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Flavorful BBQ Chicken Quesadilla: 20 Min Magic

You know those nights when you’re starving, the fridge looks a little sad, and you *desperately* need something delicious without making a huge fuss? Yeah, I live for those nights! This Flavorful BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Melty Perfection is my absolute go-to. Seriously, it’s like a flavor explosion wrapped in a perfectly crispy tortilla. I remember one evening, after a super long day, I just threw this together with some leftover chicken and… wow. It was pure comfort food magic. The smoky BBQ sauce just sings against that gooey, melted cheese. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar, even if it only took you about 20 minutes from start to finish. Trust me, this quesadilla is going to become your new best friend for those busy weeknights or even just a super satisfying lunch!

Why You’ll Love This Flavorful BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

This isn’t just any quesadilla, it’s a Flavorful BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Melty Perfection guaranteed to make your taste buds happy!

  • Super Speedy: Seriously, from pantry to plate in about 20 minutes. Perfect for when hunger strikes hard and fast!
  • Incredibly Easy: Basic ingredients, simple steps. Even if you’re new to the kitchen, you’ll nail this.
  • Flavor Bomb: Smoky BBQ meets gooey, melted cheese? Yes, please! It’s a match made in comfort food heaven.
  • So Versatile: Use any BBQ sauce you love, toss in extra veggies, or swap out the cheese. It’s your quesadilla, your rules!

Gather Your Ingredients for Flavorful BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Melty Perfection

Alright, let’s get down to business! To make this absolute dream of a quesadilla, you’re going to need a few simple things. Don’t worry, it’s all stuff you probably have hanging around or can grab super easily. Here’s your shopping list:

  • 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (leftover rotisserie chicken is your best friend here!)
  • 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (use one that’s smoky or a little sweet, whatever you love!)
  • 2 large flour tortillas – the bigger, the better for folding!
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for that classic tangy bite)
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (hello, melty strings!)
  • 1 tablespoon butter or a little cooking oil, for getting that perfect golden crisp

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Flavorful BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

You ready to make some magic? It’s honestly so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make these Flavorful BBQ Chicken Quesadillas every single night. If you’re looking for more inspiration on BBQ chicken, I’ve got a great BBQ chicken recipe that’s perfect for grilling, and if you’re on a pulled pork kick, this BBQ pulled pork mac and cheese is out. of. this. world! But for this quesadilla, I love using leftover rotisserie chicken because, let’s be honest, who has time to perfectly shred chicken for a quick quesadilla? But hey, whatever works for you!

Preparing the BBQ Chicken Filling

First things first, grab a bowl. Toss your cooked, shredded chicken in there and add the BBQ sauce. Give it a good mix! Don’t be afraid to add a little more BBQ sauce if you like it extra saucy, or use less if you prefer just a hint. Easy!

Assembling Your Flavorful BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Now for the fun part – building your masterpiece! Lay one tortilla flat on your surface. I like to sprinkle about half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese right onto one half of the tortilla. That way, you get cheesy goodness in every bite. Then, pile on that yummy BBQ chicken mixture you just made. Top that off with the rest of your cheese – this is what gives you that amazing melty pull!

A close-up of a Flavorful BBQ Chicken Quesadilla showing gooey melted cheese and shredded chicken.

Once it’s all layered up, just fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling. It should look like a big half-moon! Repeat all these steps with your second tortilla and filling. Voila, two hungry people are about to be very happy campers.

Cooking for Melty Perfection

Here’s where we get that gorgeous golden-brown crust and incredibly gooey cheese. Heat your butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. You want it nice and warm, but not smoking. Carefully slide your folded quesadilla into the hot skillet. Trust me, cooking it until it’s golden brown and the cheese is oozing out the sides is SO worth it. Cook it for about 3-5 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! If you’re making a few, don’t crowd the pan; cook them one or two at a time.

Close-up of a Flavorful BBQ Chicken Quesadilla with gooey cheese and golden-brown tortilla.

Want to see a pro tip on pan-frying chicken? Check out this wonderful guide!

Serving Your Delicious Creation

As soon as that quesadilla is beautifully golden and the cheese is just melting perfectly, slide it right out of the pan. Let it cool for just a minute – that cheese is super hot! Then, cut your quesadilla into wedges with a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Serve it up immediately while it’s nice and hot!

Close-up of a Flavorful BBQ Chicken Quesadilla, showcasing gooey melted cheese and shredded chicken.

Tips for Success and Flavorful Variations

Okay, so you’ve got your basic quesadilla down, but let’s talk about taking your Flavorful BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Melty Perfection from great to absolutely mind-blowing! It’s all about the little things, trust me. You can even make these even more exciting with ideas from my hot honey recipe – imagine that drizzle on top!

Ingredient Quality Matters

Seriously, don’t skimp here! A really good, smoky BBQ sauce makes a world of difference. And using cheeses that actually melt well, like a sharp cheddar and a creamy Monterey Jack, means you get that glorious cheese pull every single time. It just elevates the whole dish.

Customizing Your Quesadilla

This is where you get to play chef! I love adding some thinly sliced red onion or a few pieces of corn to get a little crunch and sweetness. Maybe a little jalapeño if you’re feeling brave? You can totally switch up the cheese too – pepper jack is amazing for a little kick. And for a real twist, try using pulled pork instead of chicken! If you’re looking for more veggie ideas, check out my stuffed bell peppers for inspiration on other tasty additions.

Serving Suggestions for Your BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Now that you’ve got this amazing Flavorful BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Melty Perfection ready to go, you’ll want to serve it with some equally delicious sides and toppings to make it a whole meal. I always go for a dollop of cool sour cream to balance out that smoky BBQ goodness, and of course, some fresh salsa or creamy guacamole is a must for me! If you’re feeling fancy, a nice side salad with my signature Caesar dressing is fantastic, or you could even whip up some of my cowboy caviar for a party vibe. For something a bit different, my avocado tuna salad is strangely but wonderfully good alongside it too! Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be a hit!

Frequently Asked Questions about Flavorful BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Got questions about this Flavorful BBQ Chicken Quesadilla? I’ve got answers! This recipe is so easy, but sometimes little things pop up, right? Let’s clear them up!

Can I make the BBQ chicken filling ahead of time?

Oh, absolutely! That’s one of the best parts. You can totally mix up your chicken and BBQ sauce a day or two in advance and keep it in the fridge. It might even taste better because the flavors have more time to hang out together!

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

Honestly, use what you love! My personal favorite is a smoky, slightly sweet kind, but if you like a spicier sauce or one with honey, go for it! The key is just using a BBQ sauce that *you* think tastes great.

Can I use different types of tortillas?

You sure can! Flour tortillas are my go-to because they get nice and crispy, but if you prefer whole wheat or even corn tortillas, they’ll work too. Corn tortillas might be a bit trickier to fold without breaking, so sometimes I’ll do two stacked corn tortillas instead of folding one.

How do I prevent the quesadilla from getting soggy?

The trick is not to overdo the BBQ sauce. You want enough to coat the chicken, but you don’t want pools of liquid. Also, make sure your skillet is nice and hot when you start cooking, and cook it long enough on each side to get that golden, crispy shell. That crispy exterior is your best defense against sogginess!

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Just a heads-up, this delicious Flavorful BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is an estimate, so the exact numbers can wiggle around a bit depending on your BBQ sauce and cheese brands! But generally, one quesadilla packs about 650 calories, 35g of fat, a hefty 35g of protein, and around 45g of carbohydrates. It’s a really satisfying meal!

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Close-up of a Flavorful BBQ Chicken Quesadilla, cut into wedges, showing melted cheese and BBQ chicken filling.

Flavorful BBQ Chicken Quesadilla


  • Author: faironplay.com
  • Total Time: 20 min
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A quick and easy quesadilla filled with savory BBQ chicken and melted cheese.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter or oil

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce.
  2. Lay one tortilla flat. Sprinkle half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over one half of the tortilla.
  3. Top the cheese with the BBQ chicken mixture.
  4. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the chicken.
  5. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling. Repeat with the second tortilla.
  6. Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  7. Carefully place the quesadilla in the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
  8. Remove from skillet, cut into wedges, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your preference.
  • Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: BBQ chicken quesadilla, easy quesadilla recipe, cheesy chicken quesadilla, quick dinner, Mexican-inspired

Recipe rating