Smoky BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas

Welcome to a flavor-packed delight with these mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas! If you’re a fan of bold smoky goodness and ooey-gooey cheese, this recipe is sure to become a fast favorite in your household. Picture chewy tortillas embracing a filling of tender BBQ chicken and melty cheddar cheese—it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that both adults and kids can’t resist.

The beauty of these BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas lies in their simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover chicken or just craving a quick and satisfying meal, these quesadillas are a go-to choice. With a few basic ingredients and a hot skillet, you can whip up a batch in no time, perfect for lazy evenings or as a crowd-pleaser on game days.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings! Feel free to toss in some sautéed veggies or swap out the cheese for your favorite melty blend. And if you’re aiming to impress your guests, serve these quesadillas with a side of barbecue sauce for dipping or top them with fresh salsa and sour cream. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and get ready to savor every bite of these irresistible BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas.

Quick Benefits

• Bold smoky flavor combined with gooey cheesy goodness
• Quick and easy to make, perfect for lazy Fridays or game day
• Versatile recipe – can use different cheeses, meats, and tortillas for variety
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for longer keeping

Why You’ll Love This Smoky BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas Recipe

• Bold Smoky Flavor: This recipe brings a bold smoky flavor that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
• Gooey Cheesy Bite: The combination of cheddar cheese and barbecue sauce creates a gooey cheesy bite that is irresistible.
• Quick and Satisfying: Perfect for lazy Fridays or game days, these quesadillas are quick to make and super satisfying for both adults and kids.
• Leftover Magic: A great way to use up leftover chicken, this recipe transforms odds and ends into a delicious meal that everyone will love.
• Crispy and Melty: Enjoy the chewy tortilla outside and the melty goodness inside, creating the perfect texture with every bite.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily adaptable with different cheeses, meats (such as pork or beef), and even tofu, making it a versatile dish for any preference.
• Make-ahead and Freeze: You can prepare these quesadillas ahead of time and freeze them for later, ensuring you always have a delicious meal on hand.
• Endless Serving Options: Whether you prefer them with sour cream, salsa, pickled jalapeños, or cilantro, the serving options are endless, making it a customizable dish for any occasion.
• Impressive Presentation: Stack these quesadillas on a platter with a side of barbecue sauce for dipping, or pack them in a lunchbox for a fun and impressive midday treat.
• Simplicity with Awesome Results: By keeping things simple and taking your time, you’ll enjoy every bite of these BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas.

Ingredients for Smoky BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas

Main Ingredients

• 480 grams cooked chicken breast, pulled apart
• 6 wheat flour tortillas, about 20 centimeters each
• 200 grams cheddar cheese, grated
• 360 millilitres barbecue sauce

Pro Tips for Smoky BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas

Pro tip #1: To achieve the perfect balance of crispy tortilla and gooey cheese, cook the quesadillas on medium heat, pressing them down lightly in the pan. This will help them crisp up without burning.

Pro tip #2: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella if you’re out of cheddar. These cheeses also melt well and add a delicious gooey texture to your BBQ chicken quesadillas.

Pro tip #3: Add extra flavor and texture by tossing in sautéed peppers, onions, or jalapeños along with your chicken and cheese filling. This will give your quesadillas an extra kick that your family and friends will love.

How to Make Smoky BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas

Step 1: Spread and Fold

Place cheese on one side of a tortilla, add saucy chicken, sprinkle more cheese, and fold tortilla over filling.

Step 2: Heat Up Tortilla

Heat a tortilla in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat until the underside is toasted.

Step 3: Mix Chicken and Sauce

Mix the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce in a large bowl until well coated.

Step 4: Melt and Crisp

Flip the folded tortilla and cook until golden and crispy on both sides, ensuring the cheese inside is melted. Repeat for the remaining tortillas.

Step 5: Dish Up

Transfer the hot quesadillas to a plate and enjoy immediately while they are crispy.

Storage Tips

Once you have made the BBQ chicken cheese quesadillas, store any leftovers by lining a container with a paper towel and placing the quesadillas inside before storing in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to three days and reheated for crispy results by warming in a skillet over medium heat. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving is an option, but it may make them less crunchy. For longer storage, freeze individual wrapped pieces and reheat straight from the freezer in a dry pan, adding extra cheese for extra melty goodness.

