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!