Irresistible BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe for Summer Fun

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a delightful fusion of smoky, savory goodness that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Picture this: crispy tortillas hugging tender, saucy chicken, all melted cheese dripping from every bite. It’s a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss!

Remember that summer barbecue when your uncle decided he was the grill master? Well, these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are the culinary equivalent of that family reunion. Perfect for game nights or casual dinners, they promise an unforgettable experience that will have everyone clamoring for seconds.

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts provide the perfect amount of protein; opt for fresh ones whenever possible.
• BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce to give the quesadillas their signature flavor; choose a sweet or spicy variety based on your preference.
• Shredded Cheese: A blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar works wonders, melting beautifully and providing that ooey-gooey texture we all crave.
• Tortillas: Flour tortillas are my go-to for extra flexibility and chewiness; however, corn tortillas can also be used for a gluten-free option.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness that brightens up the dish; feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Grill or Skillet

Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat or heating a skillet over medium heat. If you’re using a grill, ensure it’s clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or sear them in the hot skillet for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let them rest before shredding.

Step 3: Mix it Up

In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with BBQ sauce—enough to coat but not drown it! Give it a good toss so each piece is coated evenly.

Step 4: Assemble Your Quesadilla

Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread some of the BBQ chicken mixture onto half of it, sprinkle with cheese, and top with chopped cilantro before folding over.

Step 5: Cook Until Crispy

Place the filled tortilla back into the skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy while ensuring cheese melts beautifully inside.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once cooked, transfer your quesadilla onto a cutting board and slice into wedges. Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping—a delightful finishing touch!

Enjoy these flavorful BBQ Chicken Quesadillas at your next gathering or simply as a comforting weeknight meal!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating your chicken in a zesty BBQ sauce. While it soaks up that delicious flavor, prepare your veggies. Cook the marinated chicken until it’s juicy and tender, then layer everything between tortillas with cheese. Cook until golden brown and melty—easy peasy!

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chicken for pulled pork or even black beans for a vegetarian option. Add jalapeños for a spicy kick or switch up the cheese with pepper jack or feta. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in a skillet over medium heat until crispy again, or use the microwave if you’re feeling lazy—no judgment here!

Sometimes I make these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas for game nights, and they fly off the plate faster than you can say “touchdown!” The smiles from friends make all the effort worthwhile.

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?

To make BBQ chicken quesadillas, you will need cooked chicken, barbecue sauce, shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella), tortillas, and optional toppings such as diced onions or cilantro. The chicken can be grilled or roasted beforehand. A good barbecue sauce enhances the flavor of the quesadilla, so choose one that you enjoy. You can get creative with the cheese types and add vegetables to customize your dish further.

How long does it take to prepare BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?

Preparing BBQ chicken quesadillas typically takes about 15 minutes, while cooking them can take an additional 10 minutes. If you have pre-cooked chicken on hand, the process is even quicker. Simply mix the chicken with BBQ sauce, assemble the quesadillas, and grill until crispy. This makes it an excellent option for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun lunch idea.

Can I make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily adapt BBQ chicken quesadillas for a vegetarian diet. Instead of chicken, use grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms combined with your favorite barbecue sauce. Additionally, consider adding black beans or lentils for extra protein and texture. This variation provides a delicious alternative without losing the essence of the dish.

What dips pair well with BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?

BBQ chicken quesadillas pair wonderfully with various dips such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa. You can also serve them with a creamy ranch dressing for added flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a spicy chipotle sauce to complement the smoky taste of the barbecue sauce in your quesadillas.

Conclusion for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas:

BBQ chicken quesadillas are a delightful and versatile dish that combines tender chicken with flavorful barbecue sauce and melty cheese. They are quick to prepare and perfect for any meal of the day. By customizing your ingredients and adding dips, you can create a unique experience every time you make them. Enjoy this crowd-pleasing recipe at your next gathering or simply as a satisfying weeknight dinner option!

Print

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling/Searing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Enjoy the smoky, savory goodness of BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, featuring tender chicken, melted cheese, and fresh cilantro—perfect for any gathering or a cozy weeknight meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack and cheddar blend)
• 4 large flour tortillas (or corn for gluten-free)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Grill or sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest before shredding.
4. In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
5. Lay a tortilla on a clean surface.
6. Spread BBQ chicken mixture on half of the tortilla.
7. Sprinkle with cheese and add cilantro before folding over.
8. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook each quesadilla for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
9. Slice into wedges and serve warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

---

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 quesadilla (approximately 180g)
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: - For added spice, incorporate diced jalapeños into the filling. - Swap out chicken for grilled vegetables or black beans for a vegetarian version. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat in a skillet until crispy.