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I remember the first time I made these. My best friend, Sarah, had just moved into a new apartment, and we were celebrating with a makeshift housewarming party. I whipped up a batch of these quesadillas using leftover BBQ chicken from the night before, and they were an instant hit. Ever since, they've been a go-to for casual get-togethers and lazy weeknight dinners. It's amazing how something so simple can be so satisfying.
What's great about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can use store-bought BBQ sauce for convenience, or you can make your own if you're feeling ambitious. Leftover grilled chicken works perfectly, but you can also use rotisserie chicken to save time. And don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and toppings to create your own custom quesadilla masterpiece. Personally, I'm a huge fan of adding some pickled onions and a sprinkle of cilantro for a little zing and freshness.
These quesadillas are also fantastic because they’re quick and easy to make. From start to finish, you're looking at about 20 minutes, making them ideal for those nights when you're short on time but don't want to sacrifice flavor. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let's get cooking! I promise, once you taste these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, they'll become a regular part of your recipe rotation.
Craving something quick, delicious, and packed with flavor? Look no further than these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas! They're the perfect blend of smoky barbecue, savory chicken, and melted cheese, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:1 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
First, grab your cooked chicken (about 2 cups shredded) and toss it in your favorite BBQ sauce. I usually go for a smoky, sweet kind. Make sure the chicken is well coated. If you dont have leftover chicken, rotissiere chicken works just as well! I do this when im short on time.
Next, warm a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. A non-stick pan is your best friend here. If you don’t have one, a little bit of oil will work to keep the tortilla from sticking.
Lay one large flour tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle about 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the tortilla. I love a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack, but use whatever melts well and you like.
Now, spread half of your BBQ chicken mixture over one half of the tortilla covered in cheese. Be sure to not overfill it.
If you are adding other toppings (like pickled onions or cilantro), now's the time. A lil bit of red onion adds some depth to the flavor.
Carefully fold the other half of the tortilla over the chicken and cheese, forming a half-moon shape. If you find the tortilla wont stay folded, just hold it there.
Press down gently on the quesadilla with a spatula to help the cheese melt and the tortilla crisp up. This also helps to evenly distribute the filling.
Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey. Keep an eye on it so it doesnt burn! I’ve been there, and its not fun.
Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Let it cool for a minute or two before slicing.
Use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife to cut the quesadilla into wedges. I usually cut it into four triangles.
Serve immediately, with your favorite dipping sauces. Ranch, sour cream, or even more BBQ sauce are great options. Enjoy! dont forget to take pics so you can show your friends!
Dont let it burn on the bottom, if it does, it is still really good!