Delicious BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

Craving a delicious twist on a classic favorite? Look no further than these mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Quesadillas! If you’re like me and always on the hunt for new ways to use up leftover chicken, this recipe is a game-changer. Picture tender shreds of chicken coated in smoky BBQ sauce, paired with gooey melted cheddar cheese, all enveloped in a crispy tortilla – a flavor explosion in every bite!

I stumbled upon this recipe during one of those hectic weeks when leftovers were piling up, and I needed a quick and tasty solution. Little did I know that these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas would become a household favorite, with my daughter’s friends constantly requesting them. The secret lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the tangy BBQ sauce to the oozing cheese, creating a dish that’s impossible to resist.

Pro tip: Less is more when it comes to filling these quesadillas to ensure they hold together and cook to perfection. Serve them warm, sliced into wedges, alongside sour cream, salsa, or even some guacamole for a delightful meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a surefire way to please everyone at the table!

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy meal: Perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests, these BBQ chicken quesadillas come together in no time.
• Versatile: Use up leftover chicken or try different variations with pulled pork, various cheeses, and added veggies for a customizable meal.
• Satisfying and flavorful: The smoky BBQ sauce paired with gooey melted cheese wrapped in a crispy tortilla creates a dish that’s both comforting and delicious.
• Great for sharing: A crowd-pleaser that disappears fast, these quesadillas are sure to be a hit with family and friends – just be prepared to make extra!

Why You’ll Love This Delicious BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe Recipe

• Flavorful and Comforting: The smoky BBQ sauce blends with tender chicken and gooey cheddar cheese to create a satisfying and comforting flavor profile.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These quesadillas are a hit with teenagers and adults alike, making them perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
• Quick and Easy: The recipe comes together in no time, making it a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
• Customizable: Easily customize the quesadillas by adding different cheeses, vegetables, or proteins to suit your taste preferences.
• Perfect Texture: The tortillas get beautifully crispy and golden, while the cheese melts into gooey perfection, providing a delightful combination of textures.
• Versatile: Leftover chicken, pulled pork, or various cheese combinations can be used to create different variations of this recipe.
• Great for Sharing: Cut into triangular wedges, these quesadillas are ideal for sharing and serving as a fun and delicious appetizer or main dish.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or crispy tortilla chips for a complete and satisfying meal experience.

Ingredients for Delicious BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 1½ cups BBQ sauce
• 6 tortillas, 8 inch
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups chicken, shredded

How to Make Delicious BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

Step 1: Mix chicken and BBQ sauce

Combine shredded chicken and BBQ sauce in a large bowl until evenly coated.

Step 2: Heat tortilla

Warm one side of a tortilla in a clean skillet over low to medium heat.

Step 3: Add filling

Place cheese on one half of the tortilla, followed by the BBQ chicken mixture, then sprinkle more cheese on top.

Step 4: Fold and cook

Fold each tortilla in half, flip, and cook until brown spots form and cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Step 5: Serve

Serve promptly while still hot and crispy.

Storage Tips

Once you have cooked and enjoyed your BBQ chicken quesadillas, storing any leftovers properly is essential to preserve their flavor and texture. Leftover quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat them, place the quesadillas in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are heated through. While reheating can help restore some of the flavors, they may not be as delicious as when freshly made due to the change in texture.

For longer storage, you can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble and cook the quesadillas. This can be a time-saving strategy for busy days when you want to enjoy a quick and satisfying meal without much prep work. By storing the components separately and assembling them just before cooking, you can ensure that your BBQ chicken quesadillas taste as fresh and flavorful as possible. Remember that while these quesadillas are best enjoyed immediately, proper storage and reheating techniques can help maintain their quality for a short period.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, there are various ingredient substitutions you can try based on personal preferences or availability. If you don’t have cheddar cheese on hand, feel free to substitute it with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of different cheeses for added flavor complexity. These cheeses also melt well and complement the BBQ chicken filling nicely.

If you prefer a different protein or have leftover meat other than chicken, such as pulled pork or even beef, you can easily swap it in for the shredded chicken. This can introduce a new flavor profile to the quesadillas while still maintaining the essence of the dish. Just ensure that the alternative meat is shredded or diced for easy cooking and assembly.

Additionally, if you are looking to make the quesadillas vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms. Season the veggies well and grill or sauté them before assembling the quesadillas with BBQ sauce and cheese. This variation adds a delicious and hearty vegetable option to the dish, making it suitable for vegetarians or those looking to include more plant-based ingredients in their meals.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of your BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, consider serving them on a large wooden platter lined with vibrant green lettuce leaves for a pop of color. Garnish the platter with halved cherry tomatoes and chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as creamy avocado ranch or zesty chipotle mayo on the side to add extra layers of flavor to each bite.

For a fun twist, turn these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas into a build-your-own quesadilla bar for your next gathering. Set out bowls of assorted toppings like diced red onions, jalapeños, black beans, and corn kernels. Let your guests customize their quesadillas with their favorite ingredients before you grill them to gooey perfection. This interactive and customizable approach will surely be a hit with both kids and adults alike, making it a memorable and delicious dining experience.

FAQs for Delicious BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cheddar?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses for a unique flavor profile.

Can I make these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and cook the quesadillas. However, it’s best to cook and enjoy them fresh for the optimal melty cheese and crispy tortilla texture.

How should I store leftovers and reheat the quesadillas?

Leftover quesadillas can be stored in the fridge for a day or two. To reheat, simply place them in a dry skillet and warm them up until heated through. Keep in mind that reheated quesadillas may not be as delicious as when freshly made.

What are some recommended toppings to serve with these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?

Consider serving the quesadillas with sour cream, salsa, sliced avocado, guacamole, or crispy tortilla chips on the side. These toppings provide a nice contrast to the rich cheese and smoky BBQ flavors of the quesadillas.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed making and eating these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas as much as I do! It’s always a joy to see how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that brings smiles and satisfies hunger. The beauty of these quesadillas lies in their versatility – you can easily customize them with your favorite toppings and flavors to suit your taste.

Next time you find yourself with leftover chicken or craving a quick and delicious meal, remember these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or anytime you want a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to please a crowd. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family so they can experience the joy of these cheesy, smoky delights too. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with the aroma of good food and happy memories!

Delicious BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

BBQ chicken quesadillas: smoky BBQ sauce, tender chicken, gooey cheddar, all wrapped in crispy tortillas – a neighborhood favorite disappearing faster than I can cook them!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time5 Minutes

Cook Time25 Minutes

Total Time30 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (6 quesadillas)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1½ cups BBQ sauce
• 6 tortillas, 8 inch
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups chicken, shredded

Instructions

1. Mix chicken and BBQ sauce: Combine shredded chicken and BBQ sauce in a large bowl until evenly coated.
2. Heat tortilla: Warm one side of a tortilla in a clean skillet over low to medium heat.
3. Add filling: Place cheese on one half of the tortilla, followed by the BBQ chicken mixture, then sprinkle more cheese on top.
4. Fold and cook: Fold each tortilla in half, flip, and cook until brown spots form and cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
5. Serve: Serve promptly while still hot and crispy.