BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

I discovered this BBQ Chicken Quesadilla recipe during a Tex-Mex themed potluck where everyone brought their own fusion creations. From the first bite, I was hooked by the perfect balance of smoky, sweet BBQ sauce and the savory chicken, all held together by melted cheese between crispy tortillas. What makes these quesadillas special is how the BBQ sauce caramelizes slightly during cooking, creating an even deeper flavor profile. I love how versatile they are - fancy enough for guests but simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner. The key, I've found, is using good quality BBQ sauce and making sure to cook them slowly enough that the tortillas get perfectly golden and crisp while allowing the cheese to fully melt. They've become my go-to recipe when I need something delicious in under 30 minutes that will please everyone at the table.

Why I love this recipe

I absolutely adore this BBQ Chicken Quesadilla recipe for so many reasons. First, it transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes gourmet with minimal effort - perfect for my busy lifestyle. There's something magical about the way the tangy BBQ sauce complements the rich cheese and tender chicken. I love how versatile it is; I can use leftover rotisserie chicken or plan ahead with slow-cooker chicken and have dinner ready in minutes. These quesadillas have been my savior for impromptu gatherings because they're easy to scale up and always impress guests. The recipe is also incredibly forgiving - I can adjust seasonings, cheese types, or add extra ingredients based on what I have on hand. Perhaps what I love most is how this dish brings people together - there's something about the familiar comfort of a quesadilla combined with the beloved flavor of BBQ that makes everyone at my table happy. It's one of those rare recipes that's both simple enough for everyday meals and special enough for sharing with others.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• Cooked Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for convenience
• BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite variety - sweet, spicy, or smoky
• Flour Tortillas: Standard 8-inch size works best for easy handling
• Mexican Cheese Blend: This melts beautifully and provides ideal flavor
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp contrast to the sweet BBQ sauce
• Fresh Cilantro: Brightens up the rich flavors with its fresh note

Let's Make These Together

Prepare the filling

Start by mixing your shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until well coated. The chicken should be moist but not swimming in sauce. Add garlic powder, salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. This mixture can be prepared ahead and refrigerated if needed.

Assemble the quesadillas

Lay out your tortillas and sprinkle a layer of cheese on one half of each tortilla. This first layer of cheese helps the filling stick. Add a portion of the BBQ chicken mixture, some thinly sliced red onions, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Top with more cheese and fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.

Cook to perfection

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Place your quesadilla in the pan and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. The cheese should be completely melted and starting to ooze slightly at the edges. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Slice and serve

Transfer the cooked quesadillas to a cutting board and let them rest for a minute before slicing. This prevents the filling from spilling out. Cut each quesadilla into triangular pieces and serve immediately while they're still hot and the cheese is stretchy.

Enjoy with toppings

Serve your BBQ Chicken Quesadillas with additional BBQ sauce for dipping, plus sour cream, guacamole, or pico de gallo for a complete experience. A side of coleslaw pairs wonderfully with the smoky BBQ flavors.

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Switch Things Up

I first created these quesadillas when I had leftover rotisserie chicken in the fridge and needed a quick dinner solution. Rather than making the usual chicken tacos, I decided to experiment with BBQ sauce I had on hand. The combination was so good that it's now in our regular meal rotation! Sometimes I'll use different BBQ sauces to change the flavor profile - a spicy chipotle BBQ sauce adds a nice kick, while a honey BBQ makes them more kid-friendly. I've also tried adding a thin layer of refried beans to one side of the tortilla for extra protein and creaminess.

Perfect Pairings

These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. For a complete meal, serve them with a crisp coleslaw dressed with lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese and BBQ sauce. A simple corn and black bean salad makes a great complementary side dish. For dipping, offer small bowls of sour cream, guacamole, and additional BBQ sauce. If you're serving these as part of a larger spread, they go well with loaded potato skins, jalapeño poppers, or a fresh green salad with ranch dressing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the quesadillas completely, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can prepare just the BBQ chicken mixture up to 3 days ahead and assemble when ready to cook.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftover quesadillas?

For best results, reheat leftover quesadillas in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side. This keeps the tortillas crispy. Avoid microwaving if possible as it makes them soggy, but if you must use a microwave, cover with a paper towel and heat for 30-second intervals.

→ Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

While you can use corn tortillas, they are smaller and more fragile than flour tortillas. If using corn tortillas, make smaller quesadillas and handle them gently when flipping. They will have a different texture and flavor profile but can be delicious for a gluten-free option.

→ What other cheeses work well in these quesadillas?

Any good melting cheese works well. Try Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, pepper jack for some heat, or a combination. Avoid hard cheeses like Parmesan or very soft cheeses like brie that won't give you the right texture.

→ Can I make these in the oven for a larger batch?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Assemble the quesadillas on baking sheets, lightly brush the tops with oil or melted butter, and bake for about 8-10 minutes until crispy and golden. Flip halfway through for even browning. This method is great when making quesadillas for a crowd.

→ How can I make these quesadillas spicier?

There are several ways to add heat: use a spicy BBQ sauce, add diced jalapeños or green chilies to the filling, incorporate a few dashes of hot sauce, use pepper jack cheese instead of the Mexican blend, or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture.

Conclusion

These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas bring together the best of both worlds - classic Mexican quesadillas with the bold flavors of American BBQ. They're quick to make, perfect for using up leftover chicken, and always a hit with both kids and adults. The contrast between the crispy tortilla exterior and the savory-sweet filling creates an irresistible bite every time. Serve them as a main dish with a side salad or as a shareable appetizer at your next gathering.