BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is a delicious mix of tender chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, melted cheese, and a crispy tortilla all grilled to golden perfection. The smoky flavor of the BBQ sauce pairs beautifully with the gooey cheese and the slight crunch of the toasted tortilla, making every bite satisfying and full of flavor.
I love making BBQ Chicken Quesadillas when I want something quick but still packed with taste. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, and adding a bit of onion or peppers gives it an extra pop of freshness. I sometimes like to sprinkle a little cilantro or serve it with a dollop of sour cream to make it even tastier.
This quesadilla is perfect for a casual lunch, a fun dinner, or even a party snack. I find everyone enjoys how easy it is to eat with your hands and how the sweet and smoky BBQ flavor hits just right every time. Plus, it’s super simple to customize with your favorite toppings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked shredded chicken is the base here. I recommend rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for ease and flavor. If you’re short on time, canned chicken also works in a pinch.
Barbecue Sauce: This brings the smoky, tangy flavor. Choose your favorite BBQ sauce—sweet, spicy, or smoky. For a different twist, try swapping in buffalo sauce or even a mild salsa.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic for its sharp taste and good melting ability. Mixing in mozzarella adds extra stretchiness. For dairy-free, try vegan cheese alternatives that melt well.
Flour Tortillas: Large flour tortillas are the best choice to hold all the fillings without breaking. If you prefer, whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas work fine.
Red Onion: Adds crunch and a bit of sharpness. Swap with green onions or omit if you want less bite.
How Can I Get the Perfectly Crispy and Melty Quesadilla?
Getting the right balance of crispy tortilla and melty cheese takes attention but is simple once you know the steps:
- Preheat your skillet on medium heat before adding the oil or butter to prevent sticking.
- Use enough fat to lightly coat the pan; this helps crisp the tortilla evenly.
- Don’t overload the quesadilla with filling—it can make flipping difficult and soggy.
- Cook the first side until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes), then carefully flip using a wide spatula.
- Cook the second side the same way until it’s also golden and the cheese is melted.
- Let the quesadilla rest for a minute after cooking; the cheese will set slightly, making it easier to slice.
These tips help create that irresistible crispy outside and gooey cheese inside combo every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or frying pan – I recommend a non-stick or cast-iron skillet for even heat and easy flipping.
- Spatula – a wide spatula makes flipping the quesadilla simple and safe.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing red onions and slicing the quesadilla once cooked.
- Measuring cups – to portion out the shredded chicken, cheese, and sauce.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein swaps: Use cooked shredded pork, turkey, or even tofu for a different protein flavor.
- Cheese options: Try Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, or a pepper blend for extra spice and creaminess.
- Vegetable add-ins: Add sliced bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños for extra crunch and heat.
- Spice it up: Mix in cayenne or hot sauce with the BBQ for a fiery kick.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadilla?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter, for cooking
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. The total time needed to enjoy your BBQ chicken quesadillas is around 25 minutes — quick and perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Chicken with BBQ Sauce:
In a bowl, stir together the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce until the chicken is fully coated and flavorful.
2. Prepare the Skillet:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil or butter to lightly coat the surface and prevent sticking.
3. Assemble and Cook the Quesadilla:
Place one tortilla flat in the skillet. Sprinkle half of the cheese evenly over the whole tortilla. Spread half of the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese, then scatter some red onion slices on top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over everything, and place a second tortilla on top.
Cook for 3–4 minutes until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt. Carefully flip the quesadilla using a wide spatula and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes until it’s golden brown with melted cheese inside.
4. Rest and Serve:
Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for a minute to firm up. Slice into wedges and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling if needed. Serve warm with cilantro, sour cream, or guacamole if you like.
Enjoy your tasty, melty BBQ Chicken Quesadilla made simple and delicious!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Quesadilla?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before shredding and mixing with the barbecue sauce. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in cold water for best results.
What Are Good Substitutes for the Cheese?
If you want to switch it up, Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend work great. For dairy-free options, use a meltable vegan cheese. Just keep the cheese amount the same for gooey results.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat to keep the tortillas crispy and the cheese melted.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños make tasty additions inside the quesadilla. Just slice them thin so they cook quickly and fit nicely between the tortillas.