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Are you ready to spice up your meal time? BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are quick to make and bursting with flavor. In this easy-to-follow recipe, I’ll guide you through simple steps to create a delicious dish that will impress family and friends. Whether you’re a busy parent or a cooking newbie, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get started on your new favorite dinner!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and fresh veggies creates an irresistible flavor explosion in every bite.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients, such as peppers or different cheeses, to make it your own!
- Great for Sharing: These quesadillas are easy to cut into wedges, making them perfect for parties or gatherings.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients Needed
To make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, gather these ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 cup BBQ sauce
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: Sour cream and sliced jalapeños for serving
Substitutions for Ingredients
If you need to swap some ingredients, here are some ideas:
– Use grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken.
– Swap BBQ sauce for ranch dressing or hot sauce for a different flavor.
– Try pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
– Corn can be replaced with black beans or bell peppers.
– Use whole wheat or corn tortillas for a healthier option.
Recommended Brands for BBQ Sauce
Choosing the right BBQ sauce can enhance your quesadillas. Here are some trusted brands:
– Sweet Baby Ray’s: Great for its sweet and tangy flavor.
– Stubbs: Known for its rich, smoky taste.
– Annie’s: A good organic choice with a clean flavor.
– Homemade: Mix ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce for a quick sauce.
These ingredients and tips set you up for success in making BBQ Chicken Quesadillas. Enjoy the cooking process!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Chicken and BBQ Mixture
First, get your cooked chicken. I like to use shredded chicken for this. In a medium bowl, mix the chicken with BBQ sauce. Stir until every piece is coated well. This step packs in the flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade sauce. Choose what you like best!
Cooking Onions and Corn
Next, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and let it warm up. Once hot, toss in the sliced red onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want them soft but not burnt. Then, add the corn kernels. Cook for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. This mix brings a nice crunch and sweetness to your quesadilla.
Assembling and Cooking the Quesadillas
Now, it’s time to build our quesadillas. Place a tortilla on a clean surface. On one half, sprinkle a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Next, add a layer of your BBQ chicken mixture. Spoon on some of the corn and onion mix. Don’t forget to add chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. Fold the tortilla in half to cover the fillings. Heat a clean skillet over medium heat again. Cook the folded quesadilla for 3-4 minutes per side. You want it golden brown and crispy. The cheese should melt perfectly. Cut the cooked quesadilla into wedges and serve hot. Enjoy the burst of flavors!
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Cooking Quesadillas
To make great quesadillas, use medium heat. This helps cook the cheese well without burning the tortilla. Always use fresh tortillas for the best taste. A good non-stick skillet makes cooking easier. Fill your quesadilla but do not overstuff. This way, they fold well and cook evenly.
How to Achieve a Crispy Texture
To get that perfect crunch, brush the outside of the tortilla with olive oil. This adds flavor and helps it crisp up. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. If you want extra crispiness, cook them a bit longer. Just watch closely to avoid burning.
Serving Suggestions and Garnishes
Serve your quesadillas hot and cut into wedges. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a pop of color. A small bowl of sour cream makes a great dip. If you like heat, add sliced jalapeños on the side. These touches take your dish to the next level!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh corn and cilantro for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Control the Heat: Adjust the skillet’s heat to ensure the quesadillas cook evenly without burning.
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add other ingredients like bell peppers or black beans for extra taste and nutrition.
- Serve with Dips: Provide a variety of dips like guacamole or salsa to complement the flavors of the quesadillas.
Variations
Vegetarian BBQ Quesadilla Options
You can make BBQ quesadillas without chicken. Use grilled vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. These veggies add great flavor and texture. Another option is to use beans, like black beans or pinto beans. They provide protein and help fill you up. Mix them with your favorite BBQ sauce for a tasty twist.
Different Cheese Combinations
Cheese is key in quesadillas. While cheddar and mozzarella are classic, don’t stop there! Try pepper jack for a spicy kick. You can also use gouda for a smoky flavor. Feta adds a tangy twist, while cream cheese gives a creamy texture. Get creative and mix different cheeses for a unique taste!
Add-ins for Extra Flavor
Want to take your quesadillas to the next level? Add corn for sweetness and crunch. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley brighten your dish. Sliced jalapeños give heat, while diced red onion adds crunch. You can also include avocado for creaminess. The more flavors you add, the more fun your quesadillas will be!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Quesadillas
To store leftover quesadillas, let them cool first. Then, wrap each one in plastic wrap. You can also place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. Store them in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to eat, you can easily reheat them. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the quesadilla in the pan and cook for about three minutes on each side. This keeps the outside crispy and warms the inside well. You can also use a microwave. Heat it for 30 seconds, then check if it’s warm. If not, heat it for another 15 seconds.
Freezing Tips for Quesadillas
If you want to freeze your quesadillas, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out the air before sealing. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, first thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, follow the reheating instructions above.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?
Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred the chicken and mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce. This method makes the recipe quick and easy.
What other sauces can I use?
You can try many sauces! Honey mustard, spicy ranch, or even a sweet chili sauce work well. Each sauce adds a unique twist to the quesadilla. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite flavor.
How can I make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas gluten-free?
To make these quesadillas gluten-free, use corn tortillas instead of flour ones. Check the BBQ sauce label to ensure it’s gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish without worry.
In this post, we covered how to make tasty BBQ chicken quesadillas. I shared key ingredients, substitution options, and my favorite brands. You learned step-by-step instructions to create your dish and tips for a crispy texture. We explored variations, including vegetarian options and add-ins for extra flavor. Finally, I provided storage tips to keep your leftovers fresh.
Now you have everything to enjoy delicious quesadillas at home. Happy cookin
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Delicious quesadillas filled with BBQ chicken, cheese, and veggies.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 0.5 cup corn kernels
- 0.5 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 0.25 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
- optional Sour cream and sliced jalapeños for serving
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. Mix until the chicken is well-coated.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the red onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the corn kernels to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
Lay one tortilla on a clean surface. Sprinkle half of the tortilla with a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Top the cheese with a layer of the BBQ chicken mixture, then add a few spoonfuls of the corn and onion mix. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top.
Fold the tortilla in half to cover the fillings.
Heat a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the folded quesadilla for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese melts.
Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
Once cooked, cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve hot.
Serve with sour cream and jalapeños for extra flavor.
Keyword BBQ chicken, easy dinner, quesadillas
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