BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

Weeknight dinners at our house can sometimes feel like a culinary tightrope walk. Balancing speed, flavor, and something the whole family will actually eat is a daily challenge. That’s where these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas swoop in like cheesy, saucy superheroes. Honestly, this recipe has been a game-changer. From the first bite, the smoky BBQ chicken paired with melty cheese nestled in a crisp tortilla was a hit. Even my notoriously picky eaters devoured them! They’re quick enough for a Tuesday night, fun enough for a weekend lunch, and customizable enough to please everyone around the table. If you’re looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both easy and delicious, look no further. This BBQ Chicken Quesadilla recipe is about to become your new go-to.

Ingredients for Delicious BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

To create these flavorful BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, gather the following fresh and pantry-staple ingredients. This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand, making it a truly versatile meal.

• For the BBQ Chicken:
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 2 large breasts)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• For the Quesadillas:
  • 8 large flour tortillas (10-12 inch diameter)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend)
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional, for extra meltiness and flavor)
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (optional, adds a nice bite)
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional, for sweetness and crunch)
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional, for freshness)
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil, for cooking quesadillas

Ingredient Breakdown & Flavor Enhancements:

• Chicken: You can use chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs are more forgiving and stay moister, while breasts are leaner. Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for even faster preparation. If using rotisserie chicken, skip the first part of the instructions and simply shred about 2-3 cups of meat and toss it with BBQ sauce.
• BBQ Sauce: The heart of the flavor! Choose your favorite BBQ sauce. Sweet, smoky, tangy – the choice is yours and will significantly impact the final taste. Experiment with different styles. Consider a Kansas City style for sweetness, a Texas style for smokiness, or a Carolina style for tanginess. For a healthier option, look for BBQ sauces lower in sugar and sodium. Homemade BBQ sauce elevates the dish to another level.
• Spices: The spice blend for the chicken creates a robust BBQ flavor even before the sauce is added. Smoked paprika is key for that authentic smoky taste. Garlic powder and onion powder provide a savory base, while chili powder adds a subtle warmth. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your preference. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. For a sweeter profile, consider adding a touch of brown sugar to the spice rub.
• Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice for quesadillas, offering a sharp and melty texture. Monterey Jack is known for its exceptional melting properties and mild flavor, making it a great complement to cheddar. Colby Jack is a milder option. A blend of cheeses provides a more complex flavor profile. Consider adding pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for extra stretchiness. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly due to the absence of cellulose.
• Tortillas: Large flour tortillas are ideal for quesadillas. They are pliable and hold their shape well during cooking. You can also use whole wheat tortillas for added fiber or corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, although corn tortillas can be more prone to tearing. Warm the tortillas slightly before assembling the quesadillas to make them more pliable and prevent cracking.
• Optional Veggies: Red onion and green bell pepper add texture, sweetness, and a touch of freshness to the quesadillas. Other vegetable options include:
  • Black beans: Rinsed and drained, they add protein and a hearty texture.
  • Corn: Adds sweetness and pops of flavor. Use fresh, frozen (thawed), or canned (drained).
  • Jalapeños: For a spicy kick, add thinly sliced or pickled jalapeños.
  • Pineapple: Grilled or canned pineapple chunks provide a tropical sweetness that complements BBQ flavors.
  • Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy and savory element.
  • Spinach or Kale: Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale for added nutrients.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the BBQ and cheese. If you are not a fan of cilantro, you can omit it or substitute it with fresh parsley or chives.
• Butter or Olive Oil: Used for cooking the quesadillas to achieve a golden brown and crispy tortilla. Butter adds richness and flavor, while olive oil is a healthier option and provides a nice crispness.

Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide to BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Follow these simple steps to create mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Quesadillas. This recipe is designed to be straightforward and efficient, perfect for busy weeknights or a quick weekend meal.

