BBQ chicken quesadillas are a delightful fusion of smoky, tangy barbecue flavors and the cheesy, crispy goodness of a classic quesadilla. Perfectly suited for any occasion, they make a satisfying and flavorful meal that can be served for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s packed with savory and cheesy richness, and it can be customized based on your preferences.

What makes BBQ chicken quesadillas such a comfort food is their balance of textures and flavors. The crispy tortilla contrasts beautifully with the melty cheese and tender, juicy BBQ chicken, delivering a satisfying bite every time. Plus, they’re easy to make, taking minimal time to prepare. This makes them a go-to for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or casual parties.

One of the best aspects of BBQ chicken quesadillas is their versatility. Whether you’re adding extra vegetables, playing with different types of cheese, or switching up your BBQ sauce, the possibilities are endless. You can enjoy them as a main dish with sides or slice them into smaller wedges for an appetizer that’s sure to please everyone.

Ingredients Breakdown

Key Ingredients:

• Olive Oil: A teaspoon of olive oil adds flavor and helps prevent sticking while cooking the onions and tortillas. It also helps to soften the onions, drawing out their natural sweetness.
• Red Onions: These provide a sweet and savory element that complements the smoky flavor of the BBQ sauce. Sautéing the onions enhances their natural sugars, adding depth to the dish.
• Shredded Chicken: Chicken breast works best as it’s lean and easy to shred. It’s important to cook the chicken until tender and then shred it into big chunks so that it doesn’t get lost in the quesadilla.
• BBQ Sauce: A key ingredient that gives the quesadilla its signature flavor. Whether you prefer a sweet, smoky, or spicy BBQ sauce, this will coat the chicken, creating a flavorful and moist filling.
• Tortillas: The base of the quesadilla, flour tortillas are ideal for their pliability and ability to crisp up nicely when cooked.
• Butter: Spreading butter on the outside of the tortillas creates a golden, crispy texture when grilled. It also adds richness and a slight buttery flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Cheddar-Jack Cheese: This blend of cheeses melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture that holds the quesadilla together while contributing a savory, cheesy flavor.

Optional Ingredients:

• Toppings and Sides: For serving, you can enhance the dish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or ranch dip. These sides add layers of freshness, creaminess, and tang that complement the BBQ flavors.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Slicing Onions and Shredding Chicken: Begin by thinly slicing the red onions. For the chicken, if it’s already cooked, shred it into big chunks. If you’re using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, this step becomes even easier. Ensure the chicken is well-cooked and tender for optimal flavor.
• Selecting Your BBQ Sauce: Choose your preferred BBQ sauce based on your flavor preference—whether sweet, smoky, spicy, or a combination of these.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Combine with Chicken

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a teaspoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced red onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
• Once the onions are softened, add the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Once well-mixed, remove the skillet from heat and set the mixture aside.

Step 3: Buttering the Tortillas

• While the chicken mixture cools slightly, take your tortillas and spread a thin, even layer of room temperature butter on one side of each tortilla. This will help the tortilla crisp up in the skillet and give it a golden-brown exterior.

Step 4: Cooking the Quesadilla

• Heat another skillet over medium heat. Place one tortilla, butter side down, in the skillet. Sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded cheese on one half of the tortilla. Layer half of the chicken mixture over the cheese and sprinkle another ¼ cup of cheese on top of the chicken.
• Fold the tortilla in half and gently press it down with a spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown. Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes, until golden and the cheese is fully melted.
• Transfer the cooked quesadilla to a wire rack or cutting board to cool slightly while you prepare the next quesadilla.

Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

• Cheese to Filling Ratio: For the ideal quesadilla, the ratio of cheese to filling is crucial. Too little cheese won’t bind the ingredients, while too much filling can make the quesadilla difficult to handle. Aim for a balanced amount of cheese that melts well and helps hold the chicken mixture together.
• Cooking on Medium Heat: Always cook quesadillas over medium heat to ensure they don’t burn before the cheese melts. Medium heat will give you a golden, crispy tortilla while allowing the inside to heat through.
• Pressing the Quesadilla: When cooking, gently press down on the quesadilla with a spatula to ensure even cooking and to help compact the filling. This technique also helps the cheese melt evenly.
• Customization Options:
  • Try experimenting with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or spinach to boost the nutritional value and introduce more texture.
  • Leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken can save time and still provide delicious results without the need for additional cooking.

