There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, crispy quesadilla, especially when it’s filled with shredded BBQ chicken that brings a kick of flavor to the table. As I sifted through my pantry one evening, I spied a forgotten rotisserie chicken and knew I could whip up a quick and satisfying dinner that the whole family would love.
These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas come together in a flash, making them perfect for those busy weeknights when takeout feels all too tempting. With melted cheddar cheese creating that ooey-gooey goodness and a dash of spices elevating the humble chicken to new heights, this recipe is a game changer for anyone bored with fast food. Best of all, they’re totally customizable! Whether you’re looking to amp up the heat or sneak in some veggies, these quesadillas will have you back in the kitchen and out of the drive-thru in no time.
So, grab your tortilla and get ready for a flavor explosion!
Why are BBQ Chicken Quesadillas a must-try?
Quick Preparation: These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a lifesaver for busy weeknights, ready in just minutes!
Kid-Friendly: With a deliciously cheesy filling, they’re sure to please even the pickiest eaters, making dinner stress-free.
Customizable Options: Feel free to switch up ingredients; add veggies or adjust spices to match your family’s preferences.
Rotisserie Chicken Advantage: Utilizing leftover rotisserie chicken not only saves time but also reduces waste.
Feel-Good Comfort Food: Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they bring a comforting, homey vibe to your dining table.
Don’t miss out on this fun, speedy meal that can rejuvenate family dinner time!
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Ingredients
For the Filling
• Chicken – 1.75 cups, shredded or cubed; using rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep time and adds flavor.
• Black Beans – 16 oz (Goya recommended); these beans provide texture and fiber, making the BBQ Chicken Quesadillas more filling.
• Red Onion – 1/4, finely diced; it adds sweetness and crunch for extra flavor depth.
• Jalapeño – 1, diced (seeds removed for less heat); this gives a nice kick, but you can skip it for a milder taste.
• Cilantro – 1/2 cup, roughly chopped; it adds a burst of freshness, perfect for brightening up the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese – 2.25 cups, shredded (sharp preferred); it melts beautifully and enhances the overall flavor of the quesadillas.
• Chili Powder – 1 tsp; this adds a delightful spice that complements the BBQ sauce perfectly.
• Smoked Paprika – 1/2 tsp; for a subtle smoky flavor that elevates the BBQ Chicken Quesadillas even more.
• Salt – 1/4 tsp; this essential seasoning enhances the overall taste of the filling.
• Ground Cumin – 1/2 tsp; adds warm, earthy tones that round out the flavors.
• BBQ Sauce – 1/2 cup (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended); it’s the star ingredient that brings sweet and tangy goodness to your quesadillas.
• Flour Tortillas – 10, for wrapping the filling; opt for whole wheat tortillas if you’re looking for a healthier alternative.
Dive into these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, where every bite bursts with flavor and crisp perfection!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
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Prep Ingredients: Start by dicing the red onion and jalapeño, chopping the cilantro, and shredding the rotisserie chicken if necessary. This will ensure everything is ready for quick assembly.
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Combine Filling: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, black beans, diced onion, jalapeño, chopped cilantro, spices, and BBQ sauce. Stir until well combined, creating a flavorful filling for your quesadillas.
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Assemble Quesadillas: Lay out a flour tortilla on a clean surface. Spread 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture on one half of the tortilla, sprinkle with extra cheddar cheese, and fold it over to enclose the filling.
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Cooking: Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom turns golden brown.
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Flip and Finish: Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when both sides are golden and the cheese is melted, creating that delicious gooey texture.
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Serve: Let the quesadilla rest for 1-2 minutes to cool slightly before cutting it in half. Serve warm with your favorite dips, such as sour cream or salsa.
Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra pop of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are ideal for meal prep, giving you a quick and delicious option for those busy nights! You can assemble the filling (chicken, beans, onions, spices, and BBQ sauce) up to 24 hours in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can pre-cut the tortillas and even shred the cheese ahead of time. When it’s time to cook, simply refill the tortillas, heat them in a skillet for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden, and you’ll have restaurant-quality quesadillas in no time! Prepping ahead saves you effort and ensures that the BBQ Chicken Quesadillas remain just as tasty and satisfying.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful sides that perfectly complement the hearty goodness of quesadillas.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of creamy sour cream adds a refreshing tang that balances the rich BBQ flavor.
- Guacamole: The smooth and creamy texture of guacamole enhances the quesadillas while bringing a fresh avocado flavor.
- Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made of diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds brightness and a burst of flavor.
- Corn Salad: A vibrant corn salad with lime and cotija cheese brings sweetness and crunch, creating a delightful contrast.
- Black Bean Salsa: Loaded with protein and flavor, this salsa is a hearty addition that pairs beautifully with the quesadillas.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips dipped in zesty salsa make for a fun appetizer before diving into the quesadillas.
- Mexican Rice: Light and fluffy rice seasoned with spices adds a satisfying base, soaking up all the delicious BBQ sauce.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings a sweet touch that cleanses the palate after rich, savory bites.
- Frozen Margaritas: For a festive touch, serve icy margaritas to enhance the spirited flavors of your BBQ Chicken Quesadillas.
