Juicy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Recipe: Smoky, Melty Goodness

Crafting a mouthwatering bbq chicken quesadilla sparks joy in my kitchen every single time.

Melted cheese and tender chicken create an irresistible combination that appeals to everyone.

Bold barbecue flavors dance through each crispy bite, promising satisfaction beyond expectations.

Quick preparation means you can whip up this delectable meal in minutes.

Layers of smoky, tangy goodness peek out from between golden tortillas, tempting hungry taste buds.

Cheesy, savory, and absolutely delightful – this recipe delivers comfort on a plate.

Dive into this culinary adventure and watch magic unfold with every crisp, cheesy slice.

BBQ Chicken Quesadilla – Why It’s Always a Hit

• Quick Kitchen Champion: Whip up this delicious BBQ chicken quesadilla in minutes, perfect for busy home cooks who want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combines tangy BBQ sauce, melted cheese, and tender chicken in a crispy tortilla, creating a mouthwatering dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Versatile Meal Magic: Easily customizable with different proteins, extra veggies, or spice levels, making it an ideal recipe for personalizing to your family's taste preferences.
• Casual Dining Superstar: Works wonderfully for laid-back family dinners, game day gatherings, or casual weekend lunches, bringing restaurant-style deliciousness right to your home table.

What You’ll Need for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

• Chicken: Juicy and tender protein perfect for a delicious quesadilla.
• Flour Tortillas: Soft, round wraps that hold all the tasty fillings.
• Cheese: Melty, creamy goodness that brings everything together.

• BBQ Sauce: Sweet and tangy sauce that gives the chicken a rich flavor.
• Taco Seasoning: Spicy blend that adds a zesty kick to the chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that boost the overall taste.

• Red Onion, Green Onion: Crisp vegetables that add a sharp, fresh crunch.
• Cilantro: Bright herb that brings a fresh, herbal note to the quesadilla.

• Olive Oil, Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and adds a light flavor.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Grab a skillet and heat it up over medium-high flame.

Toss in your chicken pieces and cook them until they’re golden and cooked through.

Break the chicken into smaller shreds using two forks, creating bite-sized pieces perfect for your quesadilla.

Step 2: Season the Meat

Sprinkle your favorite BBQ sauce over the shredded chicken.

Mix thoroughly to ensure every piece gets a delicious coating of smoky, tangy flavor.

Let the chicken absorb the sauce for a few minutes to enhance its taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Quesadilla

Lay out a large tortilla on a clean surface.

Spread a generous layer of shredded cheese across half of the tortilla.

Add the BBQ-coated chicken on top of the cheese.

Sprinkle additional cheese over the chicken to help everything stick together.

Step 4: Fold and Cook

Carefully fold the tortilla in half, creating a half-moon shape.

Place a skillet on medium heat and lightly grease it with a touch of oil or butter.

Carefully transfer the quesadilla to the hot skillet.

Step 5: Crisp and Serve

Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown and crispy.

The cheese should be completely melted and the edges nicely crisped.

Remove from the skillet, let it cool for a moment, then slice into wedges.

Tips for Cheesy, Crispy Quesadillas

• Select fresh, boneless chicken breasts or thighs for the most tender and flavorful meat in your quesadillas.
• Soak chicken in BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before grilling to enhance taste and ensure juicy results.
• Use a blend of shredded cheeses like cheddar and monterey jack for smooth, even melting inside the quesadilla.
• Cook chicken on medium-high heat to prevent burning, ensuring a nice char while keeping the meat fully cooked and moist.
• Use a cast-iron skillet or griddle to achieve a golden, crispy exterior on your tortillas while maintaining a gooey cheese center.

Keep BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Fresh and Tasty

• Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual quesadillas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen quesadillas maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Preheat to 350°F, place quesadillas on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through.
• Warm quesadillas in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, flipping once, to restore the original crispness in about 2-3 minutes.

What to Serve with BBQ Quesadillas

• Savor Smoky Wine Pairing: Zinfandel's bold, spicy notes perfectly complement the BBQ chicken's rich, smoky flavors, cutting through the cheese's creaminess with its robust character.
• Refresh with Citrus Cocktail: Mix a zesty margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila to balance the quesadilla's hearty profile, adding a bright, tangy counterpoint to the barbecue-seasoned chicken.
• Cool Down with Mexican Lager: Grab a crisp, light beer like Corona or Modelo to cleanse the palate between bites, its clean finish helping to offset the quesadilla's richness and spice.
• Enhance with Fruity Salsa: Prepare a fresh mango or pineapple salsa as a side accompaniment, its sweet-acidic profile creating a vibrant contrast to the savory BBQ chicken and melted cheese.

Creative BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Styles

• Vegetarian Veggie Quesadilla: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or black beans for a plant-based protein option that's equally satisfying and packed with flavor.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make the recipe completely gluten-free while maintaining the same delicious BBQ essence.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Wrap: Substitute traditional tortillas with cauliflower wraps or lettuce leaves for a lighter, carbohydrate-reduced alternative that still delivers bold BBQ chicken taste.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap regular cheese with dairy-free cheese made from nuts or use nutritional yeast for a creamy texture that accommodates lactose-intolerant diners.

FAQs

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

• Can I make the quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the quesadillas and store them, uncooked, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling or cooking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend cheese melts beautifully and provides excellent flavor. Cheddar is also a good alternative if you prefer a sharper taste.

• Do I need any special cooking equipment?

A griddle or large skillet works perfectly. If you have a panini press, that can also create a crispy, evenly grilled quesadilla with minimal effort.

Bbq Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Sizzling bbq chicken quesadilla brings smoky southwest flavors dancing across crispy tortillas. Melted cheese and tender chicken create a perfect handheld meal that satisfies your craving for something bold and delicious.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded into big chunks
• 2 cups shredded cheddar-jack cheese
• 2 tortillas (10-12 inch burrito size)

Sauce and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
• 1/2 cup sliced red onions

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter (room temperature)

Serving Optional Ingredients:

• cilantro
• sour cream
• guacamole
• salsa
• ranch dip

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Instructions

1. Preheat the grill or griddle to medium-high heat, ensuring a consistent cooking surface for optimal flavor development.
2. Season the chicken breasts with smoky barbecue spice blend, massaging the seasoning thoroughly into the meat to enhance penetration.
3. Grill the chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, rotating once to create perfect crosshatch grill marks and ensure complete internal cooking.
4. Remove chicken from heat and let it rest for 3-4 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and maintain tender texture.
5. Slice the grilled chicken into thin, uniform strips, preparing for quesadilla assembly.
6. Warm large tortillas on the griddle, creating a light golden surface that will crisp when folded.
7. Layer one side of the tortilla with shredded cheese, ensuring even distribution for consistent melting.
8. Arrange barbecue chicken strips strategically across the cheese layer, maximizing flavor in each bite.
9. Optional: Sprinkle additional cheese over chicken to enhance melting and binding.
10. Carefully fold the tortilla, creating a half-moon shape, and press gently to seal edges.
11. Grill the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side until exterior becomes crispy and golden brown, with cheese completely melted.
12. Remove from heat, let cool for one minute, then slice into triangular wedges for serving.
13. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or salsa as desired for additional flavor complexity.

Notes

• Marinate chicken in BBQ sauce for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor penetration and tenderness.
• Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and monterey jack for a more complex, rich melting profile.
• Keep tortillas crispy by cooking on medium-low heat and pressing gently with a spatula while grilling.
• Customize the recipe by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or onions for more nutrition and crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 800
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 50g
• Cholesterol: 150mg