1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken:
   • If using raw chicken breasts or thighs, pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better.
   • In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and salt.
   • Add the chicken to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the spice mixture.
   • Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
   • Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink inside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
   • Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and let it cool slightly.
   • Shred the chicken using two forks or your hands.
2. BBQ Sauce the Chicken:
   • In a clean bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Ensure every piece of chicken is nicely coated for maximum flavor.
3. Assemble the Quesadillas:
   • Lay out four tortillas on a clean work surface.
   • Sprinkle half of each tortilla with cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese (if using), leaving one half of the tortilla bare for folding.
   • Top the cheese with a layer of BBQ chicken.
   • If desired, add thinly sliced red onion and green bell pepper over the chicken.
   • Sprinkle with chopped cilantro (if using).
   • Fold the bare half of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape.
4. Cook the Quesadillas:
   • Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
   • Add butter or olive oil to the skillet and let it melt and coat the bottom of the pan.
   • Carefully place the quesadillas in the hot skillet, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
   • Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey. Press down gently on the quesadillas with a spatula while cooking to ensure even browning and melting.
   • Flip the quesadillas carefully using a spatula and cook the other side until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Remove the cooked quesadillas from the skillet and place them on a cutting board.
   • Let them cool slightly for a minute or two before cutting them into wedges. This prevents the filling from spilling out too much.
   • Cut each quesadilla into 2-3 wedges.
   • Serve immediately while hot and cheesy with your favorite toppings and sides (see serving suggestions below).

Tips for Perfect Quesadillas:

• Don’t Overfill: Overfilling the quesadillas makes them difficult to fold and cook evenly, and the filling may spill out. Use a moderate amount of filling for best results.
• Medium Heat is Key: Cooking quesadillas over medium heat ensures that the tortillas brown nicely and the cheese melts completely without burning the tortillas.
• Press Gently: Pressing down gently on the quesadillas with a spatula while cooking helps them cook evenly and ensures good contact between the tortilla and the skillet, resulting in a crispier tortilla.
• Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cooking quesadillas in batches allows for even cooking and browning.
• Serve Immediately: Quesadillas are best served immediately while they are hot, crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey.

Nutrition Facts for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

(Estimated values, may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used)

• Servings: 4 large quesadillas (can be cut into 8-12 wedges)
• Serving Size: 1 quesadilla (cut into wedges)
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 650-750 calories

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown per Serving (1 Quesadilla):

• Protein: 40-50g
• Fat: 30-40g
• Saturated Fat: 15-20g
• Cholesterol: 150-200mg
• Sodium: 1000-1500mg (varies greatly depending on BBQ sauce and cheese)
• Carbohydrates: 50-60g
• Fiber: 3-5g
• Sugar: 15-25g (varies greatly depending on BBQ sauce)

Note: These nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and cooking methods. To get a more accurate nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. Choosing leaner chicken, lower-fat cheese, and reduced-sugar BBQ sauce can help reduce the calorie and fat content.

Preparation Time for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes chicken prep and shredding, vegetable chopping)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes (includes chicken cooking and quesadilla cooking)
• Total Time: 40 minutes

This recipe is designed for speed and efficiency, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can reduce the total time even further to about 25-30 minutes.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are incredibly versatile and can be served as a main course, appetizer, snack, or party food. Here are some delicious ways to serve them:

• As a Main Course:
  • Classic Quesadilla Meal: Serve quesadillas with a side salad, such as a simple green salad with vinaigrette or a Southwestern chopped salad.
  • With Rice and Beans: Pair quesadillas with Spanish rice, cilantro lime rice, or black beans for a heartier and more complete meal.
  • Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a perfect summery side dish.
  • Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw provides a cool and crunchy contrast to the warm quesadillas.
  • Potato Salad: A classic potato salad complements the BBQ flavors nicely.
• As an Appetizer or Snack:
  • Quesadilla Wedges with Dips: Cut quesadillas into smaller wedges and serve with a variety of dipping sauces.
  • Party Platter: Arrange quesadilla wedges on a platter with other appetizers like chips and salsa, guacamole, and veggie sticks.
  • Game Day Snack: BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a crowd-pleasing snack for game day gatherings.
• Dipping Sauce Suggestions:
  • Sour Cream: A classic and simple dipping sauce.
  • Guacamole: Creamy and flavorful guacamole adds richness.
  • Salsa: Fresh salsa, pico de gallo, or a roasted corn salsa provides a zesty kick.
  • Ranch Dressing: A creamy and tangy option that kids love.
  • BBQ Sauce: Extra BBQ sauce for dipping is always a welcome addition.
  • Queso Dip: Warm queso dip adds extra cheesy goodness.
  • Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Topping Suggestions:
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds a cool and tangy topping.
  • Guacamole or Avocado: Creamy and healthy toppings.
  • Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Fresh and zesty toppings.
  • Chopped Cilantro or Green Onions: Adds freshness and flavor.
  • Hot Sauce: For those who like extra heat.
  • Shredded Lettuce or Cabbage: Adds a cool and crunchy topping.

