Easy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
Add Preferred SourceBBQ Chicken Quesadillas are the perfect mix of crispy, cheesy, and satisfying. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you get a quick, hearty meal that’s easy to throw together. Loaded with BBQ chicken, melty cheese, and sweet corn, they’re a great go-to when you want something comforting without much effort.
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I love how these chicken quesadillas hit the sweet spot for everything from casual game-day snacking to busy weeknight dinners. They come together so quickly, and you can prep the BBQ chicken mixture ahead of time, making them a lifesaver when you need a fuss-free meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
If you follow my simple steps, you’ll have cheesy, crispy BBQ chicken quesadillas ready in no time.
Prepare the BBQ Chicken
In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until every piece is evenly coated. The sauce keeps the chicken moist and adds all that smoky, tangy flavor.
Assemble the Quesadillas
Place a large tortilla flat on your work surface. Spread a layer of the BBQ chicken mixture over half of the tortilla, leaving a little space at the edge.
Sprinkle the corn evenly over the chicken, followed by a generous handful of shredded cheese. Fold the tortilla in half to create a semi-circle. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Cook the Quesadillas
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place one quesadilla in the pan and cook for about 2 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the bottom.
Flip carefully using a spatula, and cook the other side for another 2 to 4 minutes, ensuring the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crisp. Remove it from the pan and keep warm while you cook the rest.
Serve and Garnish
Cut each quesadilla into halves or quarters. Top with dollops of sour cream, fresh chopped cilantro, and a few slices of jalapeño for extra heat if you like.
Serve immediately while they’re warm and melty.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 ½ cups Mexican-style shredded cheese blend
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 large tortillas
- 1 can 15 ounces corn drained and rinsed
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 3 tablespoons cilantro
- Sour cream optional
- 1 jalapeno optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce, making sure every piece is well-coated. Set it aside while you prepare the tortillas.3 cups cooked chicken, 1 cup BBQ sauce
- Lay a large tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread the BBQ chicken mixture over one-half of the tortilla, leaving a bit of space at the edges. Top with corn and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling, pressing down lightly to seal. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas.3 large tortillas, 1 can 15 ounces corn, 1 ½ cups Mexican-style shredded cheese blend
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add one quesadilla to the pan and cook for 2 to 4 minutes on one side or until golden brown and crisp. Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes, ensuring the cheese has fully melted. Remove it from the skillet and repeat with the remaining quesadillas.2 tablespoons olive oil
- Once all the quesadillas are cooked, transfer them to a cutting board and slice them into halves or quarters. Top with sour cream, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.3 tablespoons cilantro, Sour cream, 1 jalapeno
Notes
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the chicken mixture for a kick of heat.
- Make-Ahead Chicken: If you’re short on time, prepare the BBQ chicken mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
- Crispy Tortillas: Cook over medium heat to crisp up the tortillas without burning them. Slow and steady wins the game here.
- Best Cheese Melt: A shredded Mexican-style cheese blend works best, but you can also use Monterey Jack or cheddar.
- Avoid Overfilling: Don’t overload your tortillas, or they’ll be hard to flip, and the filling may spill out.
- Cheese Tip: Grate your own cheese for a smoother melt. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach for an extra layer of flavor.
- Reheat Like a Pro: Reheat quesadillas in a skillet or air fryer to maintain that crispy exterior.
Nutrition
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your BBQ chicken quesadillas are perfect every time:
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the chicken mixture for a kick of heat.
- Make-Ahead Chicken: If you’re short on time, prepare the BBQ chicken mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
- Crispy Tortillas: Cook over medium heat to crisp up the tortillas without burning them. Slow and steady wins the game here.
- Best Cheese Melt: A shredded Mexican-style cheese blend works best, but you can also use Monterey Jack or cheddar.
- Avoid Overfilling: Don’t overload your tortillas, or they’ll be hard to flip, and the filling may spill out.
- Cheese Tip: Grate your own cheese for a smoother melt. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach for an extra layer of flavor.
- Reheat Like a Pro: Reheat quesadillas in a skillet or air fryer to maintain that crispy exterior.
How to Store Leftover BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side. This method keeps the tortilla crispy and the cheese gooey.
While freezing is technically possible, the tortillas tend to lose their crispiness, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh or refrigerated.
My Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe
These tips will help you save a little while still delivering a delicious meal:
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time and money by picking up a store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s already cooked and shreds perfectly for this recipe.
- Frozen or Leftover Corn: If you have frozen corn or leftover grilled corn, use that instead of canned. It’s often cheaper and just as tasty.
- Cheese on Sale: Stock up on shredded cheese when it’s on sale, and freeze it in portions. It works great in recipes like this.
What to Serve With BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
BBQ chicken quesadillas go well with fresh salsa, guacamole, or a simple green salad to round out the meal.
For something heartier, pair them with tortilla chips and queso dip or a side of black beans and rice. You can also serve them alongside a bowl of creamy coleslaw for a refreshing contrast to the smoky BBQ flavors.
More Easy Mexican Recipes for You to Try at Home
If you loved these BBQ chicken quesadillas, I’ve got plenty of other Mexican recipes you’ll want to try next!
