© Original Recipe By The Sizzle Spot ©
🍗🔥 Quick and Easy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla for Weeknight Dinners
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a flavorful, cheesy, and satisfying meal that comes together in minutes, a BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is your perfect solution. This grilled chicken wrap combines smoky barbecued chicken with melted cheese, wrapped in a crispy tortilla. It’s an irresistible dish, ideal for busy weeknights when time is limited but taste buds are eager for something hearty and delicious.
Using tender leftover grilled chicken, savory BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese, this cheesy chicken quesadilla packs bold flavors with minimal effort. Let’s explore how to create this delightful dish that will quickly become a household favorite.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 15-20 minutes — perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
- One-pan simplicity — only requires a skillet or grill pan.
- Customizable — add your favorite toppings or fillings.
- Versatile — great using leftover BBQ chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken.
- Deliciously cheesy and crispy — a perfect balance of smoky, cheesy, and crunchy textures.
3. Ingredient Notes
High-quality ingredients make all the difference. Opt for Breville Nespresso Vertuo for a warm beverage while cooking or enjoy a crisp drink after finishing your meal. Use fresh, aromatic tortillas—try whole wheat or flour based on your preference. For the cheese, a melty, Q-style or cheddar cheese enhances the gooey texture.
The star is the BBQ sauce—choose a flavorful, smoky variety that complements the chicken. If you prefer a tangier taste, add a splash of vinegar or hot sauce. For an extra burst of flavor, include chopped cilantro, chopped green onions, or sliced jalapeños.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
Preparing this grilled chicken quesadilla is effortless with the right tools. A Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer ensures perfectly grilled chicken with striking grill marks and smoky flavor. For efficient prep, the Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master helps chop toppings quickly. Lastly, a good non-stick skillet like the T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set guarantees even heat and easy cleanup.
5. How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadilla
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
If you’re starting from scratch, grill your chicken using the Indoor Grill & Air Fryer until cooked through and slightly charred for those authentic grill marks. Let it rest, then shred it into bite-sized pieces. If using cooked leftover chicken, shredded store-bought rotisserie chicken works just as well.
Step 2: Assemble the Quesadilla
Spread a generous layer of BBQ sauce over one tortilla. Top with shredded chicken, then sprinkle liberally with cheese. Add optional toppings like chopped green onions or cilantro for freshness. Cover with another tortilla, pressing gently to seal.
Step 3: Cook the Quesadilla
Heat your skillet over medium heat. Using the non-stick pan, place your assembled quesadilla. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted inside. It should smell fragrant, with bubbling cheese and sizzling tortillas.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Use a compact 6-in-1 digital air fryer to reheat leftovers for extra crispiness without drying out the chicken.
- Don’t overload the quesadilla—less is more for even, crispy results.
- If the tortilla browns too quickly, reduce heat to avoid burning while the cheese melts thoroughly.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for extra flavor.
7. Variations & Substitutions
Vary the protein with cooked shrimp or turkey for different flavors. For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with grilled vegetables and add more cheese or beans. Low-fat or reduced-fat cheeses work if you’re mindful of calories, and whole wheat tortillas add a nutritious twist.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or skillet until crispy and cheese is melted again. For quick reheating, slice the quesadilla and reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer, which will revive its crispy exterior.
9. FAQ
Can I make this quesadilla ahead of time?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can assemble the quesadilla ahead of time, wrap it, and refrigerate. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for optimal crispness.
What’s the best cheese for a cheesy chicken quesadilla?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella melt beautifully and produce gooey, cheesy goodness. Use a blend for a richer taste.
How do I keep the quesadilla from falling apart while cooking?
Make sure to press down gently and cook on medium heat to allow the cheese to act as a glue. Also, avoid overstuffing with fillings.
10. Conclusion
This Quick and Easy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is a flavorful weeknight winner — bursting with smoky, cheesy goodness and crispy edges. It’s simple to make, customizable, and perfect for satisfying hungry appetites in minutes. Enjoy this cheesy chicken quesadilla as a quick lunch or dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort!
Print
Quick and Easy BBQ Chicken Quesadilla for Weeknight Dinners
A savory BBQ chicken quesadilla combines tender chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, melted cheese, and fresh herbs in a crispy tortilla shell, perfect for a quick dinner or lunch.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced Jalapenos
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
- Mix shredded chicken with barbecue sauce in a bowl.
- Spread chicken mixture evenly over one tortilla.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese, sliced jalapenos, then top with the second tortilla.
- Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cheese melts.
- Slice into wedges, garnish with cilantro, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked chicken for quick prep.
- Adjust spice level with more or less jalapenos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 380 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg