Homemade BBQ Chicken Quesadillas – Easy, Cheesy Recipe

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a fusion of comfort food and bold BBQ flavors. It’s also versatile—you can whip it up in no time, and it’s easy to tweak based on what’s in your fridge. So, grab your tortillas and let’s make something seriously delicious!

Recipe Story and Background

The humble quesadilla originates from Mexico, where its name literally translates to “little cheesy thing.” Over the years, this dish has evolved into countless varieties, from traditional Oaxaca cheese-filled versions to creative spins like the BBQ chicken quesadillas we’re making today. They’re a perfect blend of Tex-Mex and classic American BBQ flavors.

My love for BBQ chicken quesadillas started during summer BBQ season. One evening, I found myself with leftover grilled chicken and a batch of homemade BBQ sauce. Inspiration struck, and I folded them into tortillas with cheese—and the rest is history. Since then, this recipe has been my go-to whenever I want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen.

These quesadillas are great year-round, but they truly shine in the summer when you can use fresh veggies and fire-grilled chicken. Plus, nothing beats pairing them with an icy cold drink on a hot evening!

Ingredient Discussion

Let’s talk ingredients! Every bite of these BBQ chicken quesadillas is packed with carefully chosen components that elevate the flavor (without over-complicating the process). Here’s the breakdown:

• Chicken: You’ll need cooked chicken—grilled, roasted, or even rotisserie works great. For the best flavor, marinate your chicken in BBQ sauce before cooking.
• BBQ Sauce: Pick a sauce that matches your flavor preferences. I love smoky sauces with a touch of sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own!
• Cheese: The star of the show! A melty cheese like Monterey Jack or cheddar works wonders, but you can mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
• Tortillas: Flour tortillas are ideal for quesadillas because they crisp up nicely without breaking. If you prefer gluten-free, there are great options out there too.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced onion adds a punch of flavor and balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
• Cilantro: Optional, but it adds freshness and brightness to the dish.
• Optional Veggies: Bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños can be added for extra texture and flavor.

Pro tip: Store leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—it makes assembly even faster!

Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make these BBQ chicken quesadillas:

• Large skillet or griddle: A non-stick pan works best for evenly crispy tortillas.
• Spatula: For flipping without tearing your quesadilla.
• Sharp knife: To slice your quesadillas into perfect triangles.
• Mixing bowls: To toss your chicken with BBQ sauce and prep other ingredients.
• Optional: A pastry brush to coat the tortillas with oil for extra crispiness.

If you don’t have a griddle, don’t worry—a regular frying pan works just as well. Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the tortillas.

Preparation Method

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making these cheesy BBQ chicken quesadillas:

1. In a mixing bowl, toss 2 cups (about 300g) of cooked chicken with 1/2 cup (120ml) of BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
2. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking.
3. Place a tortilla on the skillet and sprinkle 1/4 cup (30g) of shredded cheese evenly over one half.
4. Add about 1/4 cup of BBQ chicken on top of the cheese. Sprinkle with thinly sliced red onion and chopped cilantro (optional).
5. Add another 1/4 cup (30g) of cheese over the filling and fold the tortilla in half, pressing gently to seal.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted. Repeat for the remaining tortillas.
7. Transfer the finished quesadillas to a cutting board and let them cool for 1-2 minutes before slicing into triangles.

Tip: If your cheese isn’t melting evenly, cover the skillet with a lid for a minute to trap the heat. Don’t rush the cooking process—low and slow is key to perfect quesadillas!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Making BBQ chicken quesadillas is pretty straightforward, but here are some tips to ensure success:

• Don’t overfill: Less is more when it comes to quesadilla fillings. Too much can make flipping tricky and lead to soggy tortillas.
• Use room-temperature ingredients: Cold chicken or cheese can prevent even cooking.
• Keep the heat steady: Medium heat is your friend. High heat can burn the tortillas before the cheese melts.
• Flip with confidence: Use a wide spatula and flip quickly to prevent spilling.
• Try layering cheese: Adding cheese on both sides of the filling helps “glue” the quesadilla together.

I’ve had my fair share of quesadilla mishaps—like flipping too early and having fillings everywhere—but practice makes perfect!

Variations & Adaptations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or black beans.
• Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the filling.
• Healthier option: Use whole wheat tortillas and low-fat cheese.
• Seasonal twist: Add fresh grilled corn or roasted bell peppers during summer.

I once made these using leftover Thanksgiving turkey instead of chicken—it was surprisingly delicious!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Here’s how to serve and store your delicious BBQ chicken quesadillas:

• Serving: Serve hot off the skillet! Pair with sour cream, guacamole, or a side of coleslaw for a complete meal.
• Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Heat in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, or microwave for 30 seconds (though the skillet preserves texture better).

Fun fact: The flavors actually deepen overnight, making them even tastier the next day!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

These BBQ chicken quesadillas are a balanced treat. Here’s the breakdown per serving (one quesadilla):

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: ~23g
• Carbohydrates: ~28g
• Fat: ~15g

Chicken provides lean protein, while cheese offers calcium. Opting for whole wheat tortillas can add fiber, making this meal a wholesome option. Just watch the BBQ sauce for added sugars if you’re keeping an eye on your intake!

Conclusion

There you have it—the ultimate homemade BBQ chicken quesadillas recipe! It’s cheesy, easy, and packed with flavor. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation. Plus, it’s so customizable that you’ll never get bored with it.

I love this recipe because it brings people together, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a game-day gathering. So, grab your skillet, whip these up, and let me know how they turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!

FAQs