Name: BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cooked chicken breast, shredded – 2 cups; Barbecue sauce – 1/2 cup; Flour tortillas – 4 large; Shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar and Monterey Jack blend) – 1 1/2 cups; Olive oil or butter for cooking – 1-2 tbsp; Optional: sliced red onions, chopped cilantro, jalapeños – as desired

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that combines tender shredded chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, and melted cheese all wrapped inside crispy tortillas. This recipe is perfect for a casual dinner or a game day snack that comes together in just minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy to make and packed with bold flavors. The combination of tangy BBQ sauce with gooey cheese and juicy chicken always hits the spot. Plus, quesadillas are so versatile — I can easily switch up the fillings to suit whatever I have on hand. It’s a comforting dish that never feels heavy, and it’s great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked chicken breast, shredded
Barbecue sauce
Flour tortillas
Shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
Olive oil or butter for cooking
Optional: sliced red onions, chopped cilantro, jalapeños for some heat

directions

In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until well coated.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with olive oil or butter.
Place one tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle half of it evenly with shredded cheese.
Add a generous layer of the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese.
Top with a bit more cheese and any optional ingredients like onions or jalapeños.
Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling and press down gently.
Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Remove from skillet, let it cool slightly, then slice into wedges and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 quesadillas, serving 2 to 4 people depending on appetite. Preparation takes around 10 minutes, and cooking each quesadilla takes about 6 to 8 minutes total, so the whole meal can be ready in about 20 minutes.

Variations

I often experiment with this recipe by adding different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or including vegetables such as corn or black beans for extra texture and flavor. For a healthier twist, I use whole wheat tortillas and serve with fresh avocado or salsa on the side.

storage/reheating

I store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I like to warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side to keep the tortillas crispy. Alternatively, reheating in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes works well. Microwaving is quicker but can make the tortillas a bit soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cooked chicken works great as long as it’s fully thawed and drained before mixing with the BBQ sauce.

What kind of barbecue sauce do you recommend?

I prefer a tangy, slightly sweet BBQ sauce to balance the savory chicken and cheese, but any favorite brand or homemade sauce works well.

Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the quesadillas and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Just cook them fresh for the best crispy texture.

Are these quesadillas freezer-friendly?

You can freeze cooked quesadillas wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven or skillet straight from frozen.

What can I serve with BBQ chicken quesadillas?

I like serving them with sour cream, guacamole, fresh salsa, or a simple side salad to balance the richness.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are one of my go-to recipes when I want something fast, flavorful, and easy to share. The smoky BBQ chicken combined with melted cheese and crispy tortillas makes a comforting meal that’s hard to beat. Whether for a quick dinner, snack, or entertaining friends, this recipe always delivers. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too.