BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

$- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 4 large flour tortillas - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Olive oil for cooking - Sour cream for serving - Lime wedges for serving For BBQ chicken quesadillas, start with shredded chicken and your favorite BBQ sauce. This combo adds flavor and moisture. Next, cheese is key. I use cheddar and mozzarella for a great melt. Flour tortillas hold everything together. Then, add fresh toppings like red onion and cilantro. They add crunch and brightness. I love the balance they give to the rich BBQ flavor. - Alternative cheeses: gouda, pepper jack - Types of BBQ sauce: sweet, smoky, or spicy Feel free to switch cheeses for a twist. Gouda gives a nice creamy touch, while pepper jack adds heat. You can also explore different BBQ sauces. Sweet sauces can work well for kids. Smoky ones add depth, and spicy sauces make it exciting. - Cooking oil choices: olive oil, vegetable oil, or butter - Serving suggestions: sour cream, guacamole, or salsa Use olive oil for a tasty, healthy choice. You can also use vegetable oil or butter if you prefer. For serving, I recommend sour cream or guacamole. They cool down the heat and add creaminess. Salsa can give a fresh kick too. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to mix the chicken and BBQ sauce. In a large bowl, add 2 cups of shredded chicken. Pour in 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Mix it well until the chicken is coated. This step is key for flavor. Next, preheat your skillet. Set it on medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. This will help the quesadilla get crispy. Let the skillet warm up while you prepare the quesadilla. Now it’s time to layer the quesadilla. Take one flour tortilla and place it in the skillet. Sprinkle a mix of 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over half of the tortilla. Then, spoon some BBQ chicken on top. Add a few thin slices of red onion and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Fold the tortilla in half and cook it for about 3-5 minutes. Check the bottom; it should be golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the quesadilla. Cook the other side for another 3-5 minutes. The cheese should melt, and the quesadilla will be golden. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling. Make sure to keep an eye on the heat. You want them crispy but not burned. Once cooked, remove the quesadilla from the skillet. Slice each one into wedges. This makes it easier to serve and eat. For presentation, place the quesadilla wedges on a plate. Serve them warm with sour cream and lime wedges on the side. The sour cream adds creaminess, while the lime gives a nice zing. Enjoy your BBQ chicken quesadillas! - To achieve the perfect crispiness, heat your skillet to medium. Use olive oil for a golden-brown finish. - For evenly melting cheese, sprinkle cheese on the bottom and top of the fillings. This helps bind everything together. - You can add spices or hot sauce for an extra kick. Try cayenne or chili powder for heat. - Choosing the right BBQ sauce is key. Go for a sauce that matches your taste. Sweet, tangy, or smoky flavors work well. - A non-stick skillet is best for quesadillas. It helps prevent sticking and makes cleaning easier. - Use a large spatula for easy flipping. A thin, wide spatula lets you slide under the quesadilla smoothly. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe and saves you time. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for added flavor. Perfectly Crispy Quesadillas: Make sure to cook on medium heat to achieve a golden-brown exterior without burning. Serving Suggestions: Pair with guacamole or salsa for an extra burst of flavor! {{image_2}} To make your BBQ chicken quesadillas a bit healthier, you can swap out some ingredients. - Substituting for low-fat cheese: You can use low-fat cheese to cut calories. This change still keeps the cheesy goodness. - Using whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas: Whole wheat tortillas add fiber. Gluten-free tortillas work for those with gluten issues. You can also change up the main ingredients for a fresh twist. - Different proteins: Try pulled pork for a smoky taste. Tofu is a great option for a vegetarian dish. - Unique additions: Add jalapeños for some heat. Bell peppers give extra crunch and color. Mixing flavors can create a unique dish. - Southwest style: Black beans and corn give a hearty feel. These ingredients add protein and fiber. - Italian twist: Use pesto and sundried tomatoes for a fun blend. This mix gives a bright, herby flavor. Feel free to get creative with your BBQ chicken quesadillas! You can store cooked quesadillas easily. First, let them cool down to room temperature. Then, wrap each quesadilla in plastic wrap or foil. This keeps them fresh and prevents sticking. Place the wrapped quesadillas in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. This keeps the quesadilla crispy. Heat each side for about 2-3 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but it may make them soggy. If you opt for the microwave, heat for about 30 seconds, then check. You can freeze quesadillas for later use. First, follow the same steps to cool and wrap them. Place the wrapped quesadillas in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can keep them in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat frozen quesadillas, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, follow the same reheating steps as before. In the fridge, cooked quesadillas stay fresh for about three days. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months without losing flavor. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your BBQ chicken quesadillas fresh and tasty! How can I make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas spicier? You can add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the chicken mix. Mix these in with the BBQ sauce. You can also use spicy BBQ sauce for more heat. Spicy seasonings like cayenne or chili powder work well too. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken? Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken is great for this recipe. Shred the chicken and mix it with BBQ sauce. This saves time and adds flavor. You will get a tasty meal in no time. What can I use instead of BBQ sauce? You can use salsa or hot sauce as a substitute. For a twist, try using teriyaki sauce or a homemade honey mustard. Each will change the taste, but they will still be delicious. Are there vegetarian options for this recipe? Yes, you can use black beans or mushrooms as a meat substitute. Toss them in BBQ sauce for flavor. You can also add more veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, to create a hearty filling. How do I know when the quesadilla is done? The quesadilla is done when both sides are golden brown. The cheese will melt and start to ooze out. Look for a crispy texture on the outside. Can I make these quesadillas in the oven instead? Yes, you can bake the quesadillas in the oven. Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Place the filled quesadillas on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This gives a nice, even crisp. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are fun and easy to make. You can mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, cheese, and any tortillas you like. I shared tips for perfect crunch and flavor boosts. You can also swap ingredients to fit your tastes. For storage, freezing keeps them fresh for later. Experiment and enjoy all the fun variations. Dive in and make your perfect quesadilla today!$

Delicious quesadillas filled with BBQ chicken, cheese, and fresh toppings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 large flour tortillas
0.5 red onion thinly sliced
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
to taste olive oil for cooking
to serve sour cream
to serve lime wedges

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce until the chicken is well coated. Set aside.
Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over half of the tortilla.
Spoon a generous portion of the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese, followed by a few slices of red onion and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
Fold the tortilla in half, covering the fillings, and cook for about 3-5 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and slightly crispy.
Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook the other side for another 3-5 minutes until it's golden and the cheese has melted.
Remove from the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve warm with sour cream and lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Serve with sour cream and lime wedges for added flavor.

Keyword BBQ chicken, cheese, easy recipe, quesadillas