There is something truly magical about a BBQ Chicken Quesadilla that brings comfort and flavor together with every bite. This dish combines tender, smoky shredded chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce with melty, gooey cheese, all wrapped inside a crispy, golden tortilla. It’s a perfect go-to whether you’re craving a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, and the way the flavors meld together feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, the BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is destined to become one of your all-time favorites, delivering both savory delight and pure joy.

BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but essential to creating the perfect BBQ Chicken Quesadilla. Each one plays a role: from the smoky BBQ sauce to the creamy, melted cheese and crispy tortillas, every component adds flavor, texture, or color that makes this dish shine.

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Using rotisserie chicken here saves time and brings a great base flavor.
1/2 cup BBQ sauce: This infuses the chicken with a lovely tangy, smoky taste.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend: Melts beautifully to hold everything together with gooey goodness.
4 large flour tortillas: They crisp up perfectly to give you that satisfying crunch outside.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior when cooking the quesadilla.
1/2 cup diced red onion (Optional): Adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite and a pop of color.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (Optional): A subtle flavor boost that enhances the savory notes.
Sour cream (For serving, optional): Offers a creamy contrast and a cooling effect.
Fresh cilantro (For garnish, optional): Brings brightness and freshness to finish.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Step 1: Mix the Chicken and BBQ Sauce

Start by combining your shredded cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce in a bowl. Make sure the chicken is fully coated, so every bite bursts with that rich, tangy smokiness. This simple mix is where all the flavor magic begins.

Step 2: Prepare the Skillet

Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This warm oil is what will crisp up your tortillas to that perfect golden-brown texture we all love.

Step 3: Assemble the Quesadilla

Lay one tortilla flat in the skillet. On half of the tortilla, spread a quarter of the BBQ chicken mixture evenly. Sprinkle with a quarter cup of shredded cheese, and if you’re adding diced red onion or garlic powder, don’t forget them now — they add layers of flavor and texture that make your quesadilla feel extra special.

Step 4: Fold and Cook

Fold the tortilla over the filling, pressing down lightly to seal. Cook it for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt, creating that irresistibly melty goodness.

Step 5: Flip for Perfection

Carefully flip your quesadilla using tongs — adding the remaining olive oil to the skillet if you need to keep it from sticking. Cook the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes until it’s golden and crispy as well.

Step 6: Rest and Slice

After removing the quesadilla from the skillet, let it rest for a minute. This helps the cheese settle, making it easier to cut into wedges without all the filling spilling out. Repeat these steps for the remaining three tortillas, and you’ll soon have a stack of perfectly cooked BBQ Chicken Quesadillas ready to enjoy.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Garnishes

To brighten and uplift your BBQ Chicken Quesadilla, add a dollop of sour cream on the side. The cool, creamy texture complements the smoky, spicy chicken beautifully. Don’t forget fresh cilantro sprinkled on top—it provides a fresh herbal note that perfectly balances the richness.

Side Dishes

Pair your BBQ Chicken Quesadilla with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple green salad or some tangy coleslaw. For a heartier meal, black beans or Mexican rice create a rounded plate that keeps the feast exciting and filling without overpowering the quesadilla’s flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these at a casual get-together or just want to jazz up your weeknight meal, try cutting the quesadilla into small wedges as finger foods. Arrange them on a vibrant platter with bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for guests to mix and match toppings. It’s inviting and delicious in every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your BBQ Chicken Quesadilla, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors tend to develop even more overnight, making the next meal just as enjoyable.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked quesadillas by wrapping them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to two months. This is a fantastic way to have a quick meal ready on busy days.

Reheating

For reheating, avoid the microwave if you want to keep the quesadilla crispy. Instead, warm it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until heated through and crisp again. This method keeps the texture fresh and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for the BBQ Chicken Quesadilla?

Absolutely! While cheddar or Mexican blend cheese works wonderfully, you can experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a smoky gouda for different flavor twists.

Is it necessary to cook the quesadilla in olive oil?

Using olive oil helps achieve that golden, crispy outside, but you can substitute with butter or a neutral oil if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can swap the chicken for sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms paired with BBQ sauce and cheese for a delicious vegetarian BBQ Chicken Quesadilla alternative.

How spicy is this BBQ Chicken Quesadilla?

Its spice level depends on the BBQ sauce you select. You can pick a mild sauce for a gentle flavor or a spicier variety if you enjoy a kick. Adding red onion and garlic powder also influences the overall taste profile.

What’s the best way to shred cooked chicken quickly?

Using two forks is the classic method, but if you have a stand mixer, tossing the cooked chicken on low speed for around 30 seconds is a quick hack to shred it effortlessly.

Final Thoughts

The BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is one of those recipes that feels like catching up with an old friend—comforting, familiar, and absolutely satisfying. Easy to make and packed with bold flavors, it’s perfect for busy days and cozy nights alike. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation and in the hearts of everyone you share it with!

BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 11 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 quesadillas (serves 4) 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This BBQ Chicken Quesadilla recipe is a delicious, quick, and easy meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Featuring tender shredded chicken smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and optional diced red onions, all wrapped in crispy golden tortillas. Serve with sour cream and fresh cilantro for a flavorful, satisfying dish that kids and adults will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Quesadilla Filling

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (store-bought rotisserie chicken recommended)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
1/2 cup diced red onion (optional)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

For Cooking

4 large flour tortillas
2 tablespoons olive oil

For Serving (Optional)

Sour cream, to taste
Fresh cilantro, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. Stir thoroughly until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the sauce, creating a flavorful filling.
Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Allow the oil to warm up, which will help in toasting the tortillas evenly.
Assemble the Quesadilla: Place one flour tortilla onto the skillet. Spread one-quarter of the BBQ chicken mixture over half of the tortilla. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheese on top, and if desired, add some diced red onion for a bit of crunch and flavor.
Fold the Tortilla: Carefully fold the tortilla in half, covering the filling. This will create the classic quesadilla shape ready for cooking.
Cook First Side: Let the quesadilla cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese starts melting to bind the filling together.
Flip and Cook Second Side: Using tongs, carefully flip the quesadilla to the other side. If needed, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet to prevent sticking. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the second side is golden and crispy.
Remove and Rest: Take the quesadilla off the skillet and allow it to cool for about a minute. This rest makes it easier and safer to slice into wedges.
Repeat with Remaining Tortillas: Repeat the assembly and cooking steps (3 through 7) for the remaining flour tortillas and filling to make 4 quesadillas in total.
Serve: Serve the warm quesadilla wedges with sour cream and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired for added freshness and creaminess.

Notes

You can substitute cooked shredded chicken with leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken to save time.
Mexican blend cheese works well if you want a mix of flavors; cheddar cheese will give a sharper taste.
Adding diced red onion and garlic powder is optional but adds an extra flavor dimension.
Use a non-stick skillet for easier flipping and crisping, or a cast-iron pan for a better crust.
Cook quesadillas on medium heat to avoid burning the tortillas before the cheese melts.
Leftover quesadillas can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in a skillet to retain crispiness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American