If you’re looking for a weeknight cheat code, BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight is about to be your new obsession! This flavor-packed fusion combines smoky barbecue chicken, gooey cheese, and vibrant toppings all folded into crispy, golden tortillas. It delivers the satisfaction of a hearty meal with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, making it a go-to for both busy weeknights and relaxed family gatherings. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for discovering BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight!
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight truly special is how each ingredient punches above its weight, building irresistible layers of taste and texture. Every element is straightforward, easy to find, and crucial for that melty, tangy, sweet-savory perfection — so don’t skimp on the details!
- Cooked shredded chicken: Tender, juicy chicken is the hearty protein foundation of your quesadillas; use rotisserie chicken to save even more time!
- Barbecue sauce: The signature smoky sweetness—pick your favorite barbecue sauce to control the flavor profile and the kick.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Melty magic! Cheese binds everything together and adds craveable richness; opt for pre-shredded or grate your own for extra meltiness.
- Thinly sliced red onion: Adds a pop of color and slight crunch, perfectly balancing the richness of the chicken and cheese.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro brings vibrant color and a punch of herbaceous flavor.
- Large flour tortillas: Soft, sturdy tortillas hold all the goodness in—choose burrito-size for full-sized quesadilla wedges.
- Butter or oil for cooking: Ensures your quesadillas get golden, crispy, and deliciously buttery on the outside.
- Sour cream and salsa for serving (optional): Cool, creamy, tangy toppings take your BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight over the top!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight
Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken Mixture
Start by combining your cooked, shredded chicken with that irresistibly smoky-sweet barbecue sauce in a medium bowl. Make sure every piece of chicken gets thoroughly coated so each bite bursts with bold barbecue flavor. This simple prep step is the backbone of your BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight!
Step 2: Layer the Quesadillas
Grab two large flour tortillas and lay them flat. Sprinkle half of your cheese evenly over each tortilla — this base layer of gooey cheese not only amps up the flavor but helps everything stick together. Next, evenly distribute your BBQ chicken mixture over the cheese, then scatter red onion slices and a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Top it all with the rest of your cheese for that dreamy, melty glue.
Step 3: Assemble and Seal
Place the remaining tortillas on top of each loaded tortilla to form two complete quesadillas. Gently press down to seal the edges — no need to be perfect, but a confident press makes flipping much easier and results in gorgeous, crispy quesadilla edges.
Step 4: Toast to Golden Perfection
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your butter or oil—this step is non-negotiable for that restaurant-worthy crunch. Carefully transfer one quesadilla to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want a golden, crisp exterior and an interior where the cheese is happily bubbling away. Repeat with the second quesadilla if needed.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once cooked, let your quesadillas rest for a minute (you don’t want a cheese lava explosion!). Then slice them into wedges—either four or six, depending on your appetite—and serve them warm. For even more deliciousness, offer sour cream and salsa on the side; they’re the perfect cool contrast to the smoky heat of your BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro immediately brightens up your platter, while a handful of thinly sliced green onions adds both color and a delicate oniony zing. For a bolder look, scatter a few pickled jalapeño slices or a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce right before serving your BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight. These finishing touches make a world of difference!
Side Dishes
While the quesadilla is satisfying on its own, pairing it with simple sides truly rounds out the experience. Consider serving with a fresh corn salad, crisp coleslaw, or a classic guacamole and tortilla chips. Even a bowl of smoky black beans or a mixed greens salad transforms BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight into a full-fledged feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn up the fun by cutting your quesadillas into bite-sized wedges and threading them onto skewers for a playful party platter! For a family-style meal, stack the triangles high on a platter, then scatter with your favorite toppings—think diced avocado, dollops of sour cream, and zigzags of hot sauce. However you plate it, BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight is a guaranteed showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight, simply allow the slices to cool completely before storing. Wrap them in foil or place in an airtight container, then keep in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes tomorrow’s lunch a breeze!
Freezing
To freeze, let the cooked quesadilla wedges cool, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a zip-top freezer bag. This way, the slices don’t stick together, and you can thaw just what you need. Frozen BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight can be stored for up to two months.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat quesadilla slices in a hot skillet or toaster oven for a few minutes per side, straight from the fridge or after thawing. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make them a bit soft. However you reheat, your BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight will taste just as melty and delicious as day one!
FAQs
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe, keeping prep ultra-quick while ensuring your quesadillas are juicy and flavorful. Just shred, toss with barbecue sauce, and you’re ready to go.
What can I substitute for cilantro if I’m not a fan?
If cilantro isn’t your thing, try thinly sliced green onions or a scattering of chopped flat-leaf parsley for that hit of color and freshness without the signature cilantro taste.
Which barbecue sauce works best for this dish?
The best part is, it’s completely up to your taste buds! Sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy—any bottled or homemade barbecue sauce you love will shine in BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight. Try experimenting to find your family’s favorite.
Can I add extra ingredients to customize the filling?
Definitely! Crispy bacon, sautéed bell peppers, black beans, or swapping in mozzarella or pepper jack cheese are all fun ways to jazz up your BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight without much extra effort.
How do I keep the quesadillas from getting soggy when making ahead?
Let the quesadillas cool before wrapping and storing, which helps prevent trapped steam and keeps the tortillas from going limp. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to restore that craveable crunch!
Final Thoughts
I can’t say enough about the simple joy of sinking your teeth into a slice of BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight. It’s fast, comforting, customizable, and completely crowd-pleasing—truly a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Give it a whirl this week and discover just how deliciously easy dinnertime can be!
Print
BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delightful twist on traditional quesadillas with these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas. Packed with shredded chicken coated in barbecue sauce, gooey melted cheese, and flavorful toppings, these quesadillas are a perfect quick and easy meal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil for cooking
- sour cream and salsa for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare BBQ Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until evenly coated.
- Assemble Quesadillas: Lay out two tortillas and sprinkle half the cheese over each. Divide the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the cheese, then top with red onion slices and chopped cilantro. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the chicken, then place the other tortillas on top to form quesadillas.
- Cook Quesadillas: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add butter or oil. Cook each quesadilla for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted. Remove from the skillet, let cool slightly, then slice into wedges.
- Serve: Serve warm with sