BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food mash-up that’s both weeknight-easy and crowd-pleasing, you’ll fall head over heels for this BBQ Chicken Quesadilla! With melty cheese, smoky BBQ sauce, and a crisp, buttery tortilla, it’s the kind of meal that disappears in minutes—literally. Whether you’re whipping up lunch, dinner, or party snacks, this recipe checks every box for flavor, speed, and fun.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This BBQ Chicken Quesadilla relies on a handful of simple, familiar ingredients, but each one brings something essential to the table. Together, they create the melty, saucy, crispy flavor-bomb that makes this dish such a standout. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you’ll want every single thing!

• Olive oil: Just a splash helps the onions caramelize and infuse the filling with savory flavor.
• Red onions: Softened onions give the quesadilla that irresistible touch of sweetness and depth (feel free to swap for yellow onions in a pinch!).
• Cooked chicken breast: Shredded into hearty chunks, this is your protein base—rotisserie chicken works like a charm for shortcuts.
• BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite smoky, sweet, or spicy sauce for a big punch of flavor that ties everything together.
• Tortillas (10-12 inch, burrito size): These big guys hold all the filling without falling apart—don’t go smaller!
• Butter (room temperature): Spreading butter on the tortillas gives you that beautifully golden, crisp finish you crave in a quesadilla.
• Cheddar-jack cheese: The blend of sharp and creamy cheeses melts perfectly, blanketing every bite in cheesy goodness.
• Optional toppings (cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, ranch dip): These are the fun extras for dipping, dolloping, and customizing each serving to taste.

Variations

The BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is endlessly adaptable—don’t be afraid to make it your own! With a few simple swaps or additions, you can tailor it to dietary needs, personal preferences, or whatever you have on hand in the fridge.

• Veggie Style: Skip the chicken and add sautéed peppers, mushrooms, or black beans for a vegetarian quesadilla that’s just as satisfying.
• Spicy Kick: Mix a few diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers into the BBQ chicken for some extra heat and smoky flavor.
• Different Cheeses: Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even smoked gouda to switch up the flavor profile and meltiness.
• Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Tortillas: Easily adapt this recipe for dietary needs—nearly any large tortilla will work beautifully.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Swirl in the olive oil and add your sliced red onions. Let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft, glossy, and just turning sweet—about five minutes. This small step infuses the filling with loads of flavor and caramelized goodness.

Step 2: Mix Chicken with BBQ Sauce

Add the shredded chicken directly to the pan with the onions, then pour in your BBQ sauce. Stir everything together so the chicken is thoroughly coated and steamy. Remove this mixture from the heat—you’re just a few moments away from melty quesadilla bliss.

Step 3: Prep and Assemble Tortillas

Spread one side of each tortilla with soft, room-temperature butter. This will become the crispy, golden exterior. Place a tortilla (butter side down) onto a clean skillet set over medium heat—no need to add extra oil!

Step 4: Fill and Cook Your Quesadilla

On one half of the tortilla in the pan, scatter about ¼ cup cheese, then layer on half the BBQ chicken mixture, and sprinkle another ¼ cup of cheese on top. Fold the tortilla over gently to create that classic half-moon shape, and cook until the bottom is golden and crisp. Flip carefully and let the other side crisp up, gently pressing down with your spatula to ensure even browning and maximum cheese melt.

Step 5: Rest, Slice & Repeat

Once the BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is gloriously melty and golden on both sides, move it to a wire rack or cutting board while you cook any remaining quesadillas. Slice into wedges, pile high on a platter, and serve with all your favorite toppings.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Garnishes

Finish each BBQ Chicken Quesadilla with a shower of fresh chopped cilantro or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A swirl of sour cream or a dollop of guacamole on the side never hurts, and a sprinkle of extra cheese just before serving adds a bit of flair (and makes them even more irresistible).

Side Dishes

This dish goes perfectly with crisp salads, black bean and corn salsa, or a tangy slaw. For something even cozier, serve with sweet potato fries, elote (Mexican street corn), or a bowl of tomato soup for dipping those golden triangles.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your BBQ Chicken Quesadilla into thin wedges and arrange them on a big platter for game day or parties. Stack slices into towers and skewer with toothpicks for easy appetizers, or even tuck half-moons into bento boxes for a lunch that feels like a treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover BBQ Chicken Quesadilla will keep perfectly in the fridge for up to 3 days—just wrap slices tightly in foil or stash in an airtight container. They actually hold together beautifully, even after chilling.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze quesadillas! Lay cooled wedges on a sheet pan, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for about two months—just reheat straight from frozen for a super quick meal or snack.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-off-the-skillet crunch, reheat BBQ Chicken Quesadilla slices in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side. The microwave works too, but you’ll sacrifice some of that glorious crispiness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving bold flavor, cheesy comfort, and a recipe that’s ready in minutes, the BBQ Chicken Quesadilla will never let you down. It’s easy, endlessly satisfying, and guaranteed to make any meal feel special. Give it a try—you’ll have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds)!