Name: BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded chicken; 1½ cups BBQ sauce; 6 tortillas (8-inch); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas combine tender shredded chicken coated in tangy barbecue sauce with melty cheese, all tucked inside a crispy tortilla. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
Uses simple ingredients you likely already have
Perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken
Customizable with your favorite BBQ sauce and cheese
Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults
Great for lunch, dinner, or even cut into smaller pieces as an appetizer
Crispy exterior with a gooey, flavorful filling

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Shredded chicken provides the protein foundation for these quesadillas. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs. Leftover chicken works perfectly here, making this recipe a great option for meal planning.
BBQ sauce adds tangy, sweet, and smoky flavors that transform ordinary chicken into something special. Choose your favorite style—sweet, spicy —each will create a different flavor profile. The sauce also helps bind the filling together.
Tortillas serve as the vessel for all the delicious fillings. While the recipe calls for 8-inch flour tortillas, you can use whole wheat for extra fiber or corn tortillas for a more authentic Mexican approach (though corn tortillas may be less pliable).
Shredded cheddar cheese creates that irresistible melty goodness that holds everything together. Sharp cheddar works particularly well with BBQ flavors, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for heat, or a Mexican cheese blend.

Directions

In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until well coated.
Heat one side of a tortilla in a clean skillet over low-medium heat.
Sprinkle cheese on half of the tortilla, add BBQ chicken mixture on top, then sprinkle more cheese over the chicken.
Fold tortilla in half, flip it over, and warm the other side until brown spots form and cheese is melted.
Repeat with remaining tortillas. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 6 quesadillas, with each serving being one quesadilla. It takes just 5 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, for a total time of 30 minutes. Each quesadilla contains approximately 420 calories, making it a satisfying main dish when paired with a side salad or vegetables.

Variations

Spicy BBQ Quesadillas: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for heat lovers.
Veggie-Loaded: Include sautéed bell peppers, onions, and corn to add texture and nutrition.
Hawaiian Style: Add small pineapple chunks and swap the cheddar for mozzarella cheese.
Southwest Style: Add black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the filling.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store assembled but uncooked quesadillas by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap for up to 24 hours. For cooked quesadillas, cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze assembled but uncooked quesadillas by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Cooked quesadillas can be frozen the same way but may lose some of their crispiness when reheated.
Reheating: For best results, reheat refrigerated quesadillas in a dry skillet over medium heat until crisp and heated through (about 2-3 minutes per side). Frozen quesadillas can be reheated directly from frozen in a skillet (lower heat and allow more time) or in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it makes the tortillas soggy.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe. It’s already cooked and seasoned, which adds extra flavor. Simply remove the skin, pull the meat from the bones, and shred it with two forks before mixing with BBQ sauce.

What’s the best type of BBQ sauce to use?

The best BBQ sauce is the one you enjoy most! Sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy—all work well. If you’re not sure, a classic original BBQ sauce provides balanced flavor that most people enjoy. Regional styles like Kansas City (sweet and thick) or Carolina (vinegar-based) each create different but delicious results.

How do I prevent my quesadillas from getting soggy?

To prevent soggy quesadillas, don’t overload them with sauce. Make sure your chicken is well-drained if it’s freshly cooked, and if your BBQ sauce is particularly thin, you might use slightly less. Additionally, cook the quesadillas over medium heat rather than high to allow even cooking without burning.

Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the quesadillas completely and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just separate them with parchment paper if stacking.

What can I serve with BBQ chicken quesadillas?

These quesadillas pair wonderfully with a variety of sides: coleslaw, Mexican rice, black bean salad, corn on the cob, avocado slices, or a simple green salad. For dipping, consider offering sour cream, extra BBQ sauce, guacamole, or pico de gallo.

Can I make these in the oven instead of a skillet?

Yes, you can bake these quesadillas in a 375°F oven. Assemble them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush the outsides lightly with oil, and bake for about 8-10 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.

Is there a way to make these quesadillas healthier?

For a healthier version, use whole wheat tortillas, reduce the cheese by 25%, choose a lower-sugar BBQ sauce, and add vegetables like sautéed peppers, onions, or spinach to the filling. You could also use grilled chicken breast instead of thigh meat for less fat.

My tortillas keep breaking when I fold them. What am I doing wrong?

Cold tortillas tend to crack when folded. Warm your tortillas slightly before assembling the quesadillas—either in the microwave for 10-15 seconds between damp paper towels, or briefly heat them in your skillet before adding fillings.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar provides a classic flavor that pairs well with BBQ, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, Colby, Gouda, or even a Mexican blend. For a more gourmet version, try smoked Gouda or fontina.

How do I know when my quesadilla is done cooking?

A perfectly cooked quesadilla has a golden-brown exterior with visible grill marks or brown spots, and the cheese is completely melted inside. When you press lightly on the top, it should feel firm but slightly yielding due to the melted cheese. This typically takes 2-3 minutes per side on medium heat.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas represent the perfect intersection of convenience and flavor. With just four ingredients and simple preparation, they deliver a satisfying meal that’s endlessly adaptable to your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer when cut into smaller pieces, or a way to transform leftover chicken into something exciting, this recipe has you covered. The combination of tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese wrapped in a crispy tortilla creates a handheld meal that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.