BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

Introduction

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a mouthwatering fusion of smoky, savory flavors wrapped in a crispy, cheesy tortilla. These quesadillas combine the tangy taste of barbecue chicken with the melty goodness of cheese, making them an irresistible snack, appetizer, or dinner. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, preparing a quick weeknight meal, or looking for a flavorful twist on traditional quesadillas, BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are sure to impress.

The beauty of BBQ Chicken Quesadillas lies in their versatility. You can customize the filling with your favorite BBQ sauce, cheese, and add-ins like onions, peppers, or cilantro to suit your taste. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or grilling fresh chicken breasts to create a satisfying meal in no time. With crispy tortillas, juicy chicken, and melty cheese, BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a surefire hit with both kids and adults alike.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to make the perfect BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, provide tips for making them even better, and share suggestions for creative variations. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

• Bold and Flavorful: The combination of smoky barbecue chicken, gooey cheese, and crisp tortillas creates a delicious flavor profile that everyone loves.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal.
• Customizable: You can adjust the level of spice and sweetness in the BBQ sauce, add vegetables for extra crunch, or swap out the cheese for something different. The possibilities are endless.
• Perfect for Leftovers: BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a great way to use up leftover chicken or even rotisserie chicken, making meal prep a breeze.
• Kid-Friendly: With its cheesy, familiar flavors, this dish is a hit with kids, and you can serve it with sides like chips, salsa, or guacamole for a complete meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: Makes 4 quesadillas (serves 4 people)
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450-500 calories per quesadilla, depending on the ingredients and portion size.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Fat: 22-25g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 8-10g

Ingredients

For the BBQ Chicken Quesadillas:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken)
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 small bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack)
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
• Sour cream and salsa, for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken for the quesadillas. If you’re using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, simply shred it with your hands or a fork. You’ll need about 2 cups of shredded chicken, which is roughly the equivalent of two medium-sized chicken breasts or 1 rotisserie chicken.

In a medium-sized bowl, toss the shredded chicken with 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce. Feel free to add more sauce if you prefer a saucier filling. Stir well until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce, then set it aside to let the flavors meld together. If you’re making homemade BBQ sauce, you can easily adjust the sweetness, tanginess, and heat level to suit your tastes.

2. Prepare the Vegetables (Optional)

If you’re adding vegetables to your BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, now is the time to prepare them. Thinly slice 1/2 of a red onion and 1 small bell pepper (green, red, or yellow, depending on your preference). These vegetables will add a burst of color, crunch, and sweetness to the quesadillas.

You can either sauté the vegetables for a few minutes to soften them and bring out their natural sweetness, or you can leave them raw if you prefer a bit of crunch. To sauté, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and add the onions and bell peppers. Stir occasionally until they soften, about 3-4 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once done, set them aside.

3. Assemble the Quesadillas

Now that your chicken is ready and your vegetables (if using) are prepped, it’s time to assemble the quesadillas.

Start by laying a large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese evenly across half of the tortilla. Use a mix of cheeses if you want a blend of flavors. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack work great for this recipe because they melt beautifully and add a rich, gooey texture.

Next, layer the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese, spreading it evenly. If you’re using the sautéed onions and bell peppers, place them on top of the chicken. The combination of BBQ chicken, cheese, and veggies will create a mouthwatering filling.

4. Cook the Quesadillas

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, making sure to coat the bottom of the skillet evenly. Once the skillet is hot, place the assembled quesadilla in the skillet, folding the tortilla in half to cover the filling.

Cook the quesadilla for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has fully melted. You can press down lightly with a spatula to ensure even cooking and that the filling stays inside the tortilla.

Once the quesadilla is cooked to perfection, remove it from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it cool for a minute before slicing it into wedges. This allows the cheese to set slightly so it won’t spill out when you cut it.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the BBQ Chicken Quesadillas warm, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. You can also add a dollop of sour cream and a side of salsa for dipping. For extra flavor, drizzle a little more BBQ sauce over the top before serving.

These quesadillas are perfect for a quick meal, a game day snack, or a fun family dinner. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad, chips, or even guacamole. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

• Use Quality BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce is the star of this recipe, so make sure to use a high-quality, flavorful sauce that you love. You can even make your own homemade BBQ sauce for an extra touch of customization.
• Don’t Overfill: While it may be tempting to load up the quesadillas with too much filling, overstuffing them can make it difficult to cook them properly. Keep the filling moderate so that the quesadillas cook evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
• Grill for Extra Flavor: For a smoky, charred flavor, grill the quesadillas instead of frying them. Simply brush the tortillas with a little olive oil and cook them on a preheated grill until crispy and golden brown.
• Add Extra Protein: If you want to add extra protein to your BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, consider adding some crispy bacon bits or black beans to the filling for added texture and flavor.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer your quesadillas spicier, add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling. You can also use spicy BBQ sauce or sprinkle chili flakes inside for an extra kick.
• Make it Healthier: For a lighter version, use whole-wheat tortillas, and opt for a reduced-fat cheese or use less cheese overall. You can also add extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or corn for a healthier, more filling option.

Variations of BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

• BBQ Pulled Pork Quesadillas: Substitute the chicken for pulled pork for a smoky, tender filling. Add a little extra tangy sauce to balance the richness of the pork.
• BBQ Veggie Quesadillas: For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes. Toss the veggies in BBQ sauce and fill the quesadillas with the veggie mixture.
• Buffalo BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: Combine BBQ sauce with buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy twist. The blend of sweet BBQ and spicy buffalo sauce will create a bold flavor profile.
• Cheesesteak BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: Add thinly sliced steak or beef to the BBQ chicken filling for a hearty twist on the classic quesadilla. The steak pairs well with the BBQ sauce and cheese.
• BBQ Chicken Breakfast Quesadillas: Add scrambled eggs to your BBQ chicken quesadillas for a hearty breakfast option. The eggs add a creamy texture that complements the savory chicken and cheese.

Storage and Shelf Life

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply place the quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked quesadillas. Wrap each one individually in foil or parchment paper, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake the frozen quesadillas in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Side Dishes and Pairings for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

• Chips and Salsa: Serve your BBQ Chicken Quesadillas with crispy tortilla chips and a side of fresh salsa for the perfect balance of crunch and flavor.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole is a fantastic side to pair with BBQ Chicken Quesadillas. Its richness complements the smoky BBQ flavors in the quesadillas.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw with cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing pairs beautifully with BBQ chicken and adds a crunchy, refreshing contrast.
• Mexican Rice: Serve your quesadillas with a side of flavorful Mexican rice for a complete meal that’s satisfying and full of bold flavors.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or roasted corn on the cob, drizzled with a little butter and sprinkled with chili powder, is a great complement to BBQ Chicken Quesadillas.

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Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a delicious, versatile, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner or serving them at a casual gathering, these quesadillas are sure to be a hit with everyone. With tender BBQ chicken, gooey cheese, and crispy tortillas, this dish is a perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Feel free to get creative with your fillings, experiment with different BBQ sauces, and try out various toppings to make this dish your own. No matter how you make them, BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more!