Helpful Tricks for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
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Heat Control: Use medium-low heat while cooking to ensure the tortillas don’t burn before the cheese melts, achieving that perfect gooeyness.
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Don’t Overstuff: Avoid the temptation to overfill your BBQ Chicken Quesadillas; this helps prevent spillage when flipping them in the skillet.
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Golden Crust: Brush or spray the outside of each tortilla with oil before cooking; this creates a beautifully golden and crispy outer layer.
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Fresh Herbs: Add fresh cilantro right before serving to enhance the flavors of the BBQ Chicken Quesadillas without losing its freshness during cooking.
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Quick Assembly: To speed things up, have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go; this ensures your quesadillas come together in a jiffy!
BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Variations
Feel free to get creative with these delightful quesadillas and add your personal touch for an exciting twist!
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Refried Beans: Swap black beans for creamy refried beans, giving your quesadillas a rich texture everyone will love. This addition will enhance the overall moisture, making every bite a bit more indulgent.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced serrano peppers or a splash of hot sauce for an extra heat boost that gives your quesadillas a fun punch. Adjust according to your family’s tolerance for spice to make it just right!
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Veggie-Loaded: Add sweet corn or bell peppers for a colorful veggie boost. They add a slight sweetness and crunch that pairs beautifully with the BBQ chicken, creating a delightful explosion of flavor and nutrition.
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Smoky BBQ Sauce: For a unique flair, try using a chipotle-infused BBQ sauce. This brings a smoky, spicy taste that transforms your classic quesadillas into a bold new dish you’ll want to recreate.
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Cheese Medley: Rather than cheddar, use a blend of cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for an extra melty texture and a hint of heat. Mixing cheeses can elevate the quesadilla experience to a whole new level of creamy deliciousness!
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Fresh Spin: Substitute cilantro with fresh basil or parsley for a twist in flavor. Both herbs can brighten up your quesadillas and complement the BBQ taste while offering a unique aromatic experience.
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Whole Wheat Twist: Use whole wheat tortillas instead of flour for a healthier option that also adds a slightly nutty flavor. This simple swap makes each quesadilla a bit heartier while keeping the satisfaction intact.
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Crispy on the Outside: Brush tortillas with a little barbecue sauce before cooking for a caramelized, flavorful crust. This adds a whole new dimension to the quesadilla, making each bite even more irresistible!
Storage Tips for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Fridge: Keep leftover BBQ Chicken Quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Freezer: Freeze individual quesadillas wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 2 months. This makes for a quick meal on busy days!
Reheating: For crispy results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat or bake in the oven. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too; just cover to prevent drying out.
Thawing: If frozen, thaw the quesadillas in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Quesadillas any night!
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken should I use?
Absolutely! You can use 1.75 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, but feel free to substitute with any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand. The key is to ensure the chicken is moist and flavorful to enhance your BBQ Chicken Quesadillas!
How should I store leftover BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?
Keep your leftover BBQ Chicken Quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will help retain their freshness and flavor. Make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation buildup that can make them soggy.
Can I freeze BBQ Chicken Quesadillas?
Yes! For freezing, wrap each quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating, and they’re good to go!
How can I reheat the quesadillas for optimal texture?
For the best crispy texture, reheat BBQ Chicken Quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. If you’re in a rush, the microwave will work too; just make sure to cover them to keep them from drying out.
Can I modify the recipe for dietary restrictions?
Very! If you need this recipe to fit dietary needs, consider using gluten-free tortillas and swapping the cheese for a dairy-free alternative. Additionally, if you’re looking to reduce sodium, you can choose low-sodium black beans and BBQ sauce. For those with allergies, replace cilantro with parsley for a mild flavor without sacrificing freshness.
What if my quesadillas are spilling during cooking?
To avoid spillage, ensure that you’re not overstuffing your quesadillas. It’s best to fill them with just 1/3 cup of filling. If you find them spilling, you can also try using a spatula to gently hold the sides together while flipping, which can help keep everything neatly contained!
Sizzling BBQ Chicken Quesadillas You’ll Crave Tonight
Equipment
- - Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- - Knife
- - Cutting board
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1.75 cups chicken, shredded or cubed using rotisserie chicken
- 16 oz black beans (Goya recommended)
- 1/4 red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, diced seeds removed for less heat
- 1/2 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
- 2.25 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (sharp preferred)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray's recommended)
- 10 flour tortillas opt for whole wheat for healthier alternative
Instructions
How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- Start by dicing the red onion and jalapeño, chopping the cilantro, and shredding the rotisserie chicken if necessary. This will ensure everything is ready for quick assembly.
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, black beans, diced onion, jalapeño, chopped cilantro, spices, and BBQ sauce. Stir until well combined, creating a flavorful filling for your quesadillas.
- Lay out a flour tortilla on a clean surface. Spread 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture on one half of the tortilla, sprinkle with extra cheddar cheese, and fold it over to enclose the filling.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom turns golden brown.
- Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. You'll know it's done when both sides are golden and the cheese is melted, creating that delicious gooey texture.
- Let the quesadilla rest for 1-2 minutes to cool slightly before cutting it in half. Serve warm with your favorite dips, such as sour cream or salsa.