Irresistible Cheesy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a delicious and satisfying meal that comes together quickly, look no further than this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and gooey melted cheese all sandwiched between crispy tortillas. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Flavor Explosion: A fantastic mix of smoky BBQ, tender chicken, and melted cheese in every bite.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have on hand.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak according to your preferred taste or dietary needs.
• Perfect For Any Occasion: Great for snacks, lunches, dinners, or party appetizers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients come together beautifully in this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla, each adding a unique flavor or texture to make this dish unforgettable. From the smoky BBQ chicken to the ooey-gooey cheese, every bite bursts with deliciousness.

• Cooked Shredded Chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly poach chicken breasts for tender meat.
• BBQ Sauce: Provides a rich, smoky, and tangy flavor; choose your favorite brand or homemade version.
• Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts perfectly and adds creaminess.
• Flour Tortillas: Soft but sturdy to hold all the fillings without tearing.
• Butter or Oil: Helps to crisp the tortillas evenly during cooking.
• Optional Add-Ins: Such as diced onions, jalapeños, or cilantro for extra flavor layers.

Variations for Cheesy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Feel free to make this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla your own! You can easily switch up ingredients, add more veggies, or tailor it for special diets without losing any of its mouthwatering appeal.

• Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for an extra punch.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for grilled veggies like mushrooms, peppers, and zucchini.
• Different Cheeses: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or queso fresco for unique flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortillas to make it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
• Smoked Meats: Substitute chicken with pulled pork or smoked brisket for richer BBQ flavors.

How to Make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

Start by shredding cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce until well coated, ensuring every shred has that smoky, tangy goodness.

Step 2: Assemble the Quesadilla

Lay one flour tortilla flat and evenly spread a generous amount of the BBQ chicken mixture over half of it. Sprinkle a hearty layer of shredded cheese on top of the chicken, then fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.

Step 3: Cook Until Crispy and Melted

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil. Place the quesadilla in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently and flipping once the bottom is golden brown and the cheese has melted inside.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool slightly before slicing into wedges. This helps the cheese set just enough to hold everything together perfectly.

Pro Tips for Making Cheesy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

• Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded options that often contain anti-caking agents.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid adding too much filling to prevent the quesadilla from falling apart during cooking.
• Medium Heat: Cook on medium heat to achieve a crispy tortilla without burning it before the cheese melts.
• Cover While Cooking: Use a lid on the skillet to speed up cheese melting.
• Let It Rest: Allow quesadillas to rest for a minute before slicing—this helps avoid messy cheese leaks.

How to Serve Cheesy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Garnishes

Top your quesadilla with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of green onions to add bright and fresh flavors that contrast beautifully with the smoky BBQ.

Side Dishes

Complement with classic sides like a crisp garden salad, creamy guacamole, salsa, or some homemade coleslaw for a balanced, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting your quesadilla into smaller bite-sized pieces for party platters or stacking a few with layers of BBQ chicken, cheese, and even avocado slices for a gourmet twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover quesadillas tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and prevents the tortillas from getting soggy.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze fully cooked quesadillas in freezer-safe bags. Separate with parchment paper to prevent sticking and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat quesadillas in a skillet over medium-low heat or in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness and melt the cheese, avoiding sogginess that microwave reheating can cause.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or black beans for a delicious vegetarian version of the Cheesy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack are fantastic choices due to their meltability and mild, complementary flavors, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella or pepper jack for a bit of spice.

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

Yes! Store-bought BBQ sauce works perfectly and is a convenient option, but homemade BBQ sauce can add a personalized flavor boost.

Is it possible to bake instead of pan-fry?

You can bake quesadillas on a baking sheet at 400°F (205°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a hands-off method that still yields crispy results.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Just swap out regular flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas available in most grocery stores to enjoy this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla without gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is truly a game-changer on the dinner table—delicious, quick to prepare, and endlessly adaptable. Once you try this recipe, it will become one of your go-to meals for satisfying hunger with bold flavors and comforting textures. Grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and dive into this cheesy, smoky goodness today!

Related Posts

• How to Make Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
• Easy Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe to Try Tonight
• Why Honey Pepper Chicken with Mac and Cheese Is a Must-Try

Print