When dinner time rolls around and I find myself in a rush, the last thing I want is to be caught in the fast-food trap. That’s when I turn to my trusty BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, a quick and easy meal that packs a punch of flavor in just 20 minutes. The sizzle of the skillet as those crispy tortillas embrace the savory blend of tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a hint of smoky BBQ sauce brings comfort to even the busiest weeknight.
What makes these quesadillas truly special is their versatility. You can easily customize them to suit your family’s tastes—add in some spicy jalapeño for kick or toss in extra veggies for nutrition. Perfectly portable and irresistibly delectable, these quesadillas are sure to please everyone at the table, big or small. So grab your ingredients, and let’s take your weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary!
Why love BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?
Quick and Easy: These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights!
Flavor Explosion: The sweet and smoky BBQ sauce melds perfectly with zesty spices for a mouth-watering taste experience.
Customizable: Add jalapeños, extra veggies, or your favorite beans to make them your own!
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will be clamoring for more of these cheesy delights.
Portable: Great for lunchboxes or on-the-go meals, they maintain their deliciousness!
BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Ingredients
For the Filling
• Chicken – 1.75 cups shredded or cut into cubes; rotisserie chicken is convenient and provides the protein base.
• Black Beans – 16 oz (preferably Goya); adds texture and fiber, and can be substituted with pinto beans.
• Red Onion – 1/4, finely diced; brings a crunch and a touch of bitterness; yellow onion can be used instead.
• Jalapeño – 1, finely diced (optional, seeds removed for less heat); adds a nice spiciness, but you can omit it for milder quesadillas.
• Cilantro – 1/2 cup, roughly chopped; enhances freshness; can replace with parsley if preffered.
• Cheddar Cheese – 2.25 cups shredded (sharp for flavor); provides creaminess and depth; Monterey Jack is a milder alternative.
• Chili Powder – 1 tsp; adds warmth and depth; feel free to use taco seasoning instead.
• Smoked Paprika – 1/2 tsp; enhances smokiness; regular paprika is a suitable substitute.
• Salt – 1/4 tsp; balances flavors; adjust according to your taste.
• Ground Cumin – 1/2 tsp; adds a touch of earthiness; omit or substitute with coriander as needed.
• BBQ Sauce – 1/2 cup (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended); imparts tangy sweetness; you can use homemade or other brands for variation.
For the Tortillas
• Flour Tortillas – 10, perfect for wrapping; gluten-free tortillas can be utilized for a gluten-free option.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Prepare the Ingredients: Start by finely dicing the red onion and jalapeño, chopping the cilantro, and shredding the chicken if it’s not prepped already. Keeping everything organized makes assembly easier!
Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the diced onion, jalapeño, cilantro, shredded chicken, black beans, spices, and BBQ sauce. Gently mix until everything is well-coated and flavorful.
Spread the Filling: Take a tortilla and lay it flat. Place about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture on one half, folding the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape. This allows for easy flipping!
Cook the Quesadillas: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a light coat of oil. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side until it’s golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes until crispy and the cheese is melted.
Slice and Serve: Once cooked, remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for 1-2 minutes. This helps the cheese to set a bit, making it easier to cut into triangles before serving warm.
Optional: Serve with a side of sour cream or guacamole for an extra touch of deliciousness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations & Substitutions for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Feel free to mix and match ingredients to craft your perfect quesadilla, making it uniquely yours!
Spicy Kick: Add diced habanero or serrano peppers to the filling for an extra spicy punch. Spice lovers will rejoice in every bite!
Veggie Delight: Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for added nutrition and a burst of colorful crunch. These veggies not only enhance flavor but bring vibrant colors to your plate.
Dairy-Free: Substitute cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cheese or nutritional yeast. You’ll still achieve a creamy texture while keeping it lactose-free!
High-Protein: Replace black beans with chickpeas for a different texture and extra protein. Chickpeas add a hearty feel that keeps you satisfied longer.
Whole Wheat: Use whole wheat tortillas instead of regular flour ones for a healthier twist. It’s an easy swap that adds fiber without compromising taste.
BBQ Sauce Variations: Experiment with different flavors of BBQ sauce, like spicy or honey-infused, to match your taste preferences. Each sauce will bring its own unique flair to the dish!
Herbaceous Boost: Sprinkle in some fresh oregano or basil for an aromatic lift. These herbs offer a delightful freshness that elevates traditional flavors.
Breakfast Quesadillas: Bulk up the filling with scrambled eggs and spinach for a brunch-inspired version. It’s a scrumptious way to start your day!
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?
Crafting the perfect meal means pairing your delicious BBQ Chicken Quesadillas with complementary sides that elevate the experience and tantalize your taste buds.
Sour Cream: A dollop of cool, creamy sour cream adds a refreshing contrast and balances the smoky flavors.
Guacamole: Creamy, rich guacamole enhances the overall creamy texture while adding a hint of freshness. Perfect for dipping!
Fresh Corn Salad: A vibrant corn salad with cherry tomatoes and cilantro brings sweetness and crunch, making it a delightful sidekick. Consider adding lime juice for a zesty kick!
Cilantro-Lime Rice: This fragrant rice dish interacts beautifully with the quesadillas, as the cilantro and lime echo the fresh flavors found in your main dish.
Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa made with diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime juice offers a bright and zesty complement that brightens every bite.
Mixed Greens Salad: A light, mixed greens salad topped with a tangy dressing provides a fresh and crisp contrast to the hearty quesadillas.
Sparkling Water: A glass of refreshing sparkling water with a squeeze of lime can elevate your dining experience, cleansing your palate after each flavorful bite.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, warm chocolate chip cookies provide a sweet finish, satisfying your cravings after a savory meal. There’s something nostalgic and comforting about this classic treat!
Make Ahead Options
Busy home cooks will love how easy it is to prepare BBQ Chicken Quesadillas ahead of time! You can mix the filling (chicken, beans, veggies, spices, and BBQ sauce) and refrigerate it for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you prefer even more convenience, you can assemble the quesadillas, ensuring they are well-wrapped in plastic, and store them for up to 24 hours in the fridge. To maintain quality, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, allowing the cheese to melt and the tortillas to crisp up nicely. When you’re ready to serve, just follow the cooking instructions, and you’ll enjoy delicious BBQ Chicken Quesadillas with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights!
Expert Tips for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- Avoid Overstuffing: Keep fillings to about 1/3 cup to ensure easy flipping and prevent spills during cooking.
- Control the Heat: Cook on medium-low heat to get that perfect golden-brown crust without burning the tortilla before the cheese melts.
- Let Them Rest: Allow quesadillas to sit for 1-2 minutes after cooking; this helps the cheese to set and minimizes mess when cutting.
- Oil for Crispiness: Lightly brush tortillas with oil before cooking to achieve a crispy texture, but avoid pressing down too hard in the skillet.
- Experiment Freely: Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients or add extra veggies to your BBQ Chicken Quesadillas; it’s a chance to get creative!
How to Store and Freeze BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: Individually wrap quesadillas in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 2 months for an easy meal solution later.
Reheating: For best texture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Storage Tip: When freezing, consider placing parchment paper between quesadillas to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal!
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right chicken for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and convenience, I recommend using shredded rotisserie chicken. It’s pre-cooked, saving you time and effort while providing a tender texture. If you want to use raw chicken, simply cook and shred about 1.75 cups of chicken breast or thighs before assembling the quesadillas.
How should I store leftover BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?
Very! To keep your quesadillas fresh, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before sealing to avoid moisture buildup, which can make them soggy.
Can I freeze BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?
Absolutely! You can freeze individually wrapped quesadillas for up to 2 months. Just wrap each quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For easier access later, consider placing a piece of parchment paper between them before wrapping to prevent sticking.
What should I do if my quesadillas are spilling out during cooking?
Don’t worry; it happens to the best of us! To prevent this, be sure not to overfill—about 1/3 cup of filling is ideal. If you’re finding them difficult to flip, try using a spatula to gently press down on one side while you flip. This helps compact the filling and keeps everything in place.
Can I make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas gluten-free?
Yes, of course! Simply swap out the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas available at your local grocery store. They work just as well, allowing everyone to enjoy this delicious meal without compromising on flavor.
Are these quesadillas kid-friendly?
Very much so! The combination of gooey cheese and savory chicken, especially with the option to customize the spice levels, makes BBQ Chicken Quesadillas appealing to both kids and adults. You can easily adjust the heat by omitting jalapeños or using mild BBQ sauce instead.
Deliciously Easy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas for Quick Dinners
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the ingredients by finely dicing the red onion and jalapeño, chopping the cilantro, and shredding the chicken if not prepped already.
- In a large bowl, combine the diced onion, jalapeño, cilantro, shredded chicken, black beans, spices, and BBQ sauce. Gently mix until everything is well-coated.
- Take a tortilla and lay it flat. Place about 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture on one half, folding the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a light coat of oil. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for 1-2 minutes before cutting into triangles.