Sink your teeth into Cheesy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas – smoky, savory, and loaded with melty cheese and bold flavor for the ultimate bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick And Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
Great For Leftovers: A delicious way to use up cooked or rotisserie chicken.

Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy BBQ flavor.
Customizable: Add onions, jalapeños, or cilantro to suit your taste.
Crispy And Melty: Golden tortillas with melted cheddar make each bite irresistible.

Minimal Ingredients: Just a few pantry staples needed.
Perfect For Any Meal: Great for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack.
Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and freeze for a quick meal later.

Portable: Easy to pack and take on the go.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for casual get-togethers and game nights.

Ingredients

2 cups shredded cooked chicken (e.g., rotisserie or leftover grilled)

1½ cups barbecue sauce
6 flour tortillas (8-inch)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Optional: sliced red onions, chopped cilantro, or jalapeño slices for added flavor

Directions

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce, mixing until the chicken is well coated.
Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat.

Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle ⅓ cup of cheddar cheese over half of the tortilla.
Spoon approximately ⅓ cup of the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese.
Add any optional toppings, such as red onions, cilantro, or jalapeños, if desired.

Sprinkle an additional ⅓ cup of cheddar cheese over the chicken and fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.
Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before slicing into wedges.

Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 4 (makes 6 quesadillas)
Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories Per Serving: Approximately 420 kcal

Variations

Swap The Cheese: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor.
Make It Spicy: Add hot sauce or use a spicy BBQ sauce for a kick.
Use Corn Tortillas: For a gluten-free option, swap flour tortillas with corn.

Add Veggies: Include sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
Go Meatless: Use BBQ jackfruit or beans for a vegetarian version.
Creamy Twist: Add a smear of cream cheese or ranch inside the quesadilla.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Let quesadillas cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze individually wrapped quesadillas for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I Use Store-Bought BBQ Chicken?

Yes, using pre-made BBQ chicken cuts down prep time and works just as well.

What’s The Best BBQ Sauce To Use?

Use your favorite brand or homemade BBQ sauce—sweet, smoky, or spicy all work well.

Can I Bake The Quesadillas Instead?

Yes, bake at 400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.

Can I Make These In Advance?

Yes, assemble them ahead and store in the fridge or freezer until ready to cook.

What’s The Best Way To Get Them Crispy?

Cook in a dry skillet over medium-low heat to get a crisp texture without burning.

Are They Good Cold?

While best hot, they can also be eaten cold or room temperature, especially for lunchboxes.

Can I Use Different Meats?

Absolutely—try shredded beef or turkey for variety.

Do I Have To Use Flour Tortillas?

No, but flour tortillas are best for crispness and holding the filling. Corn can be used for a different texture.

What Goes Well With BBQ Quesadillas?

Serve with coleslaw, salad, fries, or dipping sauces like ranch or extra BBQ sauce.

How Do I Keep Them From Getting Soggy?

Don’t overfill, and let them cool slightly before storing to avoid steam buildup.

Conclusion

Cheesy BBQ chicken quesadillas are a go-to favorite for good reason. They’re quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor, making them ideal for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or fun family meals. Whether you’re using up leftovers or planning ahead, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your rotation.

More Recipes to Serve with Your Quesadillas

Round out your Cheesy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas meal or explore similar flavor-packed dishes:

Add a refreshing touch with Pineapple Cucumber Salad, a light and zesty contrast to cheesy BBQ.
Try the savory and spicy Spicy Cajun Alfredo Pasta with Garlic Butter Steak Bites for your next indulgent dinner.
Bake up some Pull-Apart Garlic Bread — the perfect gooey, garlicky side.

For a heartier take, dive into Brisket Mac & Cheese Tacos — comfort food turned taco-style.
Keep it handheld with Chicken Bell Pepper Ranch Burritos — smoky, creamy, and ideal for meal prep.

Cheesy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (6 quesadillas) 1x

Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

Sink your teeth into Cheesy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas – smoky, savory, and loaded with melty cheese and bold flavor for the ultimate bite!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups shredded cooked chicken (e.g., rotisserie or leftover grilled)

1½ cups barbecue sauce
6 flour tortillas (8-inch)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Optional: sliced red onions, chopped cilantro, or jalapeño slices for added flavor

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce, mixing until the chicken is well coated.
Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat.

Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle ⅓ cup of cheddar cheese over half of the tortilla.
Spoon approximately ⅓ cup of the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese.
Add any optional toppings, such as red onions, cilantro, or jalapeños, if desired.

Sprinkle an additional ⅓ cup of cheddar cheese over the chicken and fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.
Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before slicing into wedges.

Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Notes

Use your favorite BBQ sauce for a personalized flavor.
Pre-cooked chicken saves time and works well in this recipe.

For a spicier kick, add hot sauce or extra jalapeños.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Category: Lunch/Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 1/2 quesadillas
Calories: 420
Sugar: 9g

Sodium: 790mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g

Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g

Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg