Name: BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (more to taste); 1 1/2–2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or blend); 4–6 medium or large flour tortillas; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional); 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for cooking); Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (optional for garnish); Sour cream or ranch, for dipping

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BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are one of my favorite quick-and-easy meals that deliver bold flavor with minimal effort. Loaded with smoky barbecue chicken, melted cheese, and crisped to golden perfection in a skillet, these quesadillas make the perfect weeknight dinner, game-day snack, or satisfying lunch. They’re simple, cheesy, and packed with the sweet-and-savory combo I always crave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes only a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes to make, but the flavor payoff is huge. The smoky BBQ sauce blends perfectly with the juicy chicken and gooey cheese, and everything is folded into a crispy tortilla that’s golden and slightly charred in all the right places. It’s endlessly customizable and a great way to use up leftover chicken, too. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
Flour tortillas (medium or large)
Red onion, thinly sliced (optional for added flavor)
Olive oil or butter (for cooking)
Fresh cilantro or green onions (optional, for garnish)
Sour cream or ranch (for dipping)

Directions

I mix the cooked chicken with BBQ sauce in a bowl until the chicken is fully coated.
I lay a tortilla flat and sprinkle cheese over one half, then add a layer of BBQ chicken and a few red onion slices.
I top with a little more cheese (for the best melt) and fold the tortilla in half.
I heat a bit of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
I cook the quesadilla for 2–3 minutes per side, until the outside is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
I remove it from the skillet, let it rest for a minute, then slice into wedges.
I garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions and serve with sour cream or my favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 to 3 quesadillas (depending on the size of tortillas used), enough for 2 to 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook, so I can have it ready in under 25 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add sautéed bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños to the filling for extra texture and flavor. I’ve also used rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken. When I want it extra cheesy, I add cream cheese or a smear of ranch dressing before folding the tortilla. If I’m cooking for a crowd, I make a big batch on a sheet pan and bake them all at once.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I use a skillet or air fryer to bring back the crispiness—just a few minutes on each side. I avoid the microwave because it makes the tortillas soggy. BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

FAQs

Can I use uncooked chicken?

Yes, but I make sure to cook it first—either by sautéing it in a pan or baking it—before mixing it with the BBQ sauce and adding it to the quesadilla.

What’s the best cheese for quesadillas?

I love using a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for a balance of flavor and meltability, but any good melting cheese works.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble them in advance and store them in the fridge, then cook them fresh when I’m ready to eat.

Are these freezer-friendly?

They are! I wrap uncooked quesadillas in foil or parchment and freeze them. When I’m ready, I cook straight from frozen over low heat until heated through and crispy.

What can I serve with these?

I usually serve them with a side of coleslaw, salad, or tortilla chips and salsa. They’re also great with guacamole or a drizzle of ranch.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are everything I want in a quick meal—crispy, cheesy, and packed with smoky, savory flavor. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a hit at the table. Whether I’m making a fast lunch, feeding a crowd, or using up leftover chicken, this recipe always delivers delicious results with minimal effort.