BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is a delightful dish that combines the smoky flavors of barbecue with gooey cheese and tender chicken. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering, these quesadillas are sure to impress. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this tasty meal in under 30 minutes!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: This BBQ Chicken Quesadilla takes only 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings.
Flavor Packed: The combination of shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering experience that will leave you craving more.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve these quesadillas as an appetizer, lunch, or dinner. They can be customized with your favorite dips like guacamole or salsa.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the delicious flavors. It’s an easy way to get everyone excited about dinnertime!
Easy Clean-Up: With just a couple of skillets needed, clean-up is a breeze. You’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing BBQ Chicken Quesadillas even easier. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet
Spatula
Cutting board
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Large skillet: Essential for cooking the onions and chicken mixture evenly without overcrowding.
Spatula: Perfect for flipping the quesadilla without breaking it apart, ensuring a golden crust on both sides.

Ingredients

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are stuffed with cheese, chicken, onions, and barbecue sauce. They take minutes to prep and cook for a quick and easy dinner.

For the Quesadilla Filling

1 teaspoon Olive oil
½ cup sliced red onions
2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded into big chunks)
½ cup bbq sauce

For Assembly

2 tortillas (10-12 inch burrito size)
2 tablespoons Butter (room temperature)
2 cups shredded cheddar-jack cheese

Optional for Serving

cilantro
sour cream
guacamole
salsa
ranch dip

How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Step 1: Cook the Onions and Chicken Mixture

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the olive oil and sliced red onions to the skillet.
Cook the onions until soft; this should take about 5 minutes.
Stir in the shredded chicken along with the barbecue sauce until well combined.
Remove from heat once mixed thoroughly.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas

Spread butter onto one side of each tortilla generously.

Step 3: Cook the Quesadilla

Heat another skillet over medium heat.
Place one tortilla in the skillet with butter side down.
Sprinkle ¼ cup of cheddar-jack cheese on one half of the tortilla.
Layer half of the chicken mixture on top of the cheese followed by another ¼ cup of cheese.
Fold the tortilla in half carefully.
Cook until golden brown on the bottom; this should take about 3-4 minutes.
Use a flat spatula to flip the quesadilla over gently.
Cook until golden brown on the other side while pressing down lightly for even cooking.
Transfer to a wire rack or cutting board while you repeat with remaining tortillas.

Enjoy this flavorful BBQ Chicken Quesadilla warm with your choice of toppings!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are versatile and delicious, making them perfect for various occasions. Whether you want to keep it simple or add a gourmet touch, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

With Fresh Cilantro

Add freshly chopped cilantro on top of your quesadilla for a burst of flavor and vibrant color.

Sour Cream Dipping Sauce

Serve with a side of sour cream for a creamy contrast that complements the smoky BBQ taste.

Guacamole Delight

Offer guacamole as an accompaniment. Its creaminess pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and cheese.

Spicy Salsa

Provide a zesty salsa to add a kick. Choose between mild or spicy based on your preference.

Ranch Dressing

Use ranch dressing as a dip for added creaminess and tang. It works well with the BBQ flavor.

Fresh Lime Wedges

Squeeze fresh lime juice over your quesadilla for extra zing and freshness in every bite.

How to Perfect BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

To make your BBQ Chicken Quesadilla even better, consider these helpful tips that ensure delicious results every time.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken to enhance flavor.
Don’t Overfill: Avoid overloading the tortillas, as this can make flipping difficult and cause spills.
Cook on Medium Heat: Cooking at medium heat allows the cheese to melt thoroughly without burning the tortilla.
Let Rest Before Cutting: Allow the quesadilla to rest for a minute after cooking to help everything set before slicing.
Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar-jack is great, try mixing in mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavors.
Add Veggies: Include bell peppers or spinach in the filling for added nutrition and texture.

Best Side Dishes for BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Pairing sides with your BBQ Chicken Quesadilla can create a complete meal experience. Here are some delightful options:

Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn on the cob topped with cotija cheese and chili powder complements the quesadillas beautifully.
Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa provide a satisfying crunch alongside your meal.
Black Bean Salad: A refreshing black bean salad adds protein and fiber while balancing the richness of the quesadilla.
Spanish Rice: Fluffy Spanish rice seasoned with spices makes a hearty addition that pairs well with BBQ flavors.
Guacamole Dip: A bowl of guacamole not only enhances flavor but also adds creaminess to each bite of quesadilla.
Pickled Jalapeños: For those who like heat, pickled jalapeños bring spice that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of BBQ sauce.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, making it a refreshing side option.
Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad offers freshness, balancing out the hearty quesadillas perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making BBQ Chicken Quesadillas can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can ruin your dish. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

Using dry chicken: Ensure your chicken is moist by using shredded chicken breast and mixing it well with BBQ sauce.
Overfilling the quesadilla: Adding too much filling can make it hard to cook evenly and flip. Stick to a moderate amount for the best texture.
Skipping the butter: Buttering the tortillas adds flavor and helps achieve a crispy texture. Don’t skip this step!
Cooking on high heat: Cooking at too high a temperature can burn the outside while leaving the inside cold. Use medium heat for even cooking.
Not letting it rest: Allowing the quesadilla to rest for a minute after cooking helps the cheese set and makes it easier to cut.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store BBQ Chicken Quesadillas in an airtight container.
They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Wrap each quesadilla individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes per side until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a BBQ Chicken Quesadilla?

A BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is a delicious dish made with tortillas, filled with shredded chicken mixed with BBQ sauce, cheese, and often other ingredients like onions.

Can I customize my BBQ Chicken Quesadilla?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or corn, or use different types of cheese for unique flavors.

How do I make BBQ Chicken Quesadilla healthier?

You can opt for whole wheat tortillas, lean chicken breast, and low-fat cheese to create a healthier version without sacrificing taste.

What should I serve with BBQ Chicken Quesadilla?

Consider serving with sides like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are not only quick to prepare but also customizable to suit your tastes. Whether as an appetizer or main dish, they are sure to delight everyone. Experiment with different fillings and dips to make this recipe your own!

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BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 2

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Description

BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly marries the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce with gooey cheese and tender chicken, making it an ideal option for quick dinners or a delightful appetizer. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. Whether enjoyed at home or served to guests, these quesadillas are bound to impress. Customize them with your favorite dips like guacamole or salsa for an extra flavor boost. Get ready to savor every bite of this hearty comfort food!

Ingredients

Scale

1 teaspoon Olive oil
½ cup sliced red onions
2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
½ cup BBQ sauce
2 tortillas (10-12 inch)
2 tablespoons Butter (room temperature)
2 cups shredded cheddar-jack cheese

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced red onions and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
Stir in shredded chicken and BBQ sauce until well combined, then remove from heat.
Butter one side of each tortilla, and place one tortilla butter-side down in another skillet over medium heat.
Sprinkle ¼ cup cheddar-jack cheese on one half of the tortilla. Add half of the chicken mixture, followed by another ¼ cup cheese.
Fold the tortilla in half and cook until golden brown (3-4 minutes). Flip gently with a spatula and cook until browned on the other side.
Transfer to a cutting board or wire rack and repeat with remaining tortillas.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Mexican