Cheesy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla
This Cheesy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal featuring tender shredded chicken coated in smoky BBQ sauce, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, all sandwiched inside crispy flour tortillas. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or any occasion, it offers a delicious balance of textures and tastes that everyone will love.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 quesadillas (serves 4-6) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-Frying (Alternative Baking option available)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free tortillas)
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached chicken breasts)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for cooking)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- 1–2 jalapeños, chopped (for spicy kick)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish or added flavor)
- 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 is covered with that smoky, tangy flavor.
- 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 cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top of the chicken. If using, add optional diced onions or jalapeños. Then fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.
- 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. Using a lid can help speed up the melting process.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for a minute to allow the cheese to set slightly. Then slice into wedges and serve with desired garnishes like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or green onions.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and creamier texture compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Don’t overfill the quesadilla to prevent it from falling apart during cooking.
- Cook on medium heat to achieve crispy tortillas without burning them before the cheese melts.
- Cover the skillet while cooking to speed up cheese melting.
- Let quesadillas rest briefly after cooking to avoid messy cheese leaks when slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla (approximate)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: BBQ chicken quesadilla, cheesy quesadilla, quick dinner, easy meal, BBQ recipe, chicken recipe, snack, appetizer