(Cheesy and Ready in 15)
Introduction

Picture this: You get home from work or school, and you’re craving something melty,

savory, and comforting but don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen. That’s where these

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas come in—a 15-minute solution that combines tender chicken,

tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese in a crispy tortilla. Each bite offers a sweet, smoky, and

delightfully cheesy burst of flavor.

Think of it as the perfect fusion of a classic quesadilla with all the best parts of barbecue

chicken pizza. These quesadillas are easily customized based on your favorite BBQ sauce,

cheese blend, and optional add-ins like jalapeños or extra veggies. Best of all, you can cook

them in a single skillet, so cleanup is minimal. Ready to whip up a crowd-pleasing meal that

both kids and adults will love?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Super Quick: Done in about 15 minutes, making them a lifesaver on busy

weeknights.

2. Cheesy Goodness: Melted cheese is always a hit; these quesadillas pack plenty of

it.

3. One-Pan Wonder: Prepare your filling in the same skillet you use to grill the tortillas.

This will make less mess and give you more time to enjoy.

4. Flexible: Use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even veggie substitutes. Adjust

the spice level with your choice of BBQ sauce.

5. Kid-Friendly: The sweetness of the barbecue sauce, combined with cheese and

tortilla, is practically guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

Below is what you’ll need to make about four servings (two large quesadillas cut into

wedges). Feel free to scale up if you feed a crowd or want leftovers.

For the Filling

● 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

○ Leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken works.● ½ cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)

● 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion (optional but adds a nice crunch)

● ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra smoky flavor)

● Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly

● 4 large flour tortillas (8–10 inch size)

● 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)

● 1 tablespoon butter or oil (for crisping the tortillas)

Optional Add-Ins

● Chopped cilantro for fresh, herby brightness

● Sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick

● Diced bell peppers for extra crunch

Note: Precooked chicken is your best friend if you’re pressed for time. Shredded rotisserie

chicken, for example, adds both convenience and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Warm the Chicken Filling

1. Combine Chicken & BBQ Sauce

In a medium bowl, mix the cooked chicken, BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, and

optional chopped red onion—season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Heat in a Skillet

Place a skillet over medium heat, and add the chicken mixture. Warm for 2–3

minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld. If it starts to dry out, add a

splash of water or a little extra BBQ sauce.

Pro Tip: Warming the filling before assembling ensures the cheese melts faster once you

build the quesadillas.

Step 2: Assemble the Quesadillas

1. Lay Out the Tortillas

On a flat surface, lay out the tortillas.

2. Spread Cheese

Sprinkle about ¼ cup of shredded cheese on half of each tortilla.

3. Add Chicken Mixture

Spoon the warm BBQ chicken mixture on the cheese layer, leaving room near the

edges to avoid overstuffing.4. Extra Cheese Layer

Top the chicken with another ¼ cup of shredded cheese, so the cheese is under

and over the filling.

5. Fold the Tortillas

Fold each tortilla in half, pressing gently to seal. You want a semicircle packed with

delicious BBQ chicken and melted cheese.

Pro Tip: If you want additional ingredients like jalapeños or bell peppers, add them before

folding. This keeps them fresh and crisp.

Step 3: Toast & Melt

1. Heat Butter or Oil

Using the same skillet (or a clean one if you prefer), melt one tablespoon of butter

over medium heat. You can also use oil if you’re watching dairy or want a different

flavor.

2. Cook the Quesadillas

Carefully place one or two folded quesadillas in the skillet, depending on its size.

Cook for 2–3 minutes per side or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is

melted.

3. Flip Gently

Use a large spatula to flip the quesadillas. To maintain crispiness, add a bit more

butter or oil to the second side.

4. Keep Warm

Transfer cooked quesadillas to a plate lined with paper towels or place them on a

wire rack in a low oven (about 200°F/95°C) to keep them warm while you cook the

rest.

Pro Tip: Don’t rush the heat. Medium to medium-high is ideal. If it is too high, the tortilla may

burn before the cheese fully melts.

Serving Suggestions

● Cut & Garnish: Slice each quesadilla into wedges. If desired, garnish with chopped

cilantro or drizzle with extra BBQ sauce.

● Dipping Sauces: Ranch, sour cream, or a mix of BBQ sauce and mayo can be

excellent dips for these quesadillas.

● Side Dishes: Pair with a side salad, fries, or grilled vegetables. Slaw is another great

partner for that tangy BBQ flavor.

● Party Platter: If you’re hosting a crowd, cut each quesadilla into smaller triangles

and serve on a platter with different dips.Meal Prep & Storage

1. Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the

refrigerator for up to 3 days. Warm it before assembling the quesadillas.

2. Refrigeration: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up

to 3 days.

3. Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat or the oven at

350°F (175°C). The microwave works in a pinch but may make the tortilla slightly

soggy.

4. Freezing: You can freeze cooked quesadillas, though they may lose some crispness

upon thawing. Wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap, and reheat in the oven or

on a skillet.

Pro Tip: If you plan to freeze them, undercook the tortillas slightly so they don’t become

overly brown when you reheat them.

Variations & Substitutions

● Different Proteins: Try pulled pork, ground beef, or leftover grilled steak for a fun

spin on BBQ quesadillas.

● Cheese Choices: Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper Jack melts beautifully. A

cheddar-jack blend is often a fan favorite.

● Gluten-Free: If you have dietary restrictions, use gluten-free tortillas. Also, make

sure your BBQ sauce and chicken are gluten-free.

● Veggie Quesadillas: For a vegetarian option, skip the meat and use beans, sautéed

mushrooms, or roasted vegetables.

● Spice It Up: If you like your quesadillas spicy, add chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of

cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Common Questions

Q: Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?

A: Yes, but you’ll need to thoroughly cook it—dice or shred it after cooking. This will add

extra time, pushing the recipe beyond 15 minutes.

Q: What if I don’t have a skillet that fits a large tortilla?

A: You can cut your tortilla in half and assemble smaller quesadillas or cook them one half at

a time. Alternatively, use a griddle if you have one.

Q: Do I need butter and oil, or can I use cooking spray?

A: Cooking spray works fine for a lighter option, though butter or oil typically gives a richer

flavor and a crispier crust.Q: How do I keep the tortilla from burning?

A: Keep the heat at medium or medium-high and watch closely. If the tortilla browns too fast,

lower the heat.

Q: Can I bake these in the oven instead of cooking them on the stovetop?

A: Absolutely. Preheat your oven to about 400°F (200°C), assemble the quesadillas on a

baking sheet, and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and tortillas are crispy.

Conclusion

These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas offer a mouthwatering blend of smoky, sweet barbecue

flavors and ooey-gooey cheese—all sandwiched between crispy flour tortillas. And with

just 15 minutes from start to finish, they’re the perfect solution for a hectic weeknight or a

spontaneous comfort food craving.

You can’t go wrong if you keep it simple with classic BBQ sauce and cheddar or customize

them with spicy jalapeños and a blend of different cheeses. In no time, you’ll have a stack of

toasty quesadillas that work as a solo meal, a sharable appetizer, or even a fun party food.

Give them a try tonight, and watch as they quickly become a staple in your rotation of quick,

tasty meals.