BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a quick and satisfying dish featuring tender shredded chicken tossed in smoky BBQ sauce, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, this recipe balances zest, texture, and heartiness with simple ingredients and customizable flavors.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 quesadillas (8 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite smoky or tangy brand)
Quesadilla Base
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Optional Add-ins
- 1/4 cup chopped onions
- 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook chicken breasts or thighs by grilling, pan-searing, or baking until fully cooked and juicy. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into tender strands using two forks.
- Mix with BBQ Sauce: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with enough BBQ sauce to coat every piece evenly without drowning it, creating a smoky, tangy flavor base.
- Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay a large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Sprinkle a generous layer of the cheese blend on half of the tortilla, add a hearty scoop of the BBQ chicken mixture, and top with optional veggies if desired. Scatter another layer of cheese and fold the tortilla over to form a half-moon shape.
- Cook Until Crispy: Heat a skillet over medium heat and coat with olive oil or butter. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet, pressing gently with a spatula. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese inside is melted.
- Slice and Serve: Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board and let rest for a minute before slicing into wedges. Serve warm for melted, smoky BBQ deliciousness.
Notes
- Don’t overstuff the quesadilla to avoid breaking or leaking.
- Use medium to medium-low heat to melt cheese without burning tortillas.
- Press down on quesadillas while cooking for better contact and crispier crust.
- Let quesadillas rest briefly before slicing to help cheese set.
- Choose a high-quality or homemade BBQ sauce for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla (2 wedges)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: BBQ chicken quesadillas, cheesy quesadillas, quick dinner, Tex-Mex, BBQ chicken recipe, easy weeknight meal