A delicious twist on classic quesadillas featuring tender shredded chicken coated in rich barbecue sauce, layered with melty cheese, red onions, and fresh cilantro. Perfect for a cosy weeknight meal or casual gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Combines smoky, savory BBQ flavors with gooey, melted cheese.
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Quick and easy to prepare—ready in under 20 minutes.
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Customizable with toppings like cilantro, salsa, or sour cream.
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Great for using up leftover chicken or prepping in advance.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
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½ cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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¼ cup chopped red onions
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¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
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4 large flour tortillas
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1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for grilling)
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Sour cream or salsa for serving (optional)
Directions
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In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce until the chicken is thoroughly coated.
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with olive oil or butter.
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Place one tortilla flat in the skillet. On half of the tortilla, sprinkle a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
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Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese, then top with chopped red onions and cilantro.
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Fold the tortilla over into a half-moon shape.
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Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla turns golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
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Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
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Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve warm with sour cream or salsa, if desired.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4 quesadillas (approximately 2 per person)
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Prep time: 5 minutes
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Cook time: 10–12 minutes
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Total time: 15–17 minutes
Variations
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Spicy BBQ: Add jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
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Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with black beans or grilled vegetables.
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Different cheese: Swap cheddar or mozzarella for pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend.
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Crunchy touch: Add diced bell peppers or corn kernels to the filling for added texture and flavor.
Storage/reheating
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Storage: Place cooled quesadillas in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Individually wrap quesadilla wedges in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
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Reheating (from refrigerated):
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Skillet: Reheat over medium-low heat for 2–3 minutes per side until warmed through.
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Oven: Preheat to 350 °F (175 °C) and bake for 8–10 minutes.
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Microwave: Heat briefly (30–60 seconds), then crisp in a skillet if needed.
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Reheating (from frozen): Bake at 350 °F (175 °C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through and crisp.
FAQs
What type of BBQ sauce should I use?
Choose your favorite style—whether sweet, smoky, or tangy. Classic or hickory-flavored BBQ sauces work particularly well.
Can I make quesadillas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them ahead and refrigerate before cooking. Cook just before serving for best crispness.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie or shredded leftover chicken works perfectly in this recipe.
Is it possible to bake quesadillas instead of pan-frying?
Yes. Bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 375 °F (190 °C) for 8–10 minutes per side, or until golden and fully heated.
How do I make quesadillas gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
Can I make them ahead and freeze?
Yes. After cooking, wrap wedges in foil and freeze. Reheat directly from frozen in a 350 °F oven for 15–20 minutes.
What if I don’t have cilantro?
You can omit cilantro or substitute with chopped parsley or green onions.
What’s the best way to reheat quesadillas for optimal crispiness?
Reheat in a skillet or oven rather than microwave to preserve crisp texture.
Can I add vegetables to the filling?
Definitely. Diced bell peppers, corn, or sautéed mushrooms make excellent additions.
How can I make it vegan?
Use plant-based chicken substitutes, vegan cheese, and vegan tortillas or wraps.
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a crowd-pleasing fusion of tangy barbecue flavor, gooey cheese, and satisfying crisp tortillas. They’re simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. With tips for variation, storage, and reheating, this recipe is designed to become a kitchen favorite. Enjoy!
Print
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Description
These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a deliciously quick and easy meal made with tender shredded chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, melty cheese, and crisp tortillas. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a party appetizer, these cheesy quesadillas deliver bold BBQ flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
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2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
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1/2 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup chopped red onions
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1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
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4 large flour tortillas
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1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for grilling)
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Sour cream or salsa for serving (optional)
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, combine shredded chicken and BBQ sauce until the chicken is evenly coated.
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with olive oil or butter.
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Place a tortilla flat on the skillet, and sprinkle one half with a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
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Add BBQ chicken, then top with chopped red onions and cilantro.
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Fold the tortilla in half to form a half-moon.
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Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
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Repeat with remaining ingredients.
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Slice into wedges and serve with sour cream or salsa if desired.
Notes
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For a spicier twist, add sliced jalapeños or use a spicy BBQ sauce.
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These can also be baked in the oven at 400°F for about 8 minutes per side.
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