Oh, you guys, get ready for a weeknight dinner lifesaver! I’m talking about the ultimate BBQ chicken quesadilla, and trust me, it’s a game-changer when you need something seriously delicious but have zero time. I’ve made a million quick meals in my kitchen, and this one? It’s consistently a winner. It’s that perfect mix of smoky, cheesy, saucy goodness that just hits the spot every single time. Plus, it’s so ridiculously easy, even your teenagers could whip it up!

Why You’ll Love This Easy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Seriously, what’s not to love about this quesadilla? It’s:

Super Speedy: We’re talking dinner on the table in under 20 minutes. Perfect for those crazy evenings!
Packed with Flavor: Sweet BBQ sauce, savory chicken, melty cheese… it’s a flavor explosion.
So Versatile: You can totally customize it with whatever veggies or cheese you have on hand.
Minimal Effort: Honestly, the hardest part is shredding the chicken (and even that’s easy if you cheat with rotisserie!).

Essential Ingredients for Your BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Okay, so here’s the magic list of what you’ll need to whip up these amazing BBQ chicken quesadillas. It’s pretty straightforward, which is part of why I love them so much! You’ll need about 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken – I’m usually just grabbing some leftover rotisserie chicken, but you can totally cook and shred your own if you’re feeling ambitious. Then, grab about 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Any kind works, but a smoky one is *chef’s kiss*! For the cheesy goodness, we’re going with 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. And for a little freshness and crunch, about 1/4 cup each of finely chopped red onion and bell pepper. Finally, you’ll need two large flour tortillas and a tablespoon of butter or oil for getting that perfect golden crust.

Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec. The shredded chicken is super flexible. Like I said, rotisserie chicken is my go-to because it’s already cooked and seasoned, saving tons of time. But leftover grilled chicken or even some shredded turkey would totally work in a pinch! For the cheese, cheddar is awesome, but Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, or even pepper jack if you like a little heat are fantastic substitutes. Don’t have red onion? Green onions or even a bit of finely diced yellow onion will do. And feel free to swap the bell pepper for corn, some sautéed mushrooms, or even a few pickled jalapeños if you’re feeling spicy! When it comes to cooking, butter gives you that lovely golden brown color and flavor, but a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil works just fine too.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making a BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and honestly, it’s so simple you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making these all the time. Grab your ingredients, and let’s make some cheesy, saucy goodness!

Preparing the Flavorful Filling

First things first, let’s get that filling ready. Grab a medium-sized bowl. Toss in your 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken. Now, drizzle in that 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce. Give it a good stir with a fork or a spoon until every single piece of chicken is coated in that yummy sauce. You want it to look nice and saucy – this is where all that great BBQ flavor comes from!

Assembling Your Perfect BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Now for the fun part: building your masterpiece! Lay one of your large flour tortillas flat on a clean surface or a plate. Spoon that glorious BBQ chicken mixture evenly over just *half* of the tortilla. Don’t go all the way to the edge, leave a little room. Next, sprinkle your shredded cheddar cheese right over the chicken. Then, scatter your chopped red onion and bell pepper on top of the cheese. Finally, just fold the empty half of the tortilla right over the filling, creating that classic half-moon shape. Easy peasy!

Grilling Your Delicious BBQ Chicken Quesadilla to Golden Perfection

Time to get that perfect golden crust and melty cheese! Grab a skillet and put it over medium heat. Add your tablespoon of butter or oil and let it melt and get nice and shimmery. Carefully, and I mean *carefully*, lift your folded quesadilla and place it into the hot skillet. Let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on the first side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown color and you should start to see the cheese peeking out and melting. Then, it’s time to flip! Use a spatula to carefully flip the quesadilla over. Cook the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes, until it’s also golden brown and perfectly cheesy. You’ll know it’s ready when it feels firm and the cheese is totally gooey.

Expert Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Want to take your BBQ chicken quesadilla from good to absolutely *amazing*? A few little tricks go a long way! First, make sure your skillet is nice and hot before you add the quesadilla – medium heat is key. Too high and it’ll burn before the cheese melts; too low and it’ll get soggy. I usually let the butter get shimmery before I even think about putting the quesadilla in. Also, don’t cram too much filling in there! Overstuffing makes it hard to fold and even harder to cook evenly. A nice, even layer is best. And when you flip it, be gentle! A good spatula is your best friend here. Trust me, these little things make a huge difference in getting that perfect crispy, cheesy bite.

Serving and Storing Your BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Once your BBQ chicken quesadilla is perfectly golden and melty, it’s time to serve it up! I love cutting mine into wedges, like a pizza, so they’re easy to grab. And for dipping? Oh boy, you’ve got options! A dollop of cool sour cream is *so* good with the smoky BBQ chicken. Salsa is always a winner, and if you’re feeling fancy, some creamy guacamole takes it to a whole new level. If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, just let them cool completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or put them in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, I usually pop them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat until they’re warm and crispy again, or you can zap them in the microwave for a minute or two if you’re in a real hurry.

Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Got questions about making the best BBQ chicken quesadilla ever? I’ve got you covered! People always ask me, “Can I use different types of cheese?” Absolutely! While cheddar is my favorite for its meltiness and flavor, Monterey Jack, a Colby-Jack blend, or even pepper jack if you want a little kick are fantastic choices. Don’t be afraid to mix them up! Another common question is, “What other vegetables can I add to my BBQ chicken quesadilla?” Get creative! Grilled corn, sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or even some finely diced zucchini work wonderfully. And if you’re wondering, “How can I make this spicier?” Easy! Toss in some chopped pickled jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper with the chicken and BBQ sauce, or serve it with a spicy hot sauce. These simple swaps make your easy quesadilla totally your own!

Estimated Nutritional Value of this BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can totally change based on the specific ingredients you use, like the type of BBQ sauce or how much cheese you load up! But generally, one of these yummy quesadillas will run you about 450 calories, with around 20g of fat and 40g of carbs. You’ll get a good boost of protein, about 25g, and a little fiber too. Sodium can vary quite a bit, so keep that in mind! For more quick and easy dinner ideas, check out our recipes section.

Amazing BBQ Chicken Quesadilla: 20 Min Dinner

Author: feeltasty
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and easy BBQ chicken quesadilla recipe perfect for a weeknight meal. It features shredded chicken mixed with BBQ sauce, cheese, and your favorite vegetables, all sandwiched between two tortillas and grilled until golden brown and cheesy.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup cooked shredded chicken
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
2 large flour tortillas
1 tablespoon butter or oil

Instructions

In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. Mix well.
Lay one tortilla flat. Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over half of the tortilla.
Sprinkle the cheese, red onion, and bell pepper over the chicken.
Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling.
Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Carefully place the folded quesadilla into the skillet.
Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Remove from skillet, cut into wedges, and serve immediately.

Notes

You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Add other vegetables like corn or jalapeños if desired.
Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling/Pan-frying
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
Calories: 450
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: BBQ chicken quesadilla, easy quesadilla, quick dinner, chicken recipe, Mexican food, Tex-Mex