Do you remember that delightful aroma of BBQ sauce bubbling in the kitchen, mixed with melty cheese? It brings back memories of quick meals and cozy evenings. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are trending right now, and for good reason! They’re a fast favorite on TikTok and Pinterest, perfect for those busy nights when you need a hit of comfort.
This recipe features shredded chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese, all tucked into crispy tortillas. It’s simple, cozy, and made with ingredients you probably already have in the pantry. Think of it as your grandma’s recipe but even faster. Full details in the blog!
I’ve spent countless evenings whipping these up for my family, and they’ve always turned out deliciouseven during my most chaotic cooking moments. Trust me, I tested it. You’ll love the secret twist that makes them irresistible!
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BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: Easy and Irresistible Dinner
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas offer a quick and tasty dinner with tender shredded chicken in tangy barbecue sauce and melted cheese. This recipe is perfect for Easy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas lovers and ideal for a Crispy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas or Quick BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions optional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Mix shredded chicken with barbecue sauce in a bowl until coated well.
- Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet then add 1/2 cup shredded cheese, spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the cheese, and top with 1/2 cup shredded cheese.
- Cover with another tortilla and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom is golden and cheese starts melting.
- Flip carefully and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until golden and cheese melts completely.
- Remove from skillet and repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Slice into wedges, garnish with chopped green onions if preferred, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce for different flavor profiles
- For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños inside the quesadilla
- Serve with sour cream or guacamole for dipping
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Why It’s a Family Favorite
There’s something incredibly comforting about biting into a cheesy, gooey quesadillaespecially when it’s filled with smoky BBQ goodness. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas have become a staple in our household not just for their delicious taste, but also for how quickly they come together. Even on the busiest weeknights, these beauties can be on the table in just about 20 minutes, making them perfect for families on the go.
What truly makes this dish special is its versatility. Whether you’re using leftover chicken or a store-bought rotisserie bird, you can whip up a satisfying meal in no time. Plus, it’s a great way to please picky eaterswho can resist warm, crispy tortillas stuffed with melty cheese? It’s a fun, hands-on meal that invites everyone to dig in!
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a peek at what you’ll need to create these scrumptious BBQ chicken quesadillas:

- Cooked Shredded Chicken: 2 cups, perfectly tender and ready to soak up that BBQ flavor.
- Barbecue Sauce: 1/2 cup to give that zesty taste that pairs oh-so-well with chicken.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups for gooey goodnessbecause who doesn’t love melted cheese?
- Flour Tortillas: 4 large ones to wrap it all together. They add that lovely crispy texture.
- Chopped Green Onions (Optional): 1/4 cup for a little fresh crunch and a pop of color.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoonsthis helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
Simple Steps to Make It
- Mix It Up: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce, mixing until the chicken is well coated and ready to rock!
- Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Layer It Up: Place one tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top, spread 1/2 cup of the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese, then add another 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. Cover with a second tortilla.
- Cook to Perfection: Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom tortilla is golden and the cheese is starting to melt. Carefully flip it over and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until it’s golden and the cheese is all melty inside.
- Slice and Serve: Remove from the skillet, slice into wedges, sprinkle with chopped green onions if you’re feeling fancy, and enjoy warm!
Easy Customizations
Feeling adventurous? This recipe is your canvas! Here are a few fun tweaks you can try:
- Spice It Up: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper inside for a kick!
- Mix Up the Cheese: Swap in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little variation in flavor.
- Add Veggies: Bell peppers or mushrooms make for a nice addition inside. Just sauté them a bit before layering them in!
How to Serve & Store
For serving, these quesadillas are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Pair them with sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite salsa for a delightful dip. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also elevate any meal with their cozy, comforting flavor.
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), let them cool, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into a skillet over low heat until warmed throughthe tortillas will regain their crispiness!
| Storage Method | Duration |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | Up to 3 days |
| Frozen | Up to 2 months |
| Reheat | Skillet over low heat (best method) |
Expert Says
When making BBQ chicken quesadillas, use cooked chicken that’s been shredded to maximize flavor absorption and texture. Initially marinating the chicken can enhance its juiciness, while combining the smoky BBQ with melting cheese creates a delightful balance of taste that’s sure to please any crowd.
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Perfecting BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: A Flavorful Journey
After a few comedic kitchen disasters involving burnt tortillas and too much cheese, I finally nailed my BBQ chicken quesadillas. Each attempt brought a lessonfrom balancing flavors to mastering the perfect crisp. Now, they’re a family favorite that’s both easy and delicious, reminding me that practice makes flavorful perfection.
FAQs ( BBQ Chicken Quesadillas )
How long to cook BBQ chicken quesadillas?
Cook the quesadillas for 3-5 minutes on each side over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown. If using an air fryer, about 8-10 minutes at 375°F works well for crispy quesadillas.
What are the best toppings for BBQ chicken quesadillas?
Common toppings include shredded cheese, chopped green onions, and diced jalapeños for a kick. You can also serve it with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa to enhance the flavors.
Can I use leftover chicken for quesadillas?
Absolutely! Using leftover chicken is a great way to save time and reduce waste. Simply shred the chicken and mix it with BBQ sauce before filling your tortillas.
How to make BBQ chicken quesadillas spicy?
To add some heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or chipotle sauce into the chicken mixture. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes inside for an extra kick.
Can I make BBQ chicken quesadillas in an air fryer?
Yes, cooking them in an air fryer gives a delightful crunch. Place the filled quesadillas in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion
You’ll love how these Easy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas turn outcrispy on the outside, cheesy and gooey on the inside, all in just 20 minutes! The scent of BBQ wafting through your kitchen will have everyone rushing to the table. It’s like a comforting hug after a long day, perfect for busy family nights or cozy get-togethers.
Feel free to get creativeadd some spicy jalapeños for a kick, or throw in a handful of your favorite veggies! If you happen to have leftovers (rare in my house!), keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days and simply reheat in a skillet for that crispy crunch. A trick I learned from my aunt: they even taste great at breakfast with a side of eggs!
I’d love to hear how yours turn out! Did you grow up with something similar? Snap a pic and share it with us; we’re all family here! Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next family nightit’s sure to become a new favorite. Happy cooking, friends!










