There’s something magical about BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas that makes your taste buds do the cha-cha. Picture this: crispy tortillas embracing tender, smoky chicken, gooey cheese melting into a glorious blend, and a hint of tangy barbecue sauce wafting through the air like an aromatic hug. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re sitting around a campfire, sharing stories with friends under a starlit sky.
Now imagine biting into one of these savory wonders, the crunch giving way to layers of flavor that dance on your palate. Whether it’s game night, a cozy family dinner, or just a Tuesday that needs some jazzing up, BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas are here to save the day. Trust me; you’ll want this recipe in your back pocket for all occasions. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dinner ideas recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas are quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor is a delicious mix of smoky and cheesy goodness that everyone will love
- They look amazing on any plate and are sure to impress guests at any gathering
- Plus, they can be easily customized for picky eaters or special dietary needs
When I first made BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas for my family, their reactions were priceless—everyone was practically fighting over the last piece!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work perfectly; adjust based on your guest list or appetite. For more inspiration, check out this perfect for lunch recipe.
- Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand for an instant flavor boost; homemade works wonders too if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: I recommend sharp cheddar for its rich flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Tortillas: Flour tortillas hold everything together nicely; make sure they’re fresh for optimal taste.
- Green Onions: Slice these thinly for a fresh kick; they add color and brightness to each bite.
- Paprika: A sprinkle enhances the smoky flavor profile; I prefer using smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Cooking Oil: Use olive oil or another frying oil to help crisp up those quesadillas to golden perfection.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Cook the Chicken: Start by heating a pan over medium heat with a splash of oil. Add the chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Add Flavor: Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks in the same pan. Mix in barbecue sauce until every piece is coated in its smoky goodness.
Prepare Your Tortillas: Grab your tortillas and lay them flat on a clean surface. Divide the shredded chicken mixture evenly among half of them.
Add Cheese and Green Onions: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the chicken mixture and scatter chopped green onions on top for an added crunch.
Cook the Quesadillas: Fold each tortilla over to create a half-moon shape. In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle with a bit more oil and cook each quesadilla until golden brown and crispy on both sides—about 3-4 minutes per side.
Slice and Serve!: Remove from heat and let cool slightly before slicing into wedges. Serve hot with additional barbecue sauce for dipping—a delicious reward awaits!
These BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas will surely have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds). Now go forth, gather your ingredients, and enjoy this delightful dish!
You Must Know
- BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas are not only delicious but incredibly versatile
- Using leftover chicken makes this dish quick and easy to prepare
- The gooey cheese combined with smoky BBQ sauce creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the chicken thoroughly, then mix it with BBQ sauce before assembling your quesadillas. Heat them in a skillet until golden brown and crispy for the best texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment! Swap out chicken for beef or add veggies like bell peppers or onions to enhance flavor and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and crispy again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality cheese for melting; it enhances the taste significantly
- Don’t overstuff your quesadillas; otherwise, they might burst while cooking
- Let them rest briefly after cooking to meld flavors and make slicing easier
Cooking these BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas reminds me of lazy Sunday afternoons, where friends gather, laughter fills the air, and food is simply an excuse to share good times.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! It saves time while still delivering amazing flavor in your quesadillas.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar or Monterey Jack are great choices due to their melting ability.
How do I prevent soggy quesadillas?
Avoid using too much BBQ sauce; balance is key for crispy results.
BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (4 quesadillas) 1x
Description
BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining smoky, tender chicken with gooey cheese and a tangy barbecue sauce, all wrapped in crispy tortillas. Perfect for game nights, family dinners, or a casual Tuesday, these quesadillas are quick to prepare and easily customizable for any taste. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- ¼ cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat a pan over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Shred cooked chicken using two forks in the same pan and mix in barbecue sauce until evenly coated.
- Place tortillas on a clean surface and divide the shredded chicken mixture evenly among half of them.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese generously over the chicken mixture and top with sliced green onions.
- Fold each tortilla into a half-moon shape. In a skillet, drizzle remaining olive oil and cook each quesadilla over medium heat until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove from heat, let cool briefly, slice into wedges, and serve hot with extra barbecue sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg