BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are the perfect combination of smoky, savory, and cheesy flavors wrapped in a crispy tortilla. This twist on the traditional quesadilla is ideal for quick weeknight meals, offering a delicious and satisfying dinner that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a simple lunch, an easy dinner, or a dish that can please the whole family, these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a must-try.
Reasons to try it
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas offer a unique blend of tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, creamy cheese, and the freshness of cilantro, all encased in a crispy whole wheat tortilla. It’s the perfect mix of comfort and convenience!
- Quick & Easy: This dish is ready in about 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Kid-friendly: The sweet and smoky BBQ sauce makes it a hit with kids.
- Healthy Twist: By using high-fiber whole wheat tortillas and lean chicken breast, these quesadillas are a lighter version of a classic comfort food.
“This BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is a family favorite! Easy to make, full of flavor, and a perfect lunch or dinner option!” — Happy Home Cook
Step-by-step overview
- Cook the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sear it in a skillet until cooked through, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Tortilla: Coat the tortilla with BBQ sauce and fill it with chicken, cheese, red onion, and cilantro. Fold it over and cook until crispy.
- Serve: Slice the quesadilla into wedges and serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
What you’ll need
- For the Chicken:
- 3 oz raw boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 tbsp BBQ sauce (low-calorie version)
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Quesadilla:
- 1 large high-fiber flour tortilla (such as Ole Xtreme)
- 1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican-blend cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped red onion
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- For Cooking:
- Nonstick spray or a small amount of cooking oil
Step-by-step instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 4 minutes per side until fully cooked, then chop into small pieces.
- Assemble the Quesadilla: Lay the tortilla flat, spread BBQ sauce on one half, then layer the cooked chicken, cheese, red onion, and cilantro. Fold the tortilla in half.
- Cook the Quesadilla: Lightly spray the skillet with nonstick spray and heat over medium-high. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Slice the quesadilla into wedges and serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Best ways to enjoy it
- Serve as a snack or appetizer with a side of salsa or guacamole.
- Pair it with a salad such as a fresh green salad or a crunchy coleslaw for a balanced meal.
- Add a side of rice or beans to make it a more filling dinner.
Storage and reheating tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the quesadilla crispy, or in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Helpful cooking tips
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
- Experiment with cheeses like pepper jack for an extra kick, or add some shredded mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- Add avocado for a creamy addition that balances the flavors.
Creative twists
- Spicy version: Add jalapeños or use spicy BBQ sauce to give the quesadilla an extra kick.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with roasted veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
- Different meats: Try swapping the chicken for turkey or even pulled pork for a fun variation.
Common questions
- Can I make this gluten-free?
- Yes! Use gluten-free tortillas, such as Siete GF tortillas.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Absolutely! Pepper jack or cheddar cheese would work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Can I make this ahead of time?
- While it’s best fresh, you can prep the chicken and filling in advance and assemble the quesadilla when ready to cook.
This BBQ Chicken Quesadilla recipe is a quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, melty cheese, and a crispy tortilla, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
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BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Low-Calorie
Description
BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are the perfect combination of smoky, savory, and cheesy flavors wrapped in a crispy tortilla. This dish is quick, easy, and kid-friendly, making it an ideal choice for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 3 oz raw boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 tbsp BBQ sauce (low-calorie version)
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large high-fiber flour tortilla
- 1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican-blend cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped red onion
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- Nonstick spray or a small amount of cooking oil
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 4 minutes per side until fully cooked, then chop into small pieces.
- Lay the tortilla flat, spread BBQ sauce on one half, then layer the cooked chicken, cheese, red onion, and cilantro. Fold the tortilla in half.
- Lightly spray the skillet with nonstick spray and heat over medium-high. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Slice the quesadilla into wedges and serve with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet to keep the quesadilla crispy, or in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican