Sizzling BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe: Fiesta-Ready Flavor

Crispy, golden bbq chicken quesadillas have become my weekend comfort go-to recently.

Melted cheese and smoky meat create an irresistible combination that makes taste buds dance.

Weeknight dinners need something quick and delicious like this crowd-pleaser.

Packed with protein and flavor, these quesadillas come together faster than ordering takeout.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of tangy sauce and tender chicken.

Gooey cheese and caramelized edges make this dish impossible to resist.

Fun Variations of BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

• Vegetarian BBQ Jackfruit Quesadillas: Replace chicken with pulled jackfruit seasoned with BBQ sauce for a plant-based alternative that mimics the texture and flavor of shredded meat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of wheat tortillas to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Wrap Version: Swap traditional tortillas with cauliflower wraps or large lettuce leaves to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the delicious BBQ chicken flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder to the chicken mixture for an extra kick of heat and zesty flavor profile.

FAQs

• What type of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?

Any tangy, sweet BBQ sauce like Kansas City-style or honey BBQ sauce will add great flavor. Choose a sauce you already enjoy and complements the chicken well.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving option. Just shred the chicken and mix it with BBQ sauce as the recipe instructs.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these quesadillas?

No special equipment is required. A standard skillet or griddle works perfectly for cooking these quesadillas. Just ensure you have a spatula for flipping.

• How can I make these quesadillas spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture or use a spicy BBQ sauce. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes or hot sauce inside the quesadilla for extra heat.

Why BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Are a Favorite

• Quick and Easy Crowd-Pleaser: Whip up a delicious meal that brings everyone together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Versatile Customization: Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings to make this recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• No-Fuss Cooking: Create a restaurant-quality dish with simple steps, basic kitchen tools, and minimal cooking skills required for a stress-free meal preparation.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Enjoy a kid-approved recipe that appeals to all ages, making dinnertime fun and satisfying for the entire household.

What’s Inside BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

• Chicken: Tender meat that serves as the protein base for the quesadillas.
• Tortillas: Soft, round flatbreads that hold the delicious filling.
• BBQ Sauce: Sweet and tangy sauce that coats the chicken.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds rich flavor.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste.

• Sour Cream, Cilantro, Green Onions: Fresh garnishes that add extra zest and freshness.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Step 1: Toss Chicken in BBQ Sauce

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine shredded chicken with zesty BBQ sauce.

Mix thoroughly until every chicken piece is completely coated with a delicious, tangy layer of sauce.

Step 2: Warm Tortilla

Heat a skillet over low-medium heat.

Gently place a soft tortilla into the pan, allowing it to become warm and flexible for about 30-45 seconds.

The tortilla should feel pliable and slightly toasty.

Step 3: Layer Cheesy Goodness

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• BBQ-coated chicken
• Additional cheddar cheese

Distribute ingredients evenly across one half of the tortilla.

Step 4: Create Crispy Quesadilla

Carefully fold the tortilla in half, pressing down gently to seal the edges.

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

The cheese should melt into gooey perfection.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for a minute.

Slice into triangular wedges using a sharp knife.

Repeat the cooking process with remaining tortillas and filling.

Serve hot and enjoy the mouthwatering combination of smoky chicken and melted cheese.

Tips for BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Perfection

• Choose a cheese that melts smoothly like sharp cheddar or monterey jack for perfect gooey texture and enhanced flavor profile.
• Keep the skillet temperature at low-medium to prevent burning tortillas while ensuring even cheese melting and crispy golden-brown exterior.
• Shred chicken and cheese in advance to streamline the cooking process and create a faster, more efficient meal preparation.
• Add BBQ sauce gradually to prevent chicken from becoming too wet, which could make tortillas soggy and compromise the quesadilla's crisp texture.
• Pat shredded chicken dry with paper towels before mixing with BBQ sauce to eliminate extra moisture and maintain optimal quesadilla consistency.

Reheat and Store BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

• Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Warm quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side. This method restores the crispy texture and melts the cheese perfectly.
• Preheat oven to 350°F and place quesadillas on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crisp.
• Skip microwave reheating as it makes tortillas soggy and ruins the crispy texture of the quesadillas.

Top Pairings for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Tangy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Companion Pairings
• Crunch Cool Coleslaw Companion: Prepare a zesty, creamy coleslaw with tangy apple cider vinegar dressing that cuts through the rich, smoky BBQ chicken and provides refreshing texture contrast.
• Zesty Southwest Salsa Sidekick: Whip up a fresh salsa combining diced tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, and jalapeños to complement the quesadillas' bold barbecue flavors with bright, spicy notes.
• Craft Beer Flavor Booster: Select a crisp amber ale or hoppy pale ale that matches the quesadillas' smoky barbecue profile, enhancing the dish's robust and slightly sweet characteristics with complementary malt undertones.
• Creamy Avocado Drizzle Finish: Create a quick avocado cream sauce by blending ripe avocados, sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to provide a cool, silky counterpoint to the warm, crispy quesadillas.

Bbq Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling BBQ chicken quesadillas deliver a mouthwatering fusion of smoky, cheesy goodness. Crispy tortillas packed with tender chicken and melted cheese promise a quick, satisfying meal that will make you crave another bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Protein:

• 2 cups (473 ml) chicken, shredded

Cheese:

• 2 cups (454 g) cheddar cheese, shredded

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) BBQ sauce
• 6 tortillas (8-inch / 20 cm)

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Instructions

1. Create a savory mixture by combining pulled chicken with tangy barbecue sauce, ensuring each shred is thoroughly coated and infused with robust flavor.
2. Gently warm a tortilla in a preheated skillet, allowing it to become flexible and develop a slight golden hue.
3. Strategically distribute shredded cheddar cheese across one half of the tortilla, creating a melty foundation for the upcoming layers.
4. Carefully spread the barbecue-infused chicken mixture over the initial cheese layer, ensuring even distribution and maximum coverage.
5. Sprinkle an additional layer of cheese atop the chicken to enhance melting potential and create a rich, gooey texture.
6. Delicately fold the tortilla in half, encasing the flavorful filling within its crisp exterior.
7. Cook the quesadilla over medium heat, pressing gently with a spatula to promote even browning and cheese melting.
8. Flip the quesadilla after 2-3 minutes, cooking the opposite side until it achieves a golden, crispy appearance and the cheese melts completely.
9. Remove from heat and allow the quesadilla to rest briefly, enabling the cheese to set and the flavors to meld.
10. Slice into triangular wedges, revealing the molten interior and preparing for serving.
11. Repeat the entire process with remaining ingredients, creating multiple quesadillas for a delightful meal.

Notes

• Boost flavor by marinating chicken in BBQ sauce for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and richness.
• Choose high-fat cheese like sharp cheddar or pepper jack for maximum meltiness and tangy flavor profile.
• Consider alternative protein options like pulled pork or shredded beef for variety and different taste experiences.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the dish’s delicious essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg