BBQ Chicken Quesadillas – The Perfect Easy Dinner Idea

There’s something utterly comforting about the amalgamation of crisp tortillas filled with savory goodness. If you’ve ever been caught in a weeknight dinner bind and thought, “What can I whip up that’ll make everyone happy?”—let me tell you, BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are your ticket. Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they also feel like a hug in food form. Picture this: tender, smoky chicken, melted cheese, and a delightful crunch with every bite.

Why you’ll love this recipe

The beauty of BBQ Chicken Quesadillas lies in their versatility and flavor explosion. Just imagine the moment when you take that first bite—smoky, sweet barbecue sauce dancing on your taste buds, intertwined with gooey melted cheddar, all nestled within that crispy, warm tortilla. It’s a win-win. You get a meal that’s not just quick to prepare but also deeply satisfying.

These quesadillas are perfect for busy weeknights, yet they have the charm to suit any gathering, from impromptu dinners to Taco Tuesday extravaganzas. Plus, they are incredibly customizable! You can tweak them to suit your cravings or whatever ingredients you happen to have left in the fridge.

Gather these ingredients

1. 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: You can use store-bought rotisserie chicken or even leftover grilled chicken—just make sure it’s shredded. It soaks up that BBQ sauce beautifully!

2. 1/2 cup barbecue sauce: I recommend something tangy and a bit sweet; it adds a depth of flavor that makes each bite exciting. Don’t hesitate to use a brand you love or even whip up your own if you’re feeling adventurous!

3. 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice here, melting like a dream. If you’re in a creative mood, you could try pepper jack for a little heat!

4. 4 large flour tortillas: Choose soft, pliable tortillas that can withstand the fillings without tearing. Were you aware that you can also use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier twist?

5. 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional): These give a lovely fresh crunch and a pop of color—especially stunning if you’re serving a crowd!

6. 2 tablespoons olive oil: This is how you’ll get that perfect, golden-brown crust on the tortillas. Feel free to swap it for butter for a richer flavor.

The cooking process explained

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce. Make sure every shred of chicken is coated with that tangy goodness.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. A hot skillet is essential for that crispy exterior.

3. Add one tortilla to the skillet. On top, sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheese to create a cheesy foundation.

4. Next, distribute your BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the melted cheese, then top with another 1/2 cup of cheese. Just a little cheesy redundancy never hurt anyone!

5. Cover with a second tortilla, and cook for 3-4 minutes. You want that first side to turn golden brown and for the cheese to start melting.

6. Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula, and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until golden and crisp.

7. Once done, slide the giant quesadilla onto a cutting board. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling until you’ve got a scrumptious stack.

8. Slice into wedges, garnish with green onions if you wish, and serve warm. You might want to have some extra BBQ sauce on hand for dipping!

Best way to enjoy it

These quesadillas are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet while the cheese is still melty. Serve them with a side of salsa, guacamole, or even a refreshing cucumber salad for a nice balance. A dollop of sour cream could also elevate your creamy game.

If you’re feeling a bit extra, consider adding a side of spicy corn or black bean salad for a colorful, hearty meal. Your friends and family will think you’ve pulled out all the stops!

Storage and reheating tips

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, let me assure you), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat them, simply pop them back into a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid to ensure the cheese melts nicely without burning the tortilla.

You can also freeze cooked quesadillas—just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect them from freezer burn. When you’re ready for another cheesy feast, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Helpful cooking tips

• Don’t rush it! The secret to perfect quesadillas is patience. Cooking them slowly ensures the cheese melts evenly and the tortillas get nicely browned.
• Want an extra layer of flavor? Toast your tortillas in the skillet for a minute before adding your fillings. This creates a slight crunch that compliments the gooeyness beautifully.
• Feel free to play with spices! A sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili powder in the BBQ sauce can take your quesadillas to the next level.

Creative Twists

Want to make this dish your own? Try experimenting with different meats like pulled pork or beef for a bolder flavor. You can even go vegetarian; just swap the chicken for black beans and incorporate sautéed bell peppers for a colorful crunch.

Feeling saucy? Add slices of jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy sauce for a serious kick. And don’t forget about the toppings! Think fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a zesty lime wedge to brighten up the mix.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions to follow

1. Combine shredded chicken and BBQ sauce in a bowl until well coated.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet and add 1/2 cup shredded cheese.
4. Spread 1/2 cup BBQ chicken mixture evenly over cheese and top with another 1/2 cup cheese.
5. Cover with a second tortilla; cook for 3-4 minutes until golden.
6. Carefully flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
7. Remove from skillet and repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
8. Slice into wedges, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve warm.

Your questions answered

• What’s a good dip for these quesadillas? Salsa, guacamole, or sour cream makes fantastic companions.
• Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely! Monterey Jack or pepper jack adds lovely flavor, too.
• How long does this take to prepare? From start to finish, you can whip these up in about 20-30 minutes!
• Can I use corn tortillas instead? Definitely, though they might break more easily; just be extra gentle while flipping!
• Do I have to use chicken? Not at all! Feel free to sub in your favorite protein or go vegetarian.

I hope you give this recipe a spin in your kitchen! There’s nothing quite like the joy of cooking something simple yet utterly delightful. Let your creativity flow and find your own sweet spot for flavors. Remember, every great dish starts becoming legendary in your home. Happy cooking!

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BBQ Chicken Quesadillas – The Perfect Easy Dinner Idea

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 20 hrs

Cooking Temp: medium  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 300

Best Season: all

Description

These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a comforting weeknight meal, featuring crispy tortillas filled with tender shredded chicken, melted cheese, and savory barbecue sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (Use rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken.)
• ¹⁄₂ cup barbecue sauce (Choose a tangy and sweet sauce.)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Feel free to use pepper jack for a spicy kick.)
• 4 large flour tortillas (Whole wheat tortillas can be used for a healthier option.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped green onions (Optional garnish.)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (Can substitute with butter for richer flavor.)

Directions

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients

   In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce until well coated.
   Mark as complete

2. Heat Oil

   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   A hot skillet is essential for a crispy exterior.
   Mark as complete

3. Add Tortilla and Cheese

   Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
   Mark as complete

4. Add Filling

   Spread 1/2 cup of BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese and top with another 1/2 cup of cheese.
   Mark as complete

5. Cook Quesadilla

   Cover with a second tortilla and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
   Mark as complete

6. Flip and Finish Cooking

   Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for another 3-4 minutes until both sides are golden and the cheese is melted.
   Mark as complete

7. Serve

   Remove from skillet, slice into wedges, garnish with green onions, and serve warm.
   Serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 300kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 11g17%

Saturated Fat 4g20%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 60mg20%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 200mg6%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 4g

Protein 20g40%

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Vitamin A 200 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 300 mg

Iron 1.5 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 2 mcg

Thiamin 0.2 mg

Riboflavin 0.3 mg

Niacin 4 mg

Vitamin B6 0.2 mg

Folate 20 mcg

Vitamin B12 1 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 200 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 20 mg

Zinc 1 mg

Selenium 10 mcg

Copper 0.2 mg

Manganese 0 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Feel free to customize with additional toppings such as salsa or avocado.

Keywords: bbq chicken, quesadillas, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food