BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas that deliver bold flavor with minimal effort. This clever recipe combines tender chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and melty cheese in a crispy tortilla package that's ready in just 20 minutes.

After experimenting with countless quesadilla variations, I discovered that properly seasoning the chicken before adding barbecue sauce creates layers of flavor that make this simple dish extraordinary. The moment you bite through the crispy exterior to the smoky-sweet filling, you'll appreciate how this thoughtful preparation elevates a basic concept.

Essential Components

• Chicken Preparation: Seasoning before cooking creates flavor depth beyond just barbecue sauce
• Tortilla Selection: High-fiber options add nutrition while maintaining proper texture
• Cheese Balance: The right amount melts perfectly without overwhelming other flavors
• Onion Addition: Red onion provides sharp contrast to the sweet barbecue sauce
• Cooking Technique: Proper heat ensures crispy exterior without burning

Pin it

Creating Your Quesadilla

Perfect The Chicken:

Season and cook chicken completely before dicing, ensuring juicy pieces infused with flavor.

Master The Sauce:

Coat chicken pieces thoroughly with barbecue sauce, creating even distribution of flavor.

Build The Layers:

Arrange ingredients on one half of the tortilla for easiest folding and even distribution.

Create The Texture:

Cook at proper temperature to ensure tortilla becomes crispy while cheese melts completely.

Complete With Precision:

Fold and flip carefully to seal ingredients while maintaining the quesadilla's structure.

This quesadilla has become my go-to solution for transforming leftover chicken into an exciting new meal. The combination of familiar flavors in a crispy package makes it appealing to everyone while requiring minimal effort.

Perfect Pairings

Complete your meal with thoughtful sides. Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for freshness. Add a side of black beans for a protein boost. For a restaurant-style experience, include small bowls of sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo for dipping. During summer months, pair with grilled corn on the cob for a satisfying meal.

Creative Variations

Adapt this versatile recipe to create endless options. Try a Hawaiian version with pineapple and ham. Create a buffalo chicken variation with buffalo sauce and blue cheese. Make a Southwestern version with corn and black beans. For breakfast, incorporate scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage with the barbecue sauce for a morning twist.

Pin it

Storage Success

While best enjoyed immediately, leftovers can be managed properly. Store any remaining quesadilla in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in a dry skillet over medium heat to restore crispness. For best results, prepare only what will be eaten immediately and save components separately for future fresh preparation.

Through countless quick meal experiments, I've found that attention to detail in seasoning and cooking technique creates the most successful results, even with simple concepts. This recipe proves that with minimal effort and thoughtful preparation, you can create a satisfying meal that feels special despite its simplicity.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred or chop about 2-3 ounces of the meat, season with a little garlic and onion powder, and toss with the BBQ sauce before proceeding with the recipe.

→ What brands of BBQ sauce are under 45 calories per 2 tablespoons?

Several brands offer lower-calorie BBQ sauce options, including G Hughes Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce, Walden Farms BBQ Sauce, and Sweet Baby Ray's No Sugar Added. Always check the nutrition label as formulations can change.

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute a gluten-free tortilla for the whole wheat one. Just make sure to check that your BBQ sauce is also gluten-free, as some contain ingredients with gluten.

→ What can I serve with this BBQ chicken quesadilla?

For a complete meal, pair this quesadilla with a simple side salad, some fresh fruit, or a small serving of black bean soup. If you want to keep the meal light, a side of roasted vegetables makes a perfect complement.

→ Can I prepare multiple quesadillas at once for a family meal?

Yes! You can multiply the ingredients as needed. For cooking multiple quesadillas, either use a large griddle that can accommodate several at once, or keep the finished ones warm in a 200°F oven while you prepare the rest.