BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a quick, easy, and flavorful meal, perfect for lunch, dinner, or a casual gathering. They combine the smoky sweetness of BBQ chicken with melted cheese and your favorite fillings, all nestled between crispy tortillas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Southwestern/American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (or more, to taste)
- 4 large flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for gluten-free)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese (or a blend)
- Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Guacamole or avocado, diced
- Chopped cilantro or green onions
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables (Optional): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onion and bell pepper (if using) and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Combine Chicken and BBQ Sauce: In a bowl, combine the shredded or diced chicken with the BBQ sauce. Mix well.
- Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay out the tortillas on a clean surface. On one half of each tortilla, spread a layer of the BBQ chicken mixture. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and top with sautéed vegetables (if using).
- Cook the Quesadillas: Fold the tortillas in half, pressing down gently. Heat the same skillet over medium heat (you can add a little more oil or butter if needed). Place the quesadillas in the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. You can also grill them or cook them in a panini press.
- Serve: Cut the quesadillas in half or into wedges. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and cilantro.
Notes
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe. You can also use leftover grilled chicken or bake chicken specifically for this recipe.
- BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce. You can also make your own. Experiment with different flavors – smoky, sweet, spicy, etc.
- Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend cheese works well. You can also use pepper jack for a little heat or a blend of cheeses for more complex flavor.
- Vegetables: Onions and bell peppers are great additions, but you can also use other vegetables like corn, black beans, or jalapeños. Sauté them before adding them to the quesadillas.
- Tortillas: Flour tortillas are most commonly used, but corn tortillas are a good gluten-free option. Whole wheat tortillas are also a healthier choice.
- Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicy BBQ sauce for a spicier quesadilla.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and cook the quesadillas just before serving.