BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are one of those recipes I turn to when I need something delicious on the table fast. With tender, saucy chicken and melted cheese wrapped in crispy golden tortillas, they’re ready in minutes and always disappear quickly.

I first made these quesadillas on a busy Tuesday night when I had leftover rotisserie chicken sitting in my fridge. I tossed it with tangy barbecue sauce, layered it with cheese between flour tortillas, and pan-fried them until crispy. The combination of smoky BBQ flavor with gooey melted cheese was an instant hit with my family. Now, BBQ chicken quesadillas are a regular weeknight dinner in my house. They’re incredibly versatile – you can use any leftover cooked chicken, customize the toppings, and even make them ahead for quick meals throughout the week. Plus, they’re perfect for using up ingredients you already have in your pantry.

What You’ll Need to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

I always recommend using rotisserie chicken for this recipe since it saves so much time and adds extra flavor. The quality of your barbecue sauce really matters here, so pick one you genuinely enjoy eating straight from the bottle.

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works perfectly)
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, plus extra for dipping (I prefer a thick, smoky variety)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack (full-fat melts best and creates better binding)
• 4 large flour tortillas, 10-inch burrito size
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions, optional
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for extra richness)
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced, optional
• 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped, optional

Pro tip: I find that warming the BBQ sauce slightly before mixing it with the chicken helps it coat every shred more evenly and makes the filling easier to spread.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Quesadillas

I prefer cooking these over medium heat in a 10-12 inch skillet to get that golden, crispy exterior without burning the tortilla before the cheese melts completely.

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and 1/2 cup barbecue sauce. Toss until every piece is well coated and looks glossy. This ensures each bite has that tangy BBQ flavor.

Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large 10-12 inch skillet over medium heat. Let the oil warm for about 30 seconds until it shimmers slightly.

Step 3: Place one flour tortilla flat in the skillet. Immediately sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheese evenly across the entire surface. The cheese acts as glue to hold everything together – this is why full-fat cheese works better, as it melts smoothly and binds the layers.

Step 4: Spread 1/2 cup of the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese layer, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edges. Don’t overfill or it will spill out when you flip.

Step 5: If using, add a few slices of red onion and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro over the chicken. These add nice texture and freshness.

Step 6: Top with another 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, then carefully place a second tortilla on top. Press down gently with your spatula to help the layers stick together.

Step 7: Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving it. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when the bottom tortilla is golden brown and you can see the cheese starting to bubble at the edges. Peek underneath with your spatula if you’re not sure.

Step 8: Using a wide spatula, carefully flip the quesadilla. If you’re nervous, slide it onto a plate first, then flip the plate back into the pan. Cook the second side for another 3-4 minutes until golden and the cheese is fully melted and gooey.

Step 9: Transfer the cooked quesadilla to a cutting board and let it rest for 1-2 minutes. This helps the cheese set slightly so it doesn’t all ooze out when you slice. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to make a second quesadilla.

Step 10: Slice each quesadilla into 4-6 wedges using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce, sour cream, and your favorite toppings.

Best Sides to Serve with BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

These quesadillas pair beautifully with fresh, light sides that balance the richness of the melted cheese and tangy barbecue sauce.

Creamy Coleslaw: The cool, crunchy texture cuts through the richness perfectly, and the vinegar-based dressing complements the smoky BBQ flavor.

Mexican Street Corn Salad: Charred corn with lime, cotija cheese, and chili powder adds a fresh, summery element that works year-round.

Black Bean and Corn Salad: This adds protein and fiber while providing a colorful, nutritious contrast to the cheesy quesadillas.

Fresh Garden Salad: Simple mixed greens with a light vinaigrette keep things light and add a healthy crunch.

Tortilla Chips with Guacamole: Classic pairing that adds more texture and healthy fats, plus everyone loves guac.

Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice with bright citrus notes makes this feel like a complete Mexican-inspired meal.

More Quick Chicken Dinners to Try

These BBQ chicken quesadillas pair wonderfully with other easy weeknight meals that celebrate bold flavors and simple preparation. For another speedy chicken dinner, try the Best Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles which delivers sweet and savory Asian-inspired flavors in the same quick timeframe. The Honey Garlic Butter Chicken with Mac Cheese offers similar comfort food appeal with a different flavor profile that kids absolutely love.

If BBQ chicken quesadillas become a household favorite, consider exploring other chicken recipes that work beautifully for busy evenings. The Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Rich Garlic Sauce brings restaurant-quality flavors home, while BBQ Grilled Chicken Wraps offer a similar barbecue-forward taste in a portable format. For variety in cooking methods, the Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken lets the crockpot do the work while delivering tender, flavorful results.

How to Store and Reheat Your Quesadillas

I recommend storing BBQ chicken quesadillas individually wrapped in parchment paper, then placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months by stacking them with parchment paper between each one to prevent sticking.

For reheating, skip the microwave if you want to maintain that crispy texture. Instead, heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side until heated through and crispy again. You can also use the oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, or pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes.

Pro tip: If you’re meal prepping, assemble the quesadillas but don’t cook them. Wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then cook fresh when you’re ready to eat. This gives you that just-made taste with minimal effort.

Common Questions About BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

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