Hello there! Are you ready to whip up something truly delicious and comforting? I have to tell you, I’ve recently fallen in love with BBQ chicken quesadillas! They’re super easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for both lunch and dinner. Plus, the gooey melted cheese and crispy tortillas are just the cherry on top! Trust me, once you have these on your plate, you’ll want to make them every week.
Benefits of BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Not only are these quesadillas delicious, but they come with some healthy perks too! By using cooked shredded chicken, you’re adding protein to your meal, which is great for muscle recovery and energy. Plus, you can sneak in veggies (like those fresh red onions and cilantro), making it a more balanced meal. And if you’re conscious about what’s in your food, you can use homemade BBQ sauce or choose a low-sugar option!
Fun Variations to Make
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap the chicken for black beans and add extra veggies like bell peppers and corn. It’ll be just as satisfying!
- Spice It Up: If you love a bit of heat, toss in some jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to your BBQ sauce.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different kinds of cheese like pepper jack for added flavor or a creamy mozzarella.
Easy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sour cream (plus extra for serving, optional)
- 1-2 tablespoons butter or oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by taking a bowl and mixing the warm, cooked shredded chicken with your BBQ sauce until it’s all beautifully coated. This is where the flavor begins—don’t skimp!
- Next, heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil to prevent sticking. You want those tortillas to fry up nicely!
- Once your skillet is hot, lay one tortilla flat. Immediately sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over it. We’re talking cheesy goodness here!
- Now, spread a generous portion of that BBQ chicken on top of the cheese. Ah, doesn’t it smell amazing already?
- Then, add the diced red onions and some chopped cilantro for a fresh kick. If you’re feeling adventurous, add dollops of sour cream on top too!
- Top it off with another layer of cheese to help hold everything together.
- Here comes the best part! Either cover this with a second tortilla or fold the first tortilla over to create half-moon quesadillas.
- Cook your quesadilla for about 3-4 minutes until that bottom side is golden brown and the cheese is starting to melt.
- Using a spatula, carefully flip the quesadilla over to cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until it’s golden brown and super cheesy!
- Once done, take it out of the skillet and let it rest for a minute. Slice it into wedges and try not to eat them all at once!
- Garnish with extra cilantro and serve them up with more sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce.
Practical & Valuable Tips
- If you’re making multiple quesadillas, keep them warm in a low-heat oven while you finish cooking the rest.
- To prevent the tortillas from getting soggy, don’t overload them with fillings—sometimes less is more!
- Feel free to customize the kick of heat by experimenting with different BBQ sauces, from tangy to spicy.
Equipment Needed
To make your BBQ chicken quesadillas, here are the tools you’ll need:
- A large skillet or frying pan
- A mixing bowl for the chicken and BBQ sauce
- A spatula for flipping your quesadillas
- A knife for slicing
- Measuring cups for accuracy
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of BBQ sauce should I use? Use your favorite! Whether it’s homemade or store-bought, just make sure it’s to your liking!
- Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas? Absolutely! Just note that corn tortillas are a bit more fragile, so be gentle when flipping.
- What if I don’t have fresh cilantro? Can I leave it out? Yes, totally! You can either skip it or use dried cilantro; just remember that fresh herbs give a nice pop of flavor.
- How can I make these quesadillas ahead of time? You can prepare the filling, store it in an airtight container, and assemble the quesadillas when you’re ready to eat!
- Are these quesadillas gluten-free? They can be! Just swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free ones. Easy peasy!
Now it’s your turn! I simply can’t wait for you to try these BBQ chicken quesadillas! Please let me know how they turn out or feel free to share any fun variations you tried. And for more delicious recipes, follow me on Pinterest so we can inspire each other!
