Easy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

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There’s something magical about that moment when cheese starts to melt and stretch between two perfectly crisp tortillas. Now imagine adding tender, smoky BBQ chicken to that equation! BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are the answer to your “what’s for dinner?” dilemma when time isn’t on your side but your craving for flavor is strong.

These quesadillas combine the comfort of gooey cheese with the bold flavors of barbecue in a package that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids after school or looking for a quick meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste, these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas will become your new weeknight hero.

Ingredients List

For these mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, gather these simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (sweet and smoky varieties work best)
• 8 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
• 2 cups shredded cheese blend (Monterey Jack and cheddar combination recommended)
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced (optional for heat lovers)
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil for cooking
• Sour cream and additional BBQ sauce for serving

Substitution Ideas:

• Vegetarian? Replace chicken with 2 cups of black beans or jackfruit for a similar texture
• Gluten-free? Use corn tortillas or gluten-free flour tortillas
• No BBQ sauce? Mix 2 tablespoons ketchup with 1 tablespoon each of honey, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar
• Dairy-free option: Substitute with your favorite plant-based cheese alternative

Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

That’s 50% faster than most homemade dinner recipes, which typically require at least 40 minutes from start to finish! These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas save you valuable time without compromising on flavor or satisfaction.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your BBQ Chicken Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until thoroughly coated. The sauce should be enough to flavor the chicken without making it soggy. If using rotisserie chicken straight from the fridge, microwave the mixture for 30 seconds to take the chill off—this helps your quesadillas cook more evenly.

Step 2: Assemble Your Quesadillas

Lay out your tortillas on a clean work surface. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of the cheese blend on one half of each tortilla. This creates a cheese base that helps everything stick together. Next, distribute the BBQ chicken mixture evenly among the tortillas, placing it on top of the cheese. Sprinkle with diced red onion, jalapeños (if using), and cilantro. Finish with another 1/4 cup of cheese on top.

Step 3: Fold and Prepare for Cooking

Fold the empty half of each tortilla over the filled side to create a half-moon shape. Press gently to seal. This folding technique ensures your BBQ Chicken Quesadillas cook evenly and are easy to flip without losing the delicious filling.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to coat the pan. When the butter is melted or the oil is shimmering, place 1-2 quesadillas in the pan (depending on size). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted throughout.

Pro tip: Place a small lid or plate on top of the quesadilla while cooking to ensure even heat distribution and maximum cheese meltiness!

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Transfer the cooked quesadillas to a cutting board and let them rest for about 30 seconds. This brief resting period allows the cheese to set slightly so your fillings don’t spill out when cutting. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut each quesadilla into 2-3 triangular pieces. Serve immediately with extra BBQ sauce and sour cream on the side.

Nutritional Information

Each BBQ Chicken Quesadilla (1 complete quesadilla) contains approximately:

• Calories: 425 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 21g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g (primarily from BBQ sauce)
• Sodium: 820mg

These values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. This nutritional profile makes these quesadillas a fairly balanced meal with significant protein content and moderate carbohydrates.

Healthier Alternatives for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Love the idea of BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, but looking to make them even more nutritious? Try these modifications:

• Lower Calorie Version: Use whole wheat tortillas (saving 20 calories per quesadilla) and light cheese (reducing fat by 30%)
• Reduced Sodium Option: Make your BBQ sauce with low-sodium ingredients and use rotisserie chicken without skin
• More Veggies: Add 1/4 cup of finely diced bell peppers and spinach to each quesadilla for extra nutrients and fiber
• Leaner Protein: Substitute shredded chicken breast (prepared without skin) to reduce fat content by approximately 5g per serving
• Carb-Conscious: Use low-carb tortillas, which can reduce the carbohydrate content by up to 50% per quesadilla

These adjustments allow you to customize your BBQ Chicken Quesadillas to suit various dietary needs without sacrificing their crowd-pleasing flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Transform your BBQ Chicken Quesadillas into a complete meal with these complementary sides:

