BBQ Chicken Quesadillas – The Perfect Easy Dinner Idea Recipe
Introduction
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a delicious and easy dinner option that combines tender shredded chicken with tangy barbecue sauce and melted cheddar cheese. Ready in just minutes, they make a perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce until the chicken is well coated.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Step 3: Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. Spread 1/2 cup of the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese, then top with another 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
- Step 4: Cover with a second tortilla and cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom tortilla is golden and the cheese begins to melt.
- Step 5: Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the other side is golden and the cheese is fully melted.
- Step 6: Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Step 7: Slice each quesadilla into wedges, garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the chicken mixture before assembling.
- Swap cheddar cheese for a blend of Monterey Jack and mozzarella for a milder, creamier texture.
- If you like a little heat, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce inside the quesadilla.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free alternative, but be careful when flipping as they can be more fragile.
Storage
Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat to crisp the tortillas again, or microwave briefly until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred it before mixing with the barbecue sauce.
Can I prepare these quesadillas ahead of time?
You can assemble the quesadillas in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. Cook them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
PrintBBQ Chicken Quesadillas – The Perfect Easy Dinner Idea Recipe
These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are an easy and delicious dinner option perfect for busy weeknights. Made with tender shredded chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted cheddar cheese, they come together quickly on the stovetop for a crispy, cheesy, flavorful meal everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 quesadillas (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Quesadillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to coat the pan.
- Assemble the quesadilla: Place one flour tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tortilla. Spread 1/2 cup of the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese, then top with another 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add the top tortilla: Cover the filling with a second tortilla to form the quesadilla.
- Cook the first side: Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt.
- Flip and cook the other side: Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted.
- Repeat: Remove the cooked quesadilla from the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and chicken mixture, adding the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil if needed.
- Serve: Slice each quesadilla into wedges, garnish with chopped green onions if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute flour tortillas with whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas for dietary preferences.
- Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Adjust barbecue sauce amount depending on your preference for tanginess or sweetness.
- For extra flavor, add sliced jalapeños or diced bell peppers to the chicken mixture.
- Make sure to cook on medium heat to prevent burning and ensure cheese melts properly.
Keywords: BBQ chicken quesadillas, easy dinner, shredded chicken recipe, cheesy quesadilla, weeknight meal
