BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas combine tender, smoky barbecue chicken with gooey melted cheese and crispy tortillas, creating a quick and flavorful meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is customizable and loved by both kids and adults for its delicious balance of textures and bold BBQ flavors.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 quesadillas (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free tortillas)
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or grilled)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (smoky or sweet, your choice)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for toasting)
Optional Extras
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1–2 jalapeños, diced (for spicy kick)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sautéed bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms (for veggie variation)
- Prepare the chicken filling: Shred the cooked chicken into bite-size pieces and mix thoroughly with the barbecue sauce in a bowl, ensuring all chicken shreds are well coated with the smoky, tangy sauce.
- Assemble the quesadillas: Lay one flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over half of the tortilla. Evenly spread a layer of the BBQ chicken mixture on top of the cheese, then add another layer of cheese over the chicken. Fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape enclosing the filling.
- Cook until golden and melty: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil or butter. Place the assembled quesadilla in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crisp while the cheese inside has melted to a gooey texture.
- Slice and serve: Remove the cooked quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for a minute to firm up slightly. Slice into wedges and serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Notes
- Don’t overload the filling to avoid difficulty flipping and messiness.
- Use medium heat for even cooking and proper cheese melting without burning the tortilla.
- Press gently with a spatula while cooking to ensure even contact with the pan and encourage melting.
- Let quesadillas rest for a minute before slicing to prevent cheese from spilling out.
- Using fresh or slightly warmed tortillas improves pliability and crisping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, barbecue chicken, cheesy quesadillas, quick dinner, easy appetizer, smoky BBQ