Additional Tips for BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Perfection

Here are five essential tips to elevate your BBQ Chicken Quesadillas from good to absolutely amazing:

1. Marinate the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): For even more flavorful and tender chicken, consider marinating it for at least 30 minutes or up to a few hours before cooking. A simple marinade of BBQ sauce, olive oil, and a touch of vinegar or lemon juice works wonders. Marinating infuses the chicken with deeper flavor and helps tenderize it.
2. Toast the Tortillas Lightly Before Assembling: Lightly toasting the tortillas in a dry skillet or on a griddle for just a minute or two per side before assembling the quesadillas adds a subtle nutty flavor and makes them slightly more pliable, preventing cracking during folding and cooking. This extra step enhances the texture and flavor of the final quesadilla.
3. Use a Blend of Cheeses for Optimal Flavor and Melt: While cheddar is a classic choice, using a blend of cheeses, like cheddar and Monterey Jack, Colby Jack and pepper jack, or even adding a touch of mozzarella, creates a more complex flavor profile and ensures a perfectly melty and gooey cheese pull. Experiment with different cheese combinations to find your favorite blend.
4. Don’t Skimp on the BBQ Sauce, But Don’t Overdo It Either: The BBQ sauce is the star of the show! Use a generous amount to coat the chicken thoroughly and add flavor to the quesadilla. However, be mindful not to over-sauce the chicken, as too much sauce can make the quesadilla soggy. Aim for a good balance of saucy chicken that isn’t dripping wet.
5. Get Creative with Fillings and Toppings: While this recipe focuses on classic BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and toppings to customize them to your taste. Add black beans, corn, jalapeños, caramelized onions, pineapple, or different types of vegetables. Explore various dipping sauces and toppings to create unique and exciting flavor combinations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Q1: Can I make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas ahead of time?

A: While quesadillas are best served fresh and hot, you can prepare the BBQ chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Assemble and cook the quesadillas just before serving for the best texture. Pre-assembled and cooked quesadillas can become slightly soggy upon reheating.

Q2: Can I freeze BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?

A: It’s not recommended to freeze fully assembled and cooked quesadillas as the tortillas can become soggy and the texture may change upon thawing and reheating. However, you can freeze the BBQ chicken filling separately. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then use it to assemble fresh quesadillas.

Q3: Can I make these quesadillas vegetarian?

A: Yes! To make vegetarian BBQ Quesadillas, substitute the chicken with:

• Shredded jackfruit: Young green jackfruit, when shredded and cooked, has a texture similar to pulled pork or chicken. Toss it with BBQ sauce and follow the recipe as directed.
• Black beans and corn: Combine black beans and corn with BBQ sauce and your favorite spices for a flavorful vegetarian filling.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms tossed in BBQ sauce are another delicious vegetarian option.

Q4: What are some good cheese alternatives for these quesadillas?

A: Besides cheddar and Monterey Jack, you can use:

• Pepper Jack: For a spicy kick.
• Colby Jack: A milder and creamier option.
• Mozzarella: For extra stretchiness and a mild flavor.
• Provolone: Offers a slightly sharper and nuttier flavor.
• A blend of Mexican cheeses: Provides a complex and flavorful cheese pull.
• Vegan cheese shreds: For a dairy-free option, choose a vegan cheese that melts well.

Q5: Can I cook BBQ Chicken Quesadillas in the oven or air fryer?

A: Yes, you can cook them in the oven or air fryer, although stovetop cooking provides the best crispy tortilla texture.

• Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place assembled quesadillas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
• Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place assembled quesadillas in the air fryer basket (you may need to work in batches). Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and cheese is melted.

Enjoy making and savoring these incredibly delicious and easy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas! They are sure to become a family favorite in your household too.

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