Imagine biting into a warm, golden quesadilla filled with smoky BBQ chicken and gooey cheddar cheese. The perfect combination of crispy tortillas, tangy barbecue sauce, and melty cheese is a meal that’s both comforting and full of flavor. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal prep time. Whether it’s a quick dinner or a snack to share, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a crowd-pleaser for many reasons:
- Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in under 30 minutes.
- Packed with Flavor: The tangy BBQ sauce paired with savory chicken and cheddar cheese creates an irresistible taste.
- Versatile: Perfect as a snack, lunch, dinner, or party appetizer.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with these cheesy delights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas. These simple ingredients combine to create a flavor-packed dish.
| Category | Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Meat | Shredded or diced chicken | 2 cups |
| Condiments | Barbecue sauce | 1 1/2 cups |
| Bread & Baked Goods | Flour tortillas (8-inch) | 6 |
| Dairy | Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken Filling
The filling is the star of the dish, so it needs to be flavorful and well-mixed.
- Start with 2 cups of pre-cooked chicken. You can use shredded rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or baked chicken breasts.
- In a bowl, combine the chicken with 1 1/2 cups of barbecue sauce. Mix thoroughly until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated.
2. Assemble the Quesadillas
Assembling the quesadillas is simple and fun.
- Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface or plate.
- On one half of the tortilla, sprinkle 1/3 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add 1/3 cup of the BBQ chicken mixture on top of the cheese, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle another 1/3 cup of shredded cheese over the chicken. This ensures the quesadilla is cheesy and holds together well.
- Fold the tortilla in half to form a semicircle. Repeat the process for all six tortillas.
3. Cook the Quesadillas
Cooking the quesadillas gives them their signature crispiness.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the pan for extra crispiness.
- Place the folded quesadilla in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- Use a spatula to press down gently on the quesadilla as it cooks for even browning.
4. Slice and Serve
Once cooked, your quesadillas are ready to be devoured.
- Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and place it on a cutting board.
- Allow it to cool slightly, then cut it into wedges or triangles for easy serving.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.
Serving Suggestions
Make your BBQ Chicken Quesadillas even more exciting by serving them with delicious sides and dips:
- Sour cream and guacamole for dipping.
- Salsa or pico de gallo for a fresh, zesty kick.
- A side of Mexican rice or black beans for a complete meal.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- Use fresh tortillas: Soft tortillas are easier to fold and crisp up beautifully when cooked.
- Customize the BBQ sauce: Use a smoky, sweet, or spicy barbecue sauce based on your flavor preferences.
- Shred the cheese yourself: Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent it from melting as smoothly as freshly shredded cheese.
- Cook on medium heat: This ensures the cheese melts thoroughly without burning the tortilla.
- Add extra toppings: Feel free to include sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 440 |
| Protein | 26g |
| Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Sugar | 9g |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
FAQs about BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
1. Can I make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the quesadillas ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and cook them fresh when you’re ready to eat.
2. Can I freeze BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?
Absolutely. Cook the quesadillas, let them cool, and freeze them in airtight bags. Reheat in a skillet, oven, or air fryer for the best results.
3. What other cheeses can I use?
While cheddar is classic, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend also work well.
4. How do I make them vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with grilled veggies, black beans, or a plant-based meat substitute.
5. What’s the best way to reheat quesadillas?
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tortilla soggy.
6. Can I add more ingredients to the filling?
Yes! Sautéed onions, peppers, jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor.
Creative Variations of BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Want to mix things up? Try these fun variations:
- Spicy BBQ Quesadilla: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
- Hawaiian BBQ Quesadilla: Include diced pineapple for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Cheesy Ranch BBQ Quesadilla: Drizzle ranch dressing over the filling for a creamy twist.
- Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla: Swap the BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce and add blue cheese crumbles.
Why BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Are a Family Favorite
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas bring bold flavors and satisfying textures to your table. They’re quick, versatile, and a great way to use up leftover chicken or pantry staples. Whether you’re hosting a game night, feeding your family, or enjoying a casual dinner, these quesadillas are guaranteed to impress.
Conclusion: Time to Sizzle!
Now that you’ve got all the tips and steps, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and make some delicious BBQ Chicken Quesadillas. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a meal that’s bursting with flavor. Grab your tortillas, BBQ sauce, and cheese, and let the sizzle begin!
So, what are you waiting for? Try this recipe today and enjoy every crispy, cheesy, smoky bite!
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BBQ Chicken Quesadilla: A Crispy, Cheesy Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 quesadillas
Description
Crispy tortillas, smoky BBQ chicken, and melty cheddar cheese come together to create the ultimate BBQ Chicken Quesadilla. This quick and easy recipe is a perfect meal for busy nights or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Packed with bold flavors and made with simple ingredients, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making again and again!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded or diced chicken
- 1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
- 6 large flour tortillas (8-inch size)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Filling
- Take 2 cups of cooked chicken (rotisserie, baked, or grilled works best) and shred or dice it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken with 1 1/2 cups of barbecue sauce. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
2. Assemble the Quesadillas
- Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- On one side of the tortilla, sprinkle 1/3 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spread 1/3 cup of the BBQ chicken mixture evenly on top of the cheese.
- Add another layer of 1/3 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Fold the tortilla in half to form a semicircle. Repeat this process for all six tortillas.
3. Cook the Quesadillas
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to prevent sticking and to crisp up the tortillas.
- Place one folded quesadilla into the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula. Cook until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the skillet and repeat for the remaining quesadillas.
4. Slice and Serve
- Let the cooked quesadillas rest for a minute on a cutting board. Slice each into wedges or triangles.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, like sour cream, guacamole, or extra BBQ sauce.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly shredded cheese for maximum meltiness.
- To enhance the flavor, add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños to the filling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for the crispiest texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American-Mexican
