A quick and flavorful meal combining tender chicken, melted cheese, and tangy BBQ sauce in a crispy tortilla, the BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is a weeknight favorite that brings bold flavors with minimal effort. This dish is versatile, comforting, and satisfying—perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack.
 Ingredients (US Cup Measures)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup sliced red onions
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- 2 (10-12 inch) flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar-jack cheese
- Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, ranch dip
 Instructions
1. Sauté Onions
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced red onions and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and slightly caramelized.
2. Prepare Chicken Mixture
Add the shredded chicken to the skillet with the onions. Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir to combine. Let the mixture heat for 2-3 minutes, then remove it from the heat.
3. Butter the Tortillas
Spread a thin layer of room temperature butter on one side of each tortilla. This will help achieve a golden, crispy exterior when cooking.
4. Assemble Quesadilla
Place one tortilla, butter side down, in a clean skillet. On one half of the tortilla, layer 1/4 cup shredded cheese, half of the chicken mixture, and another 1/4 cup of cheese. Fold the tortilla in half over the filling.
5. Cook Quesadilla
Cook the quesadilla over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Press down slightly with a spatula to help it crisp.
6. Repeat
Repeat steps 4 and 5 with the second tortilla and remaining ingredients.
7. Serve
Slice the cooked quesadillas into wedges and serve them hot with your favorite toppings—chopped cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or ranch dip.
 Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
 Servings
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
 Calories
Each serving contains approximately 450 kcal.
 Tips for the Perfect BBQ Chicken Quesadilla
Use Rotisserie Chicken
Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken saves time and adds a depth of flavor. Simply shred it and mix it with your BBQ sauce for a quick filling.
Try Different Cheese Blends
Switch up the cheeses for a twist—mozzarella gives you stretch, pepper jack adds a kick, and gouda adds richness.
Add Crunch and Freshness
Consider adding finely chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for a pop of color, crunch, and spice.
Keep It Crispy
Cook quesadillas on medium heat and press them with a spatula for a crispier exterior. Avoid high heat to prevent burning.
Make It Ahead
You can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it. Assemble and cook the quesadilla just before serving.
Make It a Meal
Serve with a side salad, corn on the cob, or Mexican rice to make it a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on a skillet or in the oven for best texture.
The BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is a delightful mix of savory, tangy, cheesy goodness wrapped in a golden tortilla. With just a few pantry ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can whip up this restaurant-quality dish at home. Whether you’re serving a crowd or looking for a quick bite, this recipe offers endless customization and flavor satisfaction.
From choosing the perfect BBQ sauce to switching up your cheeses or adding extra veggies, this dish is all about making it your own. So grab those tortillas and get cooking—your perfect BBQ Chicken Quesadilla awaits!