BBQ Chicken Quesadillas – The Perfect Easy Dinner Idea

Name: BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
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

Jack

Update : November 27, 2025

Delicious BBQ Chicken Quesadillas ready to be served for dinner.

When you need a quick and delicious dinner, BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a fantastic option. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this dish brings together juicy shredded chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and melty cheese. With just a handful of ingredients, you can make a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Quesadillas are also great for busy weeknights or as a fun dish for gatherings. They are versatile, easy to customize, and are sure to please even picky eaters. Let’s dive into why you should make this recipe and how to do it.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to whip up BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, starting with their simplicity. This recipe requires very little prep and comes together quickly, making it perfect for anyone with a busy schedule. It’s also a fantastic way to use leftover chicken, making your life easier while reducing food waste.

The dish is packed with flavor. The combination of savory chicken and sweet barbecue sauce creates a tasty filling, while the melted cheese adds richness and creaminess. Whether you are feeding your family or entertaining friends, these quesadillas will impress. Plus, they are easy to customize. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Quesadillas are also a fun and interactive meal. You can serve them with different toppings and sides like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. This way, everyone can build their own quesadilla and enjoy it just the way they like. Making BBQ Chicken Quesadillas is not just about preparing a meal; it’s about creating a delicious experience.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Making BBQ Chicken Quesadillas is a straightforward process. The recipe is divided into ingredients and directions. Follow these steps for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

To make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, you will need the following 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

Directions

Now, let’s go through the step-by-step directions to prepare the quesadillas.

Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken with 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce. Stir until the chicken is well coated with the sauce. This mixture will serve as the flavorful filling for the quesadillas.
Heat the Skillet: Take a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. This will help cook the quesadillas to a nice golden brown.
Assemble the Quesadilla: Once the oil is heated, place one flour tortilla in the skillet. First, sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tortilla.
Add the Chicken Mixture: Spread 1/2 cup of the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese. Then, add an extra 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top of the chicken.
Top with Another Tortilla: Cover the filling with a second flour tortilla.
Cook the Quesadilla: Cook the quesadilla for about 3-4 minutes. You want the bottom tortilla to turn golden brown and the cheese to start melting.
Flip for Even Cooking: Carefully flip the quesadilla over using a spatula. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted inside.
Remove from Skillet: Once cooked, remove the quesadilla from the skillet and set it aside. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to slice the cooked quesadillas into wedges. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for added flavor and decoration. Serve the quesadillas warm alongside your favorite dipping sauces.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Serving BBQ Chicken Quesadillas can be as fun as making them. These quesadillas are perfect for various occasions. You can serve them as part of a casual family dinner, packed in lunchboxes, or as snacks for a game day gathering.

Consider offering various sides and toppings to elevate the meal. You might include salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or shredded lettuce. These additions not only enhance flavor but also create a vibrant presentation. Placing the quesadillas on a platter with colorful toppings can make for an eye-catching display.

Moreover, these quesadillas can be cut into smaller pieces, making them perfect for appetizers or parties. Guests can easily grab a piece and enjoy the tasty treat without needing utensils.

How to Store BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

If you have leftovers, storing BBQ Chicken Quesadillas is simple. Allow the quesadillas to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to eat them again, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. This helps maintain the crispiness of the tortillas. You can also use a microwave, but keep in mind that this may make them a bit softer.

For longer storage, you can freeze the quesadillas. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last in the freezer for 2-3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in a skillet.

Tips to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Use Leftover Chicken: One of the easiest ways to prepare this dish is by using leftover rotisserie chicken. It saves a lot of time and adds great flavor.
Mix Up the Cheeses: While cheddar cheese works wonderfully, feel free to mix it up! Try using Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a little kick.
Add Veggies: For added nutrition, consider including vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or black beans. This not only adds flavor but also gives extra texture to your quesadillas.
Adjust the BBQ Sauce: Depending on your taste preference, you can choose a sweet, tangy, or smoky barbecue sauce to match your flavor profile.
Keep it Crispy: To ensure a crispy quesadilla, don’t overload it with filling. This will help maintain the balance between the cooked tortilla and its contents.

Variation

There are many variations of this recipe to try. If you want to switch things up, consider these ideas:

Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas: Replace barbecue sauce with buffalo sauce for a spicy twist. Pair it with blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Vegetarian Quesadillas: Skip the chicken entirely and fill the quesadillas with a mix of sautéed vegetables and cheese for a meatless meal.
Mexican Street Corn Quesadilla: Add corn, cilantro, and a dash of lime juice to your BBQ mixture to create a more fiesta-themed quesadilla.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the quesadillas when you’re ready to cook. Refrigerate the filling for up to 3 days.

Q2: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
A2: Yes, corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option. Just be careful as they can be more delicate than flour tortillas.

Q3: What can I serve with BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?
A3: Great options include salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or a simple side salad for a fresh touch.

By following this easy guide, you’ll be able to create the perfect BBQ Chicken Quesadillas that are sure to be a hit at your table. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a party snack, this simple recipe will meet your needs and satisfy your taste buds.