If you run out of cheddar cheese, feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or any shredded Mexican cheese blend. Additionally, you can use leftover pork, beef, or tofu instead of chicken. Different types of tortillas like gluten-free or corn can be used, but be mindful of cooking times as textures may vary. Serve the quesadillas by chopping them into wedges and topping with sour cream, salsa, pickled jalapenos, or cilantro for added flavor. Impress at gatherings by stacking them on a platter with a side of barbecue sauce for dipping or pack them in a lunchbox for a delightful midday snack.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re out of cheddar cheese, feel free to substitute with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a shredded Mexican blend for that gooey, cheesy goodness in your quesadillas. These cheeses are all excellent melting options that will work well with the barbecue chicken.

In terms of protein, feel free to swap the cooked chicken breast with leftover pork, beef, or even tofu if you prefer a different protein option. Just make sure to shred or dice the alternative protein and mix it with the barbecue sauce for a flavorful filling.

For a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free tortillas or sturdy corn tortillas instead of wheat flour tortillas. Just be mindful of the cooking time and adjust as needed since the texture may vary slightly. These substitutions will ensure that everyone can enjoy these BBQ chicken cheese quesadillas, regardless of dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas, consider serving them with a tangy coleslaw on the side for a refreshing contrast to the rich and cheesy filling. The crunch of the coleslaw will add a nice texture to each bite of the quesadilla. Another creative serving suggestion is to drizzle some extra BBQ sauce on top of the quesadillas before serving, along with a dollop of creamy guacamole. This extra burst of flavor will take your quesadillas to the next level and make them a hit at any gathering or mealtime.

For a fun twist, try cutting the quesadillas into smaller bite-sized pieces and serving them as appetizers at your next party. Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing, and watch them disappear in no time. To make them even more indulgent, top each quesadilla square with a small dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro. These mini BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas are sure to be a crowd favorite and will leave your guests coming back for more.

FAQs for Smoky BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas

Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is recommended for its melting properties and flavor with BBQ, you can also use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or any shredded Mexican blend for a gooey alternative.

Can I add extra ingredients to the quesadillas?

Yes, feel free to customize your BBQ chicken quesadillas by adding sautéed peppers, onions, jalapeños, or any other ingredients you enjoy for extra flavor and texture.

How should I store and reheat leftover quesadillas?

To store, line a container with a paper towel and refrigerate any leftover quesadillas for up to three days. For crispy results, warm them in a skillet over medium heat. You can also freeze individually wrapped pieces and reheat them in a dry pan straight from the freezer.

What are some serving suggestions for BBQ chicken cheese quesadillas?

You can serve the quesadillas with sour cream, fresh salsa, pickled jalapeños, or cilantro for added flavor. To impress at gatherings, stack them on a platter with a side of barbecue sauce for dipping. They can also be packed cold in a lunchbox for a fun midday treat.

Conclusion

I hope you give these BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas a try and enjoy them as much as my family does! They are truly a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. The combination of smoky barbecue chicken, gooey melted cheese, and crispy tortillas is simply irresistible.

Remember, you can always customize these quesadillas to suit your preferences by adding in your favorite veggies or trying different types of cheese. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a simple weeknight dinner, BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas are sure to be a hit. So, fire up that skillet, get creative with your fillings, and savor each delicious bite of these flavorful quesadillas. Enjoy!

Smoky BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas

“Smoky BBQ chicken and gooey cheddar cheese make these quesadillas a quick, satisfying hit for any meal or gathering.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time15 Minutes

Total Time25 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (6 quesadillas)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 480 grams cooked chicken breast, pulled apart
• 6 wheat flour tortillas, about 20 centimeters each
• 200 grams cheddar cheese, grated
• 360 millilitres barbecue sauce

Instructions

1. Spread and Fold: Place cheese on one side of a tortilla, add saucy chicken, sprinkle more cheese, and fold tortilla over filling.
2. Heat Up Tortilla: Heat a tortilla in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat until the underside is toasted.
3. Mix Chicken and Sauce: Mix the shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce in a large bowl until well coated.
4. Melt and Crisp: Flip the folded tortilla and cook until golden and crispy on both sides, ensuring the cheese inside is melted. Repeat for the remaining tortillas.
5. Dish Up: Transfer the hot quesadillas to a plate and enjoy immediately while they are crispy.