A Family Favorite: How We Fell in Love With BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

I remember the first time I made BBQ Chicken Quesadillas. It was a rainy Friday night, and we had leftover grilled chicken in the fridge. I didn’t want to cook something big, but I still wanted dinner to feel special. I looked around the kitchen and saw tortillas, cheese, and BBQ sauce. That’s when the idea hit me: why not make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?

I threw the ingredients together, and it was a hit! My husband took one bite and said, “Wow, this is amazing.” My kids asked for seconds, and now we make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas almost every week. It’s become one of our favorite go-to meals, and I love how easy and tasty it is.

If you’re looking for a quick, cheesy, and flavorful dish, this one’s for you.

Why You’ll Love These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

There are so many reasons to love BBQ Chicken Quesadillas. Here are just a few:

They’re super easy to make.
You only need a few simple ingredients.
They’re full of cheesy, smoky BBQ flavor.
Great for lunch, dinner, or even a snack.
You can use leftovers to make them.
Kids and adults both love them.

Whether you’re making dinner for the family or need a quick meal for yourself, BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are always a great choice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, you don’t need anything fancy. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
Flour tortillas (medium or large size)
Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
Red onion (optional, for extra flavor)
Butter or oil (for cooking)
Cilantro (optional, for garnish)

That’s it! These ingredients are probably already in your kitchen.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas – Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how we make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas at home:

Step 1: Mix the Chicken and BBQ Sauce

In a bowl, mix your cooked chicken with BBQ sauce. You want it to be well coated but not dripping. Use more sauce if you love that strong BBQ flavor!

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Place a non-stick skillet or frying pan on medium heat. Add a little butter or oil to the pan.

Step 3: Build the Quesadilla

Lay one tortilla flat in the pan. Sprinkle a layer of cheese on one half. Add some BBQ chicken on top. If you like onions, now’s the time to add them. Then sprinkle a little more cheese on top of the chicken and fold the tortilla over.

Step 4: Cook Until Golden and Crispy

Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side, or until it’s golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes. The cheese should be melted and gooey.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Remove the quesadilla from the pan. Let it cool for a minute, then slice it into triangles. You can serve it with sour cream, extra BBQ sauce, or even ranch dressing.

Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Want to make the best BBQ Chicken Quesadillas every time? Try these tips:

Use freshly shredded cheese. It melts better than pre-shredded.
Don’t overload the quesadilla. Too much filling makes it hard to flip.
Press down gently with a spatula while it cooks for a crispier crust.
Try using two tortillas instead of folding one. Just add filling between two tortillas and flip carefully.

Mistakes to Avoid When Making BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Even though they’re easy, some things can go wrong. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:

Using too much BBQ sauce. It can make the quesadilla soggy.
Not heating the pan first. A hot pan helps the tortilla get crispy fast.
Overfilling the quesadilla. It makes flipping tricky and messy.
Cooking on high heat. It can burn the outside before the cheese melts.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you make perfect BBQ Chicken Quesadillas every time.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

You can get creative with BBQ Chicken Quesadillas. Here are some fun ideas:

Add veggies: Bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms taste great.
Try different cheese: Pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or Gouda are all yummy.
Make it spicy: Add hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the chicken mix.
Use rotisserie chicken: It’s a great shortcut and saves time.
Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free tortillas.
Add bacon: Crispy bacon pieces take it to the next level.

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are super flexible, so make them your own!

How to Store and Reheat BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Sometimes we make extra BBQ Chicken Quesadillas for lunch the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat them:

Storing

Place quesadillas in an airtight container.
Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet on medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side.
Or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Avoid the microwave—it makes them soggy.

Reheating on the stove keeps them crispy and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?

Yes! Let them cool first, then wrap them in foil or plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet or oven for best results.

What’s the best BBQ sauce for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?

Any BBQ sauce works, but sweet and smoky sauces go really well. Try hickory, honey BBQ, or even spicy BBQ for a kick.

Can I make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas without cheese?

Yes, but they won’t be as melty. You can use dairy-free cheese or skip it if you’re avoiding dairy. The BBQ chicken still tastes great!

Are BBQ Chicken Quesadillas healthy?

They can be! Use whole wheat tortillas, lean chicken, and low-fat cheese. Add veggies for more nutrition.

Can I use canned chicken for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?

You can! Just drain it well and mix it with BBQ sauce. It’s an easy shortcut for quick meals.

Final Thoughts

I hope you try making BBQ Chicken Quesadillas soon. They’re one of our favorite meals, and I think you’ll love them too. They’re quick, cheesy, smoky, and full of flavor. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, BBQ Chicken Quesadillas always hit the spot.

If you try the recipe, let me know in the comments! Did your family love it? Did you add a fun twist? I’d love to hear about it. And don’t forget to leave a rating!