BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: Easiest Cheesy Skillet Recipe!

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, oh, where do we even begin? These aren’t just your average quesadillas; they’re a symphony of smoky, sweet, and cheesy goodness all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. Picture this: juicy, tender chicken coated in your favorite barbecue sauce, melted cheese oozing from every bite, and that satisfying crunch with each bite.

We remember making these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas on a particularly chilly Sunday afternoon. The aroma filled our kitchen as we experimented with different barbecue sauces. It was pure comfort food at work and a lovely memory forever etched in our hearts. Ready to bring a little piece of our kitchen into yours? Let’s get started!

Why You Will Love This BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

This BBQ Chicken Quesadillas recipe is more than just a quick meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate. They are incredibly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner, and can be tailored to your family’s favorite flavors. And who doesn’t love a cheesy chicken quesadilla?

What makes our recipe special is the combination of high-quality ingredients and our nonna twist. We’ve perfected the balance of sweet, savory, and a touch of spice. Plus, the fun you’ll have making them with loved ones will make this your go to Skillet Quesadilla Recipe..

And here’s a little secret: these cheesy chicken quesadillas are also a fantastic way to use up leftover grilled chicken! Talk about reducing food waste, right? Imagine turning yesterday’s barbecue into today’s super easy meal!

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Ingredients Needed for This BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these irresistible BBQ Chicken Quesadillas.

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Quesadillas:

• 8 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (from above or leftover)
• 1 1/2 cups your favorite barbecue sauce (we love a smoky one!)
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter or oil for cooking the quesadillas

How to Make This BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

1. 1. Cook the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, toss the raw chicken breasts with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Arrange the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Let it cool slightly, then shred with two forks.
2. 2. Prepare the BBQ Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce. Make sure every strand is coated in that glorious flavor.
3. 3. Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay out a tortilla on a clean surface. Sprinkle about 1/3 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the tortilla, then top with about 1/2 cup of the BBQ chicken mixture. If desired, sprinkle with a few slices of red onion. Finish with another 1/3 cup of cheese.
4. 4. Fold and Cook: Fold the tortilla in half. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter or oil to the skillet.
5. 5. Cook the Quesadillas: Place the quesadilla in the hot skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Be careful not to burn it!
6. 6. Serve: Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool for a minute or two before slicing into wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy your Skillet Quesadilla Recipe!

How to Serve This BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

Serve your BBQ Chicken Quesadillas hot off the skillet for the best cheesy pull. We love to pair them with a side of cool sour cream, fresh guacamole, or a simple pico de gallo.

For an extra kick, try adding a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. To keep with an easy mexican dinner vibe, consider a side of Mexican street corn. Or how about a fresh salad for a light and refreshing contrast?

Don’t forget the drinks! A refreshing Margarita, a cold beer, or even a sparkling lemonade pairs perfectly with these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas.

How to Store This BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), you can store them in the refrigerator.

• Refrigeration: Let the quesadillas cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freezing isn’t ideal as the tortillas can become soggy, but if necessary, wrap each quesadilla individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, you can use a skillet, oven, or microwave. For the best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and the tortilla is crispy. In the oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. The microwave is the quickest option, but the tortilla may become a bit soggy.

Tips to Make This BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

• Different Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! Pepper jack for a spicy kick, or a blend of mozzarella and provolone for extra stretch. It’s about playing with the flavor and ingredients you have on hand.
• Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value by adding finely chopped bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the filling.
• BBQ Chicken Pizza 2: If you love trying creative BBQ chicken dishes, you can even riff off this recipe and use the mixture as a pizza topping.
• Don’t Overfill: Resist the urge to overfill the quesadillas, or they’ll be difficult to fold and cook evenly.
• Low and Slow: Cook the quesadillas over medium heat to ensure the cheese melts completely and the tortilla gets nice and crispy without burning.
• Did someone say… 3 Ingredient Orange Chicken Orange Marmalade Bbq?!?!

Helpful Notes for This BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

• Barbecue Sauce: The type of barbecue sauce you use will greatly impact the flavor of the quesadillas. Try different styles to find your favorite!
• Tortillas: For the best results, use high-quality flour tortillas. They should be pliable and not tear easily.
• Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your skillet and stove. Keep a close eye on the quesadillas to prevent burning.
• Enjoy a creative twist and try our recipe for Honey Bbq Chicken Rice.

Variation of This BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe

• Spicy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture for a fiery kick.
• Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: Add diced pineapple and cooked bacon to the filling for a tropical twist.
• Vegetarian BBQ Quesadillas: Use grilled or roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions, in place of the chicken.
• Cream Cheese Upgrade: Mix 4oz of cream cheese in with the bbq chicken before adding it to the tortilla.

Conclusion

So there you have it our take on BBQ Chicken Quesadillas! We hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to ours. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a simple reminder of the joy of sharing good food with the people you love.

Go ahead, give these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! Buon appetito!

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