Variations of BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Different Types of BBQ Sauces
The flavor of your BBQ chicken quesadilla can be easily transformed by changing the type of BBQ sauce you use. Opt for a spicy BBQ sauce if you enjoy a bit of heat, or choose a smoky BBQ sauce for a deeper, more robust flavor. If you prefer a sweeter profile, go for a honey-based BBQ sauce or a sauce with hints of brown sugar. Each type of BBQ sauce will bring a unique dimension to the dish, making it highly customizable based on your taste preferences.

Meat Substitutes
If you’re looking to switch up the protein, try using shredded pork, ground beef, or even pulled brisket to replace the chicken. For a vegetarian option, tofu works well as a substitute—just sauté or grill it, then toss it with BBQ sauce. Jackfruit is another excellent plant-based alternative, mimicking the texture of pulled meat while absorbing the sauce’s flavors beautifully.

Regional and Flavor Variations

• For a Tex-Mex twist, add black beans, corn, or sliced jalapeños to the filling. These ingredients will enhance the dish with added texture and flavor.
• For a Hawaiian version, throw in pineapple chunks with the BBQ chicken to introduce a sweet and tangy contrast that pairs well with the smoky BBQ sauce.

Other Cheese Options
Swap out the cheddar-jack cheese for options like gouda for a smoky taste, blue cheese for a tangy kick, or Swiss cheese for a milder, creamier texture. Each cheese brings its own personality to the quesadilla, allowing for endless possibilities.

Serving Suggestions

To serve your BBQ chicken quesadilla, cut it into wedges for easy handling. This not only makes it visually appealing but also allows for convenient dipping and sharing.

For toppings, serve with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or ranch dressing on the side. These dips add layers of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors, complementing the smoky BBQ chicken. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole cools down the rich, cheesy filling, while salsa and ranch add brightness and a hint of acidity.

Garnish with cilantro for a pop of freshness. Its herbaceous notes brighten up the dish, providing a contrast to the smoky and rich flavors.

Pair the quesadilla with a fresh salad, fries, or corn on the cob to create a full meal. The crispness of the salad or the sweetness of the corn can balance the heartiness of the quesadilla.

Nutritional Information

A typical BBQ chicken quesadilla can have around 400-500 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients and portion size. The calorie content primarily comes from the tortillas, cheese, and BBQ chicken, providing a balanced mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates.

• Protein: Chicken provides a solid protein base, making this dish a filling and energizing meal.
• Fats: The cheese, butter, and tortillas contribute to the fat content, offering richness and flavor.
• Carbohydrates: Tortillas add the bulk of the carbs, providing energy and structure to the quesadilla.

For a lighter version, consider:

• Using whole wheat tortillas to increase fiber and reduce refined carbs.
• Reducing the amount of butter or substituting it with non-stick spray.
• Opting for reduced-fat cheese to lower fat content without sacrificing flavor.
• For the dips, use Greek yogurt-based alternatives instead of sour cream or ranch, for a protein-packed, lower-fat option.

FAQs

• Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
  • Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred the meat and mix it with BBQ sauce. It adds flavor and tenderness without the need for additional cooking.
• Can I use different types of tortillas?
  • Flour tortillas work best because they get crispy without becoming too brittle, but corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option. They will provide a slightly different texture and flavor, more reminiscent of traditional Mexican quesadillas.
• How do I make the quesadilla spicier?
  • Add sliced jalapeños, use a spicy BBQ sauce, or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the chicken mixture. You can also add a hot salsa or drizzle hot sauce on top after cooking for an extra kick.
• What’s the best way to reheat leftover quesadillas?
  • Reheat quesadillas in a skillet or oven to retain their crispness. Microwaving may make the tortillas soggy. Heat over medium-low until the cheese melts and the tortilla becomes crispy again.
• Can I make this ahead of time?
  • Yes, prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready, simply assemble the quesadillas and cook them. This can save time, especially for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overfilling the Quesadilla: Too much filling can make it hard to fold and flip the quesadilla, resulting in ingredients spilling out. Stick to a reasonable amount of chicken and cheese to ensure a neat, easy-to-handle quesadilla.
• Using Too High Heat: Cooking over high heat may burn the outside of the tortilla before the cheese has time to melt. Always use medium heat to achieve a crispy, golden tortilla with a perfectly melted filling.
• Forgetting to Butter the Tortilla: Skipping the butter can lead to a less flavorful and crisp quesadilla. Butter not only adds a rich taste but also ensures a golden-brown exterior that enhances the texture.
• Improper Flipping Technique: Be gentle and use a wide spatula to avoid tearing the tortilla when flipping. If you rush or use a small spatula, you risk losing some of the filling and breaking the tortilla.

Conclusion

BBQ chicken quesadillas offer a perfect blend of smoky, cheesy, and crispy goodness, making them a go-to dish for any meal. Their simplicity allows for easy preparation, while their versatility ensures that you can tweak the recipe to suit your personal tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying snack for entertaining, BBQ chicken quesadillas are an excellent choice.

The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability—whether you’re experimenting with different BBQ sauces, trying out alternative cheeses, or adding extra vegetables, there’s no wrong way to make a quesadilla. It’s a canvas for creativity, allowing you to make it as simple or as loaded as you like.

So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors and textures that BBQ chicken quesadillas offer. Once you master the basics, you’ll find endless opportunities to customize and enjoy this delicious dish time and time again.

BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

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• Author: Christine

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Description

This BBQ chicken quesadilla is the perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors packed between crispy, buttery tortillas. Shredded chicken is coated in tangy BBQ sauce, layered with melty cheddar-jack cheese, and folded into a warm tortilla, creating a mouthwatering dish. It’s a quick, versatile recipe that works for lunch, dinner, or even a snack, and can be customized with your favorite toppings and sides.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• ½ cup sliced red onions
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded into big chunks
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
• 2 tortillas (10-12 inch burrito size)
• 2 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar-jack cheese
• Optional for serving: cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, ranch dip

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling
   • Heat the Skillet: Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced red onions.
   • Sauté the Onions: Cook the onions for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. This brings out the onions’ natural sweetness and enhances the flavor of the filling.
   • Add Chicken and BBQ Sauce: Stir in the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated. Remove the skillet from heat.

   Note:

   • You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for this step, saving time while still achieving a rich flavor.
   • Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your taste, depending on how tangy or sweet you prefer your filling.
2. Butter the Tortillas
   • Spread room temperature butter evenly on one side of each tortilla. This helps create a golden, crispy texture when the quesadillas are cooked.

   Note:

   • Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy spreading. Cold butter may tear the tortilla or make it unevenly crispy.
3. Assemble the Quesadilla
   • Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Place one tortilla, butter side down, in the skillet.
   • Sprinkle ¼ cup of shredded cheese on one half of the tortilla, followed by half of the chicken mixture. Add another ¼ cup of cheese on top.
   • Fold the tortilla in half, gently pressing down with a spatula to compact the filling.

   Note:

   • Keep the cheese layer on both sides of the chicken mixture to help bind everything together as it melts.
4. Cook the Quesadilla
   • Cook the quesadilla for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has fully melted. Repeat with the remaining tortilla and filling.

   Note:

   • Cooking over medium heat prevents the tortillas from burning before the cheese melts. Be patient and flip carefully to avoid tearing the tortilla.
5. Serve and Garnish
   • Slice the quesadilla into wedges and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh cilantro and pair with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or ranch dip for a complete meal.

   Note:

   • Let the quesadilla rest for 1-2 minutes before cutting to allow the filling to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Notes

• Customizations: Feel free to customize the quesadilla by adding vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or spinach to the filling. You can also experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas.
• Serving Size: This recipe makes 2 large quesadillas, perfect for 2-4 servings depending on portion size.