BBQ Chicken Quesadilla (Cheesy, Smoky & Perfectly Crispy)
This BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is loaded with tender chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, melty cheese, and a golden crisp tortilla. It’s sweet, savory, cheesy, and ready in minutes—perfect for quick meals or game-day snacks.
A crispy golden quesadilla filled with juicy BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and a hint of smoky sweetness. This BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is fast, delicious, and incredibly satisfying for lunch, dinner, or snacks.
When you want something comforting, cheesy, and a little smoky, this BBQ Chicken Quesadilla hits the spot every single time. It’s everything you love about barbecue chicken wrapped in a perfectly crisp tortilla.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes.
- Melty & Cheesy: Stretchy, gooey cheese in every bite.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Works with grilled chicken, baked chicken, or rotisserie.
- Family Friendly: Sweet, smoky flavors everyone loves.
- Versatile: Add veggies, spices, or extra toppings to customize.
BBQ Chicken Quesadilla
Ingredients
- For the BBQ Chicken Filling
- 2 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken
- ⅓ cup BBQ sauce your favorite brand
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- For the Quesadilla
- 4 large flour tortillas or low-carb tortillas
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheddar, or a blend
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil for the skillet
- Optional Add-Ins
- Diced red onion
- Sliced jalapeños
- Cilantro
- Green onions
- Smoked paprika
- Extra BBQ drizzle
Instructions
- Make the BBQ Chicken Filling
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until everything is warm and fully coated.
- Let it cook for 1–2 minutes so the flavors soak in.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Quesadilla
- Heat another skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil.
- Place one tortilla in the skillet.
- Add a layer of shredded cheese over half the tortilla.
- Spoon a layer of BBQ chicken filling on top.
- Add a little more cheese on top—this helps it stick together.
- Fold the tortilla in half.
- Cook Until Crispy
- Cook the quesadilla for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Press gently with a spatula to help the cheese melt.
- When the tortilla is golden and crispy, it’s ready.
- Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 1 minute.
- Slice & Serve
- Cut into triangles and serve warm with extra BBQ sauce or ranch dressing.
Nabeela’s Pro Tips
1. Use two types of cheese for perfect melt + flavor
Mozzarella gives the best stretch, while cheddar or Monterey Jack adds sharpness and depth. Using both creates the ideal cheesy pull and rich taste in your BBQ Chicken Quesadilla.
2. Don’t skip preheating the skillet
A hot pan ensures the tortilla crisps immediately instead of soaking up oil and turning soggy. Medium heat works best for a golden, even crust.
3. Let the quesadilla rest before slicing
Allow it to sit for 1 minute so the melted cheese sets slightly. This prevents filling from spilling out and keeps the triangles perfectly intact.
4. Make the chicken extra saucy
If you love bold barbecue flavor, add an extra spoonful of BBQ sauce to the filling before cooking. Just avoid adding too much—overly wet filling makes the quesadilla messy.
5. Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep
Rotisserie chicken shreds beautifully and brings natural juiciness. It makes this recipe faster and more flavorful without any extra steps.
6. Add veggies without losing crispiness
Thinly sliced red onions, jalapeños, or green onions add great texture without affecting the quesadilla’s crispness. Avoid adding watery vegetables like tomatoes inside the quesadilla.
7. Grill it for smoky flavor
Turn this into a grilled BBQ Chicken Quesadilla by cooking it on a grill pan or barbecue grill. The char marks and smoky edges pair perfectly with the sweetness of BBQ sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover BBQ chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled or baked BBQ chicken works perfectly. Just shred or chop it and warm it with a bit of fresh BBQ sauce before assembling the quesadilla.
2. What’s the best cheese for a BBQ Chicken Quesadilla?
Mozzarella melts smoothly and creates that classic cheese pull. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend add richer flavor. Combining two types gives you the perfect balance of melt and taste.
3. Can I make this quesadilla in the oven?
Yes! Assemble your quesadillas, brush lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. Oven baking works great for making several quesadillas at once.
4. What dips go well with BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?
Great options include ranch dressing, extra BBQ sauce, chipotle mayo, cilantro-lime sauce, or sour cream. Each adds a creamy coolness that complements the smoky-sweet chicken.
