If you are craving a meal that bursts with bold flavor, melty cheese, and a delightful hint of smoky sweetness, this BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying snack, these quesadillas combine tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce with crisp red onions and fresh cilantro, all hugged by golden, toasted flour tortillas. Every bite offers a perfect balance of smoky, cheesy, and fresh notes that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Get ready to fall in love with this easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with four round, light beige tortillas stacked on the top right. Below the tortillas, on the left side, there is a bunch of fresh green cilantro with leafy and vibrant texture. To the right of the cilantro, a small white bowl contains chopped red onions, small square pieces with purple and white tones. Next to it, there is another small white bowl filled with dark red barbecue sauce. Below these, a clear glass container holds shredded light brown cooked chicken pieces. In the bottom left corner, a white bowl is full of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese. A striped cloth with gray and white lines is draped on the bottom right corner of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create an explosion of flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the juicy chicken to the gooey cheese, providing a deliciously balanced quesadilla every time.

2 cups Rotisserie chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken makes the process super quick and adds a wonderful savory base.
1 cup BBQ sauce: This adds smoky sweetness and tang, making the chicken irresistible.
1/2 cup Red onion, diced: Provides a sharp crunch that cuts through the richness perfectly.
1/2 cup Cilantro, diced: Lends a fresh, herby brightness—optional but highly recommended!
4 Flour tortillas: The soft yet sturdy shell that crisps up beautifully in the pan.
2 cups Shredded cheese: Melts to creamy perfection, binding all the flavors together.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

Combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, BBQ sauce, diced red onion, and cilantro in a small bowl. Stir everything until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce and the ingredients are evenly distributed. This mixture forms the flavorful heart of your quesadilla.

Step 2: Warm Your Skillet

Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Preheating the pan is essential for getting that perfect golden crust on your tortilla without burning it.

Step 3: Assemble the Quesadilla

Place one flour tortilla on the warm skillet. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto one half of the tortilla, then sprinkle about 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the chicken. This layering ensures every bite melts in your mouth with gooey cheese and tangy chicken.

Step 4: Cook and Fold

Fold the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Let it cook undisturbed until the cheese begins to melt and the bottom gets crispy and golden. Flip carefully and cook the other side until equally crispy. The gentle cooking ensures melty cheese without soggy tortillas.

Step 5: Repeat and Serve

Add a touch more cooking spray and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and chicken mixture. Once all quesadillas are done, use a pizza slicer or sharp knife to cut each into triangles, making them easy to share and enjoy.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

The image shows four golden-brown quesadillas folded in half and stacked neatly on a white rectangular plate, each quesadilla garnished with small green cilantro leaves on top. The quesadillas have a slightly crispy texture with some browned spots, and bits of filling peek out from the edges, suggesting melted cheese and vegetables inside. To the left side of the plate, there is a small clear glass bowl filled with white creamy dip, placed next to the quesadillas. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a sprig of fresh cilantro lying nearby, and a striped cloth napkin is partially visible at the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Serving your quesadilla with complementary garnishes can elevate every bite. Consider a drizzle of ranch dressing, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of extra fresh cilantro. These additions enhance the smoky BBQ flavor with cool, creamy, or herbal notes that balance the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your quesadillas with simple side dishes like a crisp green salad, corn on the cob, or fresh guacamole. These sides add freshness and variety, rounding out the meal so it feels complete and special.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve mini BBQ chicken quesadilla bites on a platter for parties or game day snacks. Alternatively, wrap them up with a spicy slaw inside for an easy handheld lunch that bursts with texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover BBQ chicken quesadillas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them whole or pre-cut into wedges for convenient snacking or reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked quesadillas by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. This makes for a great quick meal option anytime you need it.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the quesadilla wedges in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until crispy and warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that perfect crispiness!

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, you can use any cooked, shredded chicken or even grilled chicken breasts. Just be sure it is tender and well-seasoned for the best results.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are ideal choices for their excellent melting qualities and complementary flavors to BBQ sauce.

Is cilantro necessary in this recipe?

Not at all! Cilantro adds a fresh, herbal note, but if it’s not your thing, feel free to leave it out or substitute with fresh parsley.

Can I make these quesadillas vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for seasoned beans or grilled vegetables. Just use your favorite BBQ sauce to keep that smoky, tangy flavor.

How do I prevent the quesadilla from getting soggy?

Cooking on medium-low heat and using cooking spray helps crisp up the tortilla slowly, preventing sogginess. Also, make sure not to overload the filling to keep the tortillas crisp outside and melty inside.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about the combination of smoky BBQ chicken and melty cheese wrapped in a crispy tortilla. Trust me, once you try this BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Recipe, it will quickly become a favorite for easy lunches, snacks, or dinners. It’s so approachable and delicious — perfect for sharing with friends and family. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!

BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Recipe

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Author: Jessica
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Lunch
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is a flavorful and easy-to-make lunch option that combines tender rotisserie chicken with tangy barbecue sauce, fresh red onion, cilantro, and melted cheese all wrapped in a crispy flour tortilla. Prepared on the stovetop, it’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for a casual meal.

Ingredients

Filling

2 cups Rotisserie chicken, shredded (any cooked chicken works)
1 cup BBQ sauce
1/2 cup Red onion, diced
1/2 cup Cilantro, diced

Assembly

4 Flour tortillas
2 cups Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Cooking spray, as needed

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Instructions

Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, diced red onion, and diced cilantro. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is fully coated with the sauce and evenly distributed with the onions and cilantro.
Heat the skillet: Place a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat and lightly coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Assemble and cook the quesadilla: Place one flour tortilla on the heated skillet. Spoon a portion of the chicken mixture evenly over half of the tortilla, then sprinkle about 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top. Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling.
Cook until cheese melts and tortilla crisps: Allow the quesadilla to cook for several minutes until the cheese begins to melt and the bottom of the tortilla turns golden and crispy. Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook the other side until equally crispy.
Repeat for remaining quesadillas: Spray the skillet again as needed and repeat the assembly and cooking process for the remaining tortillas and filling.
Serve: Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and use a pizza slicer to cut each into triangles. Serve warm, optionally with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

You can substitute the rotisserie chicken with any other shredded meat such as pulled pork or beef, or use beans as a vegetarian alternative.
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, feel free to omit it or replace it with fresh parsley or green onions.
For added flavor, consider brushing the tortillas lightly with butter before cooking to enhance crispness.
Serve with ranch dressing, sour cream, or salsa for added dipping options.