© Original Recipe By Fresh & Fit Recipes ©
🔥 Quick and Easy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla for Weeknight Dinner 🌮
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a flavorful, crispy, and cheesy meal that comes together in minutes, this BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is your perfect answer. Combining smoky barbecue chicken with melted cheese encased in a golden tortilla, it’s an irresistible dinner idea for busy weeknights. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a beginner looking for an easy, satisfying meal, this recipe promises delicious results every time.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple ingredients that deliver maximum flavor.
- An easy single-pan or sandwich-type meal that’s easy to customize.
- Great for leftovers or meal prep, making subsequent lunches effortless.
3. Ingredient Notes
High-quality ingredients elevate the flavor of your BBQ Chicken Quesadilla. Use tender, cooked chicken — rotisserie chicken is a quick shortcut — and about your favorite smoky barbecue sauce. Opt for a good melting cheese like shredded Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend for richness and gooeyness. Fresh tortillas, ideally whole wheat or white flour, create that crispy exterior. Don’t forget a splash of fresh cilantro or green onion for brightening the flavors.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
Making this quesadilla is a breeze with the right tools. I recommend grabbing a Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer to quickly reheat or toast your quesadillas to crispy perfection. A quality nonstick skillet like the T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set ensures even heating and easy cleanup. And for easy assembly, a versatile Breville Nespresso Vertuo Creatista Espresso & Coffee Maker can inspire creative beverages alongside your dinner if you’re in a brunch mood!
5. How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadilla
Preparation Stage
Start by shredding cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and mixing it with smoky barbecue sauce. Set aside. Warm your skillet over medium heat with a touch of oil or butter until shimmering. Arrange a tortilla in the skillet, then generously layer with the BBQ chicken mixture and shredded cheese. Top with another tortilla if making a sandwich-style quesadilla. Cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Flip carefully with a spatula or tongs, and cook the other side until crispy and the cheese is melted — you’ll notice a lovely bubbly, golden crust forming.
Finishing Touches
Once cooked, transfer to a cutting board and let it rest for a minute. Slice into wedges and garnish with fresh cilantro, diced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. The aroma of melted cheese combined with smoky barbecue hits all the right notes on your palate!
6. Expert Tips for Success
To achieve the perfect quesadilla, cook it on medium heat — too high, and the tortilla burns before the cheese melts; too low, and it won’t crisp up properly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Use a nonstick skillet to prevent sticking and make flipping easier. For an extra crispy exterior, broil the assembled quesadilla for 1-2 minutes at the end. Lastly, customize fillings — add sliced jalapenos or pickled onions for some tang and spice!
7. Variations & Substitutions
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for sautéed vegetables or black beans.
- Spicy: Mix in jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- Low-carb: Use lettuce wraps or collard greens instead of tortillas.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer (see the air fryer) until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the quesadilla soggy — a quick re-air fry or skillet crisp is ideal.
9. FAQ
Can I use leftover chicken for this quesadilla?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly. Just shred it and mix with barbecue sauce for a quick filling.
What type of cheese melts best for quesadillas?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend produce great meltability and flavor. Use freshly shredded cheese for best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular tortillas with gluten-free versions and ensure your barbecue sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I cook this in the oven instead of a skillet?
Yes. Assemble the quesadilla on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cheese is melted.
10. Conclusion
This Quick and Easy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is a weeknight dinner winner, combining smoky, cheesy goodness with minimal effort. Its versatility and delicious flavor make it a go-to comfort food that everyone loves. Pair it with your favorite side salad or salsa, and enjoy a satisfying meal that hits all the right taste buds!
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Quick and Easy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla for Weeknight Dinner
A delicious and quick BBQ chicken quesadilla made with shredded barbecue chicken, melted cheese, and fresh herbs inside a crispy tortilla. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, served with your favorite dips.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional: sour cream and salsa for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until well coated.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and place a tortilla on it.
- Spread a quarter of the barbecue chicken mixture evenly over half of the tortilla.
- Sprinkle with a quarter of the shredded cheese and some chopped cilantro.
- Fold the tortilla in half and cook until golden brown and cheese melts, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and fillings.
- Slice into wedges and serve warm with sour cream or salsa.
Notes
- Use cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust BBQ sauce to taste for more smoky flavor.
- Can be made in advance and reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg