BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Easy and Flavorful Meal

January 4, 2026June 28, 2025 by Chef Remy

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

– 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Additional Ingredients

– 4 large flour tortillas

– 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

– 1/2 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

– Sour cream, for serving

– Guacamole, for serving

When you gather your ingredients, focus on quality. Use cooked chicken that is tender and juicy. Your choice of BBQ sauce can really change the dish. Pick a sauce that you love, whether it’s sweet, spicy, or tangy. The cheese is key for creaminess. Mixing cheddar and mozzarella gives a great melt.

For the tortillas, choose large ones to hold all the goodness. Fresh veggies add crunch and color. The red onion and bell peppers bring a nice flavor contrast. Olive oil helps to sauté the veggies well. Finally, garnishes like cilantro, sour cream, and guacamole elevate the taste and presentation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken Mixture

First, grab a mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of shredded chicken and 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Mix well until the chicken is coated. This step is important. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes. This lets the flavors soak in.

Sautéing Vegetables

Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1/2 cup of thinly sliced red onion and 1/2 cup of mixed bell peppers. Cook these for about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want them tender and slightly caramelized. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Assembling and Cooking Quesadillas

Now it’s time to assemble! Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel. Add a bit more olive oil if needed, then heat it again. Place one large flour tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle half of 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Next, add half of the BBQ chicken mixture and half of the sautéed vegetables.

Cover this with another tortilla. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown. Carefully flip the quesadilla with a spatula and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes. The cheese should be melted and the outside crispy.

Remove the quesadilla from the skillet. Let it rest for a minute before cutting it into wedges. Repeat this process to make a second quesadilla. Serve warm, topped with fresh cilantro, and offer sour cream and guacamole on the side for dipping. Enjoy your flavorful BBQ chicken quesadillas!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

To make great BBQ chicken quesadillas, you need the right skillet temperature. Heat your skillet on medium heat. This helps the tortillas cook evenly. If the skillet is too hot, the tortillas may burn. If it’s too cool, they might get soggy.

Using the right amount of oil is key too. I use two tablespoons of olive oil for cooking. One tablespoon is for sautéing veggies, and the other is for cooking the quesadillas. This keeps them crispy and tasty.

Presentation Tips

To impress your guests, arrange the quesadilla wedges nicely. Place them in a circle on a colorful platter. This makes the dish look inviting.

For garnishing, sprinkle extra cilantro on top. You can also add lime wedges for a pop of color. Serve small bowls of sour cream and guacamole on the side. This adds to the fun and makes it easy for everyone to dip!

Variations

Different Meats

You can change the meat in BBQ chicken quesadillas. If you love beef, try using shredded brisket. It adds a rich flavor. Pulled pork works well too. It brings a tender bite and a sweet taste. For a vegetarian option, think outside the box! Use grilled mushrooms or jackfruit. Both soak up BBQ sauce nicely. You can even try black beans for extra protein.

Flavor Enhancements

Adding spices can kick up your quesadilla game. Consider cayenne pepper for heat or smoked paprika for a deep flavor. You can also switch up the BBQ sauce. Try a spicy or honey variant for a twist. Cheese is key too. Instead of cheddar and mozzarella, use pepper jack for a little heat. Smoked gouda adds a creamy and smoky touch. Experiment with your favorites to find your ideal mix!

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To store leftovers in the fridge, place the quesadillas in an airtight container. Make sure the lid seals well to keep them fresh. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap or foil. This helps prevent drying out. Leftovers can last for 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just take them out and reheat.

Freezing

If you want to freeze cooked quesadillas, let them cool first. Wrap each quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. This helps keep them from getting freezer burn. They can last for up to 2 months in the freezer.

For reheating, take a quesadilla out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also reheat it straight from the freezer. Use a skillet over medium heat for the best results. Cook until the cheese melts and the quesadilla is warm all the way through. This keeps the outside crispy, just like when it was first made.

FAQs

Common Questions

What can I serve with BBQ chicken quesadillas?

You can serve many tasty sides with BBQ chicken quesadillas. Here are some great ideas:

– Fresh salsa or pico de gallo

– A simple green salad

– Corn on the cob

– Chips with guacamole or salsa

– A side of rice or quinoa

These sides add flavor and balance to your meal.

Can I make quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes, you can make quesadillas ahead of time. Prepare them, then store them in the fridge. To heat, use a skillet for best results. This keeps them crispy.

Cooking Concerns

How do I know when quesadillas are done?

You know quesadillas are done when both sides are golden brown. The cheese should melt inside, making it gooey. A good way to check is to lift one side with a spatula.

What if my quesadilla fillings leak?

If your fillings leak, don’t worry. Here are some tips to avoid this:

– Don’t overfill your quesadilla. Less is more.

– Make sure the cheese is well melted. It helps hold things together.

– Cook on low heat for even melting without burning.

If they do leak, just enjoy the mess—it adds to the flavor!

In this blog post, we explored BBQ chicken quesadillas from the ground up. We discussed the key ingredients, like the shredded chicken and cheese. You learned step-by-step how to prepare and cook them. Tips on cooking and presentation can help make your dish shine. I also shared variations to suit your taste. Finally, we went over storage tips for leftovers.

With these methods and ideas, you can create delicious quesadillas that impress everyone. Happy cookin