variations:
- Spicy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for a kick. You could also add sliced jalapeños to the filling.
- Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: Add diced pineapple and a sprinkle of coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
- Black Bean & Corn BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: Add black beans and corn to the filling for a heartier, more Southwestern-inspired quesadilla.
- Veggie BBQ Quesadillas: Add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Different Cheeses: Try pepper jack for a spicier quesadilla, or cheddar for a classic flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These BBQ chicken quesadillas are delicious on their own, but here are some tasty serving suggestions:
- Serve them with a side of sour cream and guacamole or some fresh pico de gallo.
- Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli.
- Serve them with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Cut them into smaller pieces and serve them as appetizers at your next party.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Storage: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and the cheese is melted. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Microwaving is an option, but the tortillas may become soggy.
These are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are still delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making BBQ chicken quesadillas:
- Can I use different types of tortillas? Yes, you can use corn tortillas if you prefer. However, flour tortillas are more pliable and easier to work with.
- Can I make these ahead of time? You can assemble the quesadillas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them.
- Can I freeze these quesadillas? I don’t recommend freezing cooked quesadillas, as the tortillas may become soggy when thawed.
- What kind of BBQ sauce should I use? Use your favorite BBQ sauce! I prefer a smoky, tangy sauce, but you can use whatever you like.
- Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
Emily’s Final Thoughts
These Easy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a lifesaver on busy weeknights. They’re quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. The combination of smoky BBQ chicken, melty cheese, and crisp tortillas is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re so customizable – you can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked! You can easily make them your own by adding in different cheeses and vegetables. Serve them with your favorite sides, and you’ve got a complete meal that everyone will love! Enjoy!
I hope you enjoyed this recipe! Let me know in the comments below if you tried it and what you thought. And don’t forget to check out my other delicious recipes for more easy and flavorful meal ideas!
If you like this recipe, you should try my cheesy-quesadilla-bites, cheese-quesadilla-bites, and cheese-quesadilla-minis!