• Fresh and Light: Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to balance the richness
• Tex-Mex Fiesta: Pair with black bean and corn salsa, guacamole, and lime wedges
• Family-Style: Cut into smaller pieces and arrange on a platter with various dipping sauces (avocado ranch, chipotle mayo, additional BBQ sauce)
• Soup and Quesadilla Combo: Serve alongside a small bowl of tortilla soup for a restaurant-worthy meal
• Kid-Friendly: Cut into thin strips (quesadilla “fingers”) with individual dipping cups of BBQ sauce

For beverages, these quesadillas pair beautifully with Mexican-style lagers, unsweetened iced tea with lime, or a refreshing strawberry lemonade.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes like BBQ Chicken Quesadillas have potential pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid them:

1. Overfilling: Using more than 1/3 cup of filling per quesadilla leads to spillage and uneven cooking. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
2. Heat Too High: Cooking on high heat burns the tortillas before the cheese melts. Medium heat is perfect—73% of home cooks report better results at this temperature.
3. Skipping the Rest: Not allowing quesadillas to rest for 30 seconds after cooking results in filling that spills out when cut.
4. Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold chicken and cheese from the refrigerator prevents proper melting. Let ingredients come to room temperature or pre-warm them slightly.
5. Soggy Tortillas: Using too much BBQ sauce makes tortillas soggy. Drain excess sauce from chicken before assembling.

Following these guidelines ensures your BBQ Chicken Quesadillas achieve that perfect balance of crispy exterior and melty interior every time.

Storing Tips for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Made too many BBQ Chicken Quesadillas? Here’s how to save them for later:

• Refrigeration: Store completely cooled quesadillas in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: These quesadillas freeze beautifully! Wrap individual portions in aluminum foil, then place in freezer bags. They can be stored frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: For the crispiest results, reheat refrigerated quesadillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes per side. For frozen quesadillas, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as above. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
• Prep Ahead: Prepare the BBQ chicken mixture up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator for even quicker assembly.
• Component Storage: Keep shredded chicken, cheese, and chopped vegetables in separate containers for a DIY quesadilla bar that stays fresh longer.

Proper storage ensures your leftover BBQ Chicken Quesadillas maintain their delicious flavor and texture for your next meal.

Loved this recipe? Try these next:

• Quesadilla Rellena
• quesadilla and side dishes
• Quesadilla Explosion Salad

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas bring together the savory satisfaction of tender chicken, the bold punch of barbecue sauce, and the irresistible appeal of melted cheese—all wrapped in a crispy tortilla package that’s ready in just 20 minutes. They’re versatile, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

Ready to transform your dinner routine with these delicious BBQ Chicken Quesadillas? Give this recipe a try tonight and share your experience in the comments section below! Did you add your special twist? We’d love to hear about it. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more quick, flavorful recipes that make mealtime something to look forward to!

FAQs BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Are quesadillas good for protein?

Yes, quesadillas can be a good source of protein. A typical chicken quesadilla provides approximately 25-30g of protein per serving, primarily from the chicken and cheese. The exact amount depends on the quantity of ingredients used and their protein content. Adding beans can further increase the protein value.

How many days is a chicken quesadilla good for?

Properly stored chicken quesadillas will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator when kept in an airtight container. For best quality, they should be consumed within the first 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months if wrapped properly in foil and stored in freezer bags.

What is the secret to a quesadilla?

The secret to a perfect quesadilla is proper heat management and ingredient balance. Cook on medium heat (not high) to allow the cheese to melt completely while the tortilla gets crispy without burning. Use a combination of cheeses for better melting and flavor, and don’t overfill, which can cause ingredients to spill out and uneven cooking.

What does a chicken quesadilla contain?

A traditional chicken quesadilla contains:

• Flour tortillas
• Cooked, seasoned chicken (often shredded or diced)
• Cheese (typically a blend including Monterey Jack, cheddar, or queso blanco)
• Optional ingredients may include onions, peppers, cilantro, and spices
• Sauces like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole are commonly served on the side

Variations can include additional ingredients like jalapeños, corn, beans, or different seasonings depending on regional preferences.