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BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

By: Barbara Updated on Sun, 25 May 2025 19:38:43 GMT Hearty Mains
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Barbara, recipe developer and home cook at Graceful Flavors
By Barbara

Hi, I'm Barbara, the recipe developer and home cook behind Graceful Flavors. I share approachable recipes with clear steps, familiar ingredients, and delicious results for real everyday kitchens.

Updated on Sun, 25 May 2025 19:38:43 GMT

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A stack of chicken sandwiches on a wooden table. Pin it
A stack of chicken sandwiches on a wooden table.

BBQ chicken quesadillas are a go-to weeknight dinner in my kitchen, especially on busy days when everyone is craving something cheesy and satisfying. The smoky sweetness from the barbecue sauce mingles perfectly with melty cheddar and crisp tortillas, creating that perfect mix of comfort and fun.

Last summer during a heat wave, I first whipped these up using leftover rotisserie chicken and a bottle of sauce hiding in my fridge. The plate was wiped clean in minutes and now these quesadillas show up at every family movie night.

Ingredients

  • Shredded chicken: Look for rotisserie chicken for ease or use any leftover cooked chicken for convenience and flavor
  • BBQ sauce: Go for your favorite brand or a homemade version with hints of smoke and tang
  • Flour tortillas: Nicer if you choose sturdy ones that will crisp up but not fall apart
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a punchy flavor compared to pre-shredded bags
  • Sour cream: Full-fat adds extra richness for dipping
  • Salsa: Brightens every wedge and brings a little zing to the dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Shred the Chicken:
Use two forks to pull the cooked chicken into bite-size strands or simply use clean hands for quicker prep
Toss with BBQ Sauce:
Add the chicken to a mixing bowl and coat with just enough BBQ sauce until each piece glistens but is not drenched
Heat the Skillet:
Place a large skillet on medium-low heat and wait until a drop of water sizzles on contact hinting it is ready for tortillas
Warm the Tortilla:
Lay one tortilla on the pan letting it heat for about thirty seconds to make it soft and pliable
Layer the Cheese:
Add a generous sprinkle of cheddar onto half the tortilla avoiding the direct edge to prevent leaks
Add the Chicken Mixture:
Spoon the BBQ chicken over the cheese spreading it out evenly without crowding
Finish with Cheese:
Scatter a bit more cheddar on top as this helps the quesadilla stick together when folded
Fold and Press:
Fold the empty side of the tortilla over the filling and press gently with a spatula to compact the layers
Cook the First Side:
Cook for two to three minutes until golden brown spots appear and the tortilla feels crisp but not burnt
Flip and Finish Cooking:
Carefully turn the quesadilla over in a smooth motion and let the other side brown for another two to three minutes ensuring the cheese gets melty throughout
Rest and Slice:
Transfer to a cutting board and allow to sit for a minute before slicing for neat, cheesy triangles
Serve:
Cut into wedges and serve hot with dollops of sour cream and salsa
A stack of chicken wraps.
A stack of chicken wraps.

Storage Tips

These quesadillas taste best fresh but can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to two days Reheat in a skillet over low heat to preserve crispness A quick heat in the oven works too for larger batches but avoid microwaving as it softens the tortilla

Ingredient Substitutions

Try using Monterey Jack cheese or a Mexican blend for extra creaminess

Swap the BBQ sauce with buffalo or chipotle sauce for a spicy twist

Gluten-free tortillas are a simple swap for dietary needs

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad or simple slaw for a satisfying meal

Add guacamole or sliced avocado for creaminess and balance

A stack of chicken pita sandwiches.
A stack of chicken pita sandwiches.

Serve them alongside corn on the cob or grilled vegetables for a cookout feel

Cultural and Historical Context

Quesadillas hail from Mexican cuisine where cheese-filled tortillas are a staple The addition of BBQ chicken is a classic Tex-Mex nod merging Southern US flavors with Latin favorites It is a fusion that perfectly reflects American comfort cooking

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred and proceed with the steps.

What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar melts well and provides bold flavor, but Monterey Jack or a blend can work too.

How do I keep quesadillas crispy?

Cook over medium-low heat and avoid overfilling. Let them rest a minute before slicing for crispy results.

Can I prepare ahead of time?

You can prep the filling ahead. Assemble and cook just before serving to keep tortillas crisp.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve with classic salsa, guacamole, mixed green salad, or grilled corn for a complete meal.

4.70 from 38 votes

BBQ Chicken Cheddar Quesadillas

Prep Time:
10 Minutes
Cook Time:
15 Minutes
Total Time:
25 Minutes
Servings:
4
A stack of chicken sandwiches on a wooden table.
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Savory BBQ chicken with sharp cheddar folded in golden tortillas, perfect with salsa and sour cream.

Ingredients

  • Main

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 100 milliliters barbecue sauce, or enough to coat chicken
  • 4 large wheat flour tortillas, approximately 20 centimeters each
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

  • For serving

  • Sour cream, as desired
  • Salsa, as desired

Instructions

1.

1. Shred Chicken: Using two forks or your hands, pull the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces until finely shredded.

2.

2. Coat Chicken with Barbecue Sauce: In a bowl, toss shredded chicken with enough barbecue sauce to thoroughly coat, ensuring the mixture is moist but not overly saucy.

3.

3. Preheat Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-low heat and let it warm until a drop of water sizzles on contact without evaporating instantly.

4.

4. Warm Tortilla: Lay a tortilla flat in the skillet and heat for 30 seconds until pliable.

5.

5. Add Cheese and Chicken Filling: Evenly distribute grated cheddar over half the tortilla, leaving margins at the edge. Spoon the barbecue chicken mixture over the cheese, spreading in a thin, even layer. Sprinkle additional cheese on top of the chicken to help bind the filling.

6.

6. Fold and Seal: Fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filling and press gently with a spatula to compact.

7.

7. Cook Quesadilla—First Side: Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the underside develops golden-brown spots and a crisp texture.

8.

8. Flip and Cook Second Side: Carefully flip the quesadilla in one smooth motion and continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until evenly golden and the cheese has melted.

9.

9. Rest and Slice: Remove from the pan and place on a cutting board. Allow to rest for 1 minute before cutting.

10.

10. Serve: Slice quesadilla into triangular wedges and serve warm with sour cream and salsa on the side.

Notes

  1. Using rotisserie chicken saves time and infuses additional flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Spatula
  • Two forks
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk (cheese, sour cream)
  • Contains wheat (flour tortillas)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 550
  • Total Fat: 23 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 43 g
  • Protein: 38 g