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BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

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.

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.