BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

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Introduction

The BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is a delicious and satisfying fusion of smoky, tangy barbecue flavors and gooey, melted cheese, all nestled between crispy golden tortillas. This recipe features shredded chicken coated in BBQ sauce, combined with a medley of cheeses for that perfect melty texture. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s full of flavor, making it ideal for lunch, dinner, or even a snack during game day.

What makes this quesadilla special is the combination of tender chicken and zesty barbecue sauce, which adds an irresistible smoky sweetness to the dish. The crispy tortillas provide the perfect contrast to the soft, melty interior, making each bite a mouthwatering experience.

Whether you’re making it for a casual meal or a fun gathering, the BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is versatile and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, like ranch, sour cream, or guacamole, for added flavor. This recipe is guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends alike!

Perfect for:

  • A quick and easy weeknight dinner
  • Lunches on the go
  • Game day snacks or appetizers
  • Family-friendly meals
  • Comfort food cravings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why the BBQ Chicken Quesadilla will become a staple in your kitchen:

  • Flavor Explosion: The sweet and smoky BBQ sauce pairs beautifully with melted cheese and tender chicken.
  • Quick to Make: Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
  • Versatile: Customize with your favorite add-ins like veggies, bacon, or extra cheese.
  • Great for Leftovers: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or BBQ chicken for an easy meal.
  • Perfectly Crispy: Golden-brown tortillas with melty cheese make for a satisfying texture in every bite.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 4 quesadillas (serves 4-6 people)
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein, calcium, and fiber

Ingredients

For the Quesadilla:

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend)
  • 8 large flour tortillas
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil, for cooking

For Serving (Optional):

  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Salsa or pico de gallo
  • Ranch dressing

Ingredient Highlights

  • Chicken: Shredded chicken is the heart of the quesadilla, making it hearty and flavorful.
  • BBQ Sauce: Adds a smoky, sweet, and tangy kick to the filling.
  • Cheese: The melty, gooey element that binds the quesadilla together.
  • Tortillas: Crispy on the outside and the perfect vessel for the cheesy filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

  1. Mix the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
  2. Optional Add-Ins: If desired, mix in red onion and chopped cilantro for added flavor.

Assemble the Quesadillas:

  1. Layer the Ingredients: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheese on half of the tortilla. Top with a generous portion of the BBQ chicken mixture and an additional 1/4 cup of cheese. Fold the tortilla in half to create a semi-circle. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

Cook the Quesadillas:

  1. Heat the Pan: Heat 1/2 tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Cook the Quesadilla: Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted.
  3. Repeat: Repeat the process for all quesadillas, adding more butter or oil as needed.

Serve:

  1. Slice and Serve: Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool slightly. Slice into wedges and serve with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.

How to Serve

Here’s how to enjoy your BBQ Chicken Quesadilla:

  • As a Meal: Pair with a side salad or soup for a balanced meal.
  • As a Snack: Serve as an appetizer or finger food for parties.
  • With Dips: Add a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, guacamole, or sour cream for extra flavor.

Additional Tips

  • Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker and more flavorful option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and toss it with BBQ sauce for an easy filling.
  • Grilled Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you have time, grill the chicken yourself for added smoky flavor. You can marinate the chicken in BBQ sauce before grilling for a richer taste.
  • Add Fresh Vegetables: Include finely diced red onions, bell peppers, or even corn to add texture and freshness to the quesadilla.
  • Cheese Variety: Mix different cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack to achieve a perfect melt and flavor balance.
  • Spice it Up: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to give your quesadilla a spicy kick.
  • Use a Cast Iron Skillet: Cooking the quesadilla in a cast iron skillet helps achieve that crispy, golden-brown exterior.
  • Brush with Butter: Lightly butter the outside of the tortilla before grilling to get a perfectly crisp, golden-brown crust.
  • Add Pineapple: For a sweet contrast to the smoky BBQ chicken, add some fresh pineapple chunks or grilled pineapple slices.
  • Serve with Dips: Pair your BBQ chicken quesadilla with a tangy ranch dressing, guacamole, or sour cream for added flavor.
  • Experiment with Sauces: Instead of just BBQ sauce, try combining it with other sauces like buffalo sauce or a honey mustard glaze for a unique twist.

Recipe Variations

  • Buffalo BBQ Chicken Quesadilla: Combine BBQ sauce with buffalo sauce for a tangy, spicy flavor. Add crumbled blue cheese or drizzle ranch dressing inside the quesadilla for a creamy contrast. Toss in some finely chopped celery and carrots for crunch.
  • Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Quesadilla: Pair BBQ chicken with diced pineapple and crispy bacon. Use mozzarella or a combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a rich and melty filling that balances the sweetness of the pineapple.
  • Mexican BBQ Chicken Quesadilla: Add a southwestern twist by incorporating black beans, corn, and jalapeños into the BBQ chicken mix. Spice things up with taco seasoning or cumin, and top with fresh guacamole and salsa for extra flavor.
  • Chipotle BBQ Chicken Quesadilla: Use chipotle-flavored BBQ sauce to bring a smoky heat. Roast some red peppers and sauté onions, adding them into the quesadilla. Try a smoky cheese like smoked gouda to intensify the flavor.
  • BBQ Chicken and Spinach Quesadilla: For a more savory version, add fresh spinach leaves or sautéed spinach. Pair with BBQ chicken and either feta or goat cheese for a tangy contrast that complements the smoky chicken.
  • Southwest BBQ Chicken Quesadilla: Fill your quesadilla with roasted corn, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro for a flavorful combination. Use pepper jack cheese to bring an extra kick of spice to this southwestern-inspired variation.
  • BBQ Chicken and Apple Quesadilla: For a sweet-savory combination, thinly slice green apples or caramelize them before adding to the BBQ chicken. Pair with sharp cheddar cheese to enhance the sweetness of the apple and the richness of the BBQ chicken.
  • BBQ Chicken Ranch Quesadilla: Drizzle ranch dressing on the BBQ chicken before assembling the quesadilla for a creamy element. Add some diced tomatoes and green onions for a burst of freshness.
  • BBQ Chicken Breakfast Quesadilla: Turn your BBQ chicken quesadilla into a breakfast treat by adding scrambled eggs and crispy hash browns. Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese will make this version extra comforting.
  • BBQ Chicken and Avocado Quesadilla: For a creamy and fresh twist, add slices of ripe avocado or a scoop of guacamole to the BBQ chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of lime juice and a spicy BBQ sauce for balance.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Assemble the quesadillas, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen in a skillet or oven.
  • Refrigeration: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet, oven, or air fryer for crispy results.

Special Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Griddle: Ideal for cooking multiple quesadillas at once.
  • Mixing Bowl: For combining the chicken and BBQ sauce.
  • Spatula: For flipping and pressing the quesadillas while cooking.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I bake the quesadillas instead?
    Yes, bake them on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  2. What BBQ sauce works best?
    Use your favorite store-bought sauce or a homemade version for a personal touch.
  3. Can I use corn tortillas?
    Yes, but they are smaller and less flexible than flour tortillas, so handle with care.
  4. Can I make this dairy-free?
    Use dairy-free cheese and skip the butter for a dairy-free version.
  5. What other proteins can I use?
    Pulled pork, steak, or shrimp are great alternatives to chicken.

Conclusion

The BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is a quick, versatile, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with smoky BBQ chicken, melty cheese, and a crispy tortilla, this quesadilla offers a delicious combination of bold flavors and comforting textures. Whether you’re craving a savory lunch, dinner, or a quick snack, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience.

Easy to customize with your favorite fillings and toppings, this dish is ideal for meal prep or weeknight dinners. Add some fresh veggies, a drizzle of ranch or extra BBQ sauce, or a sprinkle of cilantro for an extra layer of flavor. This recipe is both simple and endlessly adaptable, making it a family-friendly favorite that everyone will love.

I can’t wait to hear how your BBQ Chicken Quesadilla turns out! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your delicious creation! Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments or let me know how you personalized the recipe. Enjoy!

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