Looking to spice up your meal plans? Try my BBQ Chicken Quesadillas! This quick and tasty recipe combines tender chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, and gooey cheese all wrapped in crispy tortillas. You’ll impress your friends and family while enjoying every bite. Let’s dive into this simple recipe filled with tips, tricks, and fun variations that will make dinner a hit! Ready to get started?
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of BBQ sauce, cheddar, and mozzarella creates a deliciously rich and savory taste.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love quesadillas, and this version adds a fun twist with BBQ chicken that they’ll enjoy.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 whole wheat or flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving (optional)
Ingredient Tips
Use a BBQ sauce that you enjoy. It adds a lot of flavor. Choose a sauce with balanced sweetness and spice. Some brands are sweeter, while others are tangy or smoky. Try a few to find your favorite. Look for natural ingredients in sauces for better taste.
Suggested Substitutions
If you want, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. You can also swap out the cheeses. Pepper Jack cheese adds a spicy kick. For a lighter option, use corn tortillas. If you like veggies, add spinach or mushrooms. These changes can make your quesadillas unique!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Start by mixing the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce in a bowl. Make sure all the chicken gets coated with the sauce.
2. Slice the red onion and bell peppers thin. This will help them cook fast.
Cooking Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up.
2. Add the sliced onions and peppers to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften.
3. Take a tortilla and spread the BBQ chicken mix on half of it.
4. Sprinkle a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken.
5. Fold the tortilla to make a half-moon shape. Place it in the skillet.
6. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and melted cheese.
7. Repeat this with the rest of the tortillas.
8. Slice the quesadillas into wedges and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
9. Serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt if you like.
Tips for Cooking Success
- Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the tortillas.
- Use a spatula to press down on the quesadilla for even cooking.
- Let the quesadillas rest for a minute before slicing. This helps keep the cheese inside.
- Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor!
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve Perfectly Crispy Quesadillas
To get crispy quesadillas, use medium heat. Too high heat burns them. Use enough oil in the pan to coat it well. This keeps the tortillas from sticking. Flip them carefully to avoid spilling the filling. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes. Wait until they turn golden brown for the best crunch.
Best Cheese Combinations
For this recipe, I love using cheddar and mozzarella. They melt well and add great flavor. You can also try pepper jack for a little heat. If you want more depth, add some gouda. Mixing cheeses gives you a nice blend of taste and texture.
Seasoning Suggestions
Season your filling to boost flavor. I suggest adding garlic powder and onion powder. A touch of cumin adds warmth. If you like a kick, try some chili powder. Fresh cilantro is great too; add it right before serving. This makes your quesadillas pop with flavor!
Pro Tips
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand, saving time and reducing waste.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses! Pepper jack or gouda can add an extra kick or unique flavor to your quesadillas.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill your quesadillas, as this can make them difficult to flip and lead to spills. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1/2 cup of filling per quesadilla.
- Keep It Warm: If you’re making multiple quesadillas, keep the cooked ones warm in a low oven (around 200°F) while you finish the rest to ensure they stay nice and melty.
Variations
Spicy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
To add heat, mix in chopped jalapeños with your BBQ chicken. You can also use spicy BBQ sauce. This gives a nice kick. Just be careful; you want to balance the flavors. A little heat goes a long way.
Vegetarian BBQ Quesadillas
You can make a great vegetarian version too. Swap the chicken for grilled veggies. Use a mix of zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Add BBQ sauce for flavor. Cheese options like cheddar or mozzarella work well here, too. This dish stays tasty and filling without meat.
BBQ Chicken Quesadilla with Additional Ingredients
Want to add more? Try black beans or corn. They add texture and flavor. Spread a layer of black beans before the chicken. Corn adds a sweet crunch. This will make your quesadilla more hearty and fun. Experiment with your favorite ingredients for a unique twist!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Quesadillas
To store leftover quesadillas, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can also wrap them in foil or plastic wrap. This keeps them fresh for later. Store them in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, you can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, heat it over medium. Add the quesadilla and cook for a few minutes on each side. This makes it crispy again. If using a microwave, heat for about 30 seconds. Make sure it’s warm throughout.
Freezing Tips
You can freeze quesadillas for a quick meal later. Wrap each one in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat one, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What’s the best way to shred chicken?
The best way to shred chicken is to use two forks. Hold one fork in each hand. Grab a piece of chicken with one fork and pull apart with the other. This method works well for warm or cold chicken. If you have a stand mixer, you can use it too. Place the chicken in the bowl and use the paddle attachment on low speed. It shreds in seconds, making it super easy.
Can I use store-bought BBQ chicken?
Yes, you can use store-bought BBQ chicken. This saves time and adds great flavor. Just pull apart the chicken and mix it with some extra BBQ sauce. This will help keep it juicy. It’s a quick option for busy days or when you want a fast meal.
How many cheese types can I use in my quesadillas?
You can use many cheese types in your quesadillas. Cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices. You can also try pepper jack for some heat. Other good options are gouda, Monterey jack, or even a mix of your favorites. The more cheese, the creamier the quesadillas will be!
Can I make BBQ chicken quesadillas ahead of time?
Yes, you can make BBQ chicken quesadillas ahead of time. Prepare the filling and store it in the fridge. You can also assemble the quesadillas and keep them in the fridge, covered. When ready to eat, just cook them in a skillet. They heat up nicely, and you’ll enjoy the same great taste.
In this post, we covered the key ingredients for BBQ chicken quesadillas, tips for choosing the best sauce, and how to make them extra tasty. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and tricks for perfect results. We also discussed fun variations and important storage tips.
Cooking BBQ chicken quesadillas is easy and fun. You can impress friends and family with your delicious creations. Enjoy experimenting with flavors, and make these quesadillas your ow
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 whole wheat or flour tortillas
- 0.5 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 0.5 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1 serving sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce, mixing well until the chicken is fully coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, sauté the red onion and bell peppers for about 3-4 minutes until they soften.
- Take a tortilla and spread a generous layer of the BBQ chicken mixture on half of the tortilla.
- Sprinkle a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the chicken, then fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.
- In the same skillet, place the folded quesadilla and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the cheese has melted. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Once done, slice the quesadillas into wedges and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side for dipping.
