If you love dishes that are equal parts crowd-pleaser and comfort food, you have to try these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas! Stuffed with tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce, melty sharp cheddar, and wrapped in a golden, crisp tortilla, they’re seriously the ultimate weeknight dinner or quick party snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Quick: You’ll have these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas ready in just about 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for nights when you want delicious food without the fuss.
- Family-Favorite Flavors: The sweet, smoky BBQ chicken with gooey, melty cheese is a combo guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: This recipe uses gluten free tortillas, making it a fabulous fit for gluten-sensitive friends and family, without sacrificing taste or texture.
- Totally Customizable: You can play with different cheeses, BBQ sauces, or add-ins—these quesadillas are endlessly adaptable to your craving!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of BBQ Chicken Quesadillas is in their simplicity! Each ingredient brings bold flavor, melty texture, or that irresistible crispy bite—so don’t skip the essentials, but have fun with your favorite variations, too.
- Gluten Free Tortillas: Choose your favorite brand (I love Mission and Siete) for sturdy, flexible wraps that crisp up perfectly in the pan.
- Cooked and Shredded Chicken Breast: Rotisserie chicken, grilled, or baked—any cooked chicken works here for convenience and juiciness.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives you that rich, indulgent melt and depth of flavor. Freshly shredded is best for extra gooeyness.
- BBQ Sauce: Pick a smoky-sweet BBQ sauce you truly love—it’s the star seasoning that ties everything together!
Variations
One of the best parts about making BBQ Chicken Quesadillas at home is how easy it is to mix things up based on what you have or crave! Get creative and make these your own—there are so many tasty ways to riff on the original.
- Cheese Swap: Use a blend of Monterey jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor or extra melt factor.
- Add Veggies: Toss in thinly sliced red onions, bell peppers, or even some corn for extra crunch and color.
- Grilled Pineapple: Add a few small pieces of grilled pineapple for a tangy-sweet bite that pairs beautifully with the BBQ chicken.
- Make it Spicy: Sprinkle in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce if you like your quesadillas with a kick.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Step 1: Mix the BBQ Chicken
Add your cooked, shredded chicken to a bowl and pour over your preferred amount of BBQ sauce. Stir until all the chicken is perfectly coated—this ensures every bite is flavorful and juicy, with that sweet-tangy kick.
Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas
Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium heat and give it a quick spray of nonstick cooking spray. Lay a gluten free tortilla in the pan, sprinkle on a thin layer of shredded cheddar, then evenly scatter a quarter of your BBQ chicken mixture on top. Add another layer of cheese (this helps it all stick together), then gently top with a second tortilla.
Step 3: Cook Until Crispy and Golden
Cook the quesadilla until the bottom tortilla is beautifully golden brown, then carefully flip it and brown the second side. This step brings the magic—crispy outsides, gooey insides, and that signature quesadilla aroma. Transfer to a cooling rack so it stays crisp while you repeat with the rest!
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Once your BBQ Chicken Quesadillas have cooled slightly, use a pizza cutter to slice them into wedges. Serve right away with extra BBQ sauce for dipping, or any of your favorite toppings.
Pro Tips for Making BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- Low and Slow for Crispy Tortillas: Keep the heat at medium to give your quesadillas time to crisp up outside and melt perfectly inside without burning.
- Freshly Shred Your Cheese: For the ultimate pull-apart gooeyness, shred your cheddar fresh from the block instead of using pre-shredded cheese—it melts so much better.
- Don’t Overfill: Resist the urge to overstuff—a modest layer of filling helps the quesadillas seal and flip cleanly, keeping all that precious goodness inside.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let your cooked quesadillas cool for a few minutes on a rack to avoid cheese blowout and ensure even slices.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Garnishes
Try topping your BBQ Chicken Quesadillas with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or even a little drizzle of extra BBQ sauce. For a cool finish, add a dollop of sour cream or some diced avocado—each garnish brings another pop of flavor and color.
Side Dishes
These quesadillas pair beautifully with a crisp salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, fresh corn on the cob, or some classic coleslaw. Looking for a cozy side? Sweet potato fries or a bowl of black bean salad make a hearty, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slice your quesadillas into smaller triangles and stack them on a big platter with colorful dipping bowls of BBQ sauce, ranch, or salsa. Or go “quesadilla bar” style—set out toppings and let guests build their own plate. It’s fun, interactive, and guaranteed to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover BBQ Chicken Quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool to room temperature before packaging to preserve their crispness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze them! Layer parchment paper between cooked, cooled quesadillas and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen for a quick, tasty snack or meal whenever you need it.
Reheating
To bring back that perfect crispy-cheesy texture, reheat leftover quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F, or in an air fryer for a few minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but the tortilla will be much softer.
FAQs
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Can I use rotisserie chicken for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut—just shred, toss with BBQ sauce, and you’re ready to go. It’s moist and flavorful, making it a fantastic option for busy nights.
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What’s the best way to flip quesadillas without a mess?
Use a wide spatula and press gently to keep the filling inside as you turn. If you find flipping tricky, try assembling and folding each quesadilla in half for a “half-moon” shape — it’s easier to handle and just as delicious.
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Can I make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas ahead for a party?
Yes! Cook them fully, cool, and store layered with parchment. Reheat in the oven just before serving to keep them crisp. They reheat beautifully and guests will never know they weren’t made fresh.
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Are there dairy-free options for this recipe?
Definitely—substitute your favorite dairy-free cheese and check that your BBQ sauce is dairy-free. There are great vegan cheddars that melt well and still capture that craveable quesadilla experience.
Final Thoughts
These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are one of those magical recipes that make both everyday lunches and game-day spreads feel so much more special. I hope you give them a try and fall in love with their irresistible combo of flavors and that perfect cheesy crunch!
Print
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a delicious twist on a classic dish, combining tender shredded chicken, gooey melted cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce in a crispy tortilla. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 8 gluten-free tortillas, such as Mission or Siete brands
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast, approximately 1 lb pre-cooked weight
- 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Mix Chicken and BBQ Sauce: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with your desired amount of BBQ sauce.
- Layer Quesadillas: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle with a layer of cheese, add a portion of the BBQ chicken, another layer of cheese, and top with another tortilla. Cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Cool and Slice: Transfer the cooked quesadilla to a cooling rack. Slice with a pizza cutter and serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Feel free to customize these quesadillas with your favorite toppings like diced onions, jalapenos, or cilantro.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
- Sugar: Approximately 2g
- Sodium: Approximately 600mg
- Fat: Approximately 24g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 8g
- Trans Fat: Approximately 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30g
- Fiber: Approximately 2g
- Protein: Approximately 28g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 90mg
