Description
These crispy BBQ chicken quesadillas combine smoky BBQ chicken with melty cheese wrapped in a golden, crispy tortilla for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s recommended)
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch size)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack mix)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, for frying
- Optional toppings: sour cream, fresh cilantro, avocado slices or guacamole, fresh lime wedges
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, diced red onion, chopped jalapeño (if using), smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until chicken is well-coated. Set aside.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Let it melt and coat the bottom evenly.
- Lay one tortilla flat on a plate. Sprinkle about ⅓ cup of shredded cheese evenly over half the tortilla.
- Add ½ cup of the BBQ chicken filling over the cheese, then sprinkle another ⅓ cup of cheese on top.
- Fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.
- Carefully transfer the folded quesadilla to the hot skillet. Press gently with a spatula to flatten slightly.
- Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side until golden-brown and crispy.
- Flip carefully and add the remaining tablespoon of butter around the edge of the quesadilla.
- Cook the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes until crispy and cheese is melted.
- Remove the cooked quesadilla and keep warm. Repeat assembly and cooking for remaining tortillas and filling.
- Let quesadillas rest for a minute or two, then slice into wedges.
- Serve with optional toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, or avocado.
Notes
Use medium heat to avoid burning and ensure cheese melts properly. Press quesadilla gently with spatula for even crust. Drain excess liquid from BBQ chicken filling to prevent sogginess. For gluten-free, use corn or gluten-free tortillas. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese and olive oil instead of butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About half a quesadi
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 27
Keywords: BBQ chicken quesadillas, crispy quesadillas, melty cheese, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, comfort food