BBQ Chicken Cheddar Quesadillas Recipe

Get ready to meet your new go-to meal: BBQ Chicken Cheddar Quesadillas! These crave-worthy quesadillas bring together savory shredded chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and gooey cheddar cheese in a crispy, golden tortilla. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner, a game day snack, or a fun lunch idea, this dish delivers bold, comforting flavors with minimal fuss. The combination is irresistible, and I promise you won’t have leftovers for long!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe truly shines thanks to its short, simple ingredient list. Each element plays an important part, from the smoky barbecue sauce to the melty cheddar, guaranteeing maximum flavor in every bite.

• Cooked Chicken: Shred up rotisserie chicken or use leftovers for a quick, juicy filling packed with protein.
• Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite smoky-sweet or spicy variety, as it will soak into the chicken and drive the flavor home.
• Flour Tortillas: Opt for 8-inch tortillas, which are sturdy enough to hold everything together and crisp up beautifully in the skillet.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated cheddar melts the best, giving rich creaminess and a gorgeous orange hue to every quesadilla.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Cheddar Quesadillas

Step 1: Prepare Barbecue Chicken Mixture

Start by placing your shredded, cooked chicken into a large mixing bowl. You’ll want to add the barbecue sauce next and stir well to ensure that every bit of chicken is thoroughly coated. This step is key; the sauce should cling to the chicken rather than pool at the bottom. It’s a simple mix, but this is where those big, bold BBQ Chicken Cheddar Quesadillas flavors begin to develop.

Step 2: Warm Tortilla

Heat a clean, dry skillet over low to medium heat. Lay a tortilla into the pan and let it warm briefly. This short step makes the tortillas more pliable and less likely to crack or tear while folding, ensuring every quesadilla comes out picture-perfect.

Step 3: Assemble Quesadilla

Sprinkle a generous handful of cheddar cheese onto one half of the warmed tortilla. Top that with an even layer of the barbecue chicken mixture, then finish with more cheddar. Doubling up on cheese not only boosts the flavor but also helps seal the quesadilla as it melts.

Step 4: Fold and Cook Quesadilla

Fold the tortilla in half so the filling is enclosed. Let it cook for one to two minutes per side, flipping once, until the outside is crisp and golden brown spots appear. The cheese should be fully melted, binding everything together in cheesy, barbecue bliss. Repeat the process with the rest of the tortillas and filling to make enough BBQ Chicken Cheddar Quesadillas for everyone.

Step 5: Serve

Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve while they’re still hot and irresistibly gooey. The aroma of smoky barbecue and bubbling cheese is mouthwatering—don’t be surprised if everyone comes running as soon as these hit the table!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Cheddar Quesadillas

Garnishes

Top your BBQ Chicken Cheddar Quesadillas with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy, tangy finish. Even a quick squeeze of lime can brighten up those rich flavors in a snap!

Side Dishes

Pair these quesadillas with crisp coleslaw, a classic corn salad, or smoky baked beans to round out your meal. For a lighter touch, a simple side of mixed greens with a zesty vinaigrette is always a winner.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your BBQ Chicken Cheddar Quesadillas platter-style with a trio of dips—think ranch, creamy chipotle sauce, and guacamole—for a party-ready spread. For game day, cut the quesadillas into strips for dippable finger food, or stack the wedges in a sunny spiral on a big sharing plate for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare event!), tuck cooled BBQ Chicken Cheddar Quesadillas into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to three days, perfect for snacking or quick lunches.

Freezing

To freeze, layer quesadilla wedges between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe zip bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat straight from the freezer—there’s no need to thaw!

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly warmed and the tortilla crisps up again. Alternatively, pop them in a toaster oven or air fryer for a speedy, crispy finish. The microwave works in a pinch, just keep in mind the tortillas will be softer.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese besides cheddar?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic for BBQ Chicken Cheddar Quesadillas, feel free to mix things up with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for extra flavor and meltiness.

How can I make these BBQ Chicken Cheddar Quesadillas spicy?

Add sliced jalapenos to the filling, use a spicy barbecue sauce, or mix in a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. You can even serve the quesadillas with hot sauce on the side.

What’s the best way to shred cooked chicken?

For super easy shredding, use two forks to pull apart the meat, or place warm, cooked chicken in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment on low—it shreds effortlessly in under a minute!

Can I make BBQ Chicken Cheddar Quesadillas in advance?

Yes! Prepare the chicken filling ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, assemble and cook the quesadillas fresh for the best crispy texture. You can also freeze assembled, uncooked quesadillas, then cook straight from frozen.

What tortillas are best for quesadillas?

Soft flour tortillas are your best bet—they brown up nicely and hold the filling without falling apart. If you prefer whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas, those work well too; just watch for any changes in texture or pliability.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for a meal that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and packed with flavor, you can’t go wrong with BBQ Chicken Cheddar Quesadillas. Gather your favorite people, serve up a platter, and watch them disappear—these are a true weeknight (or anytime) hit you’ll want to make again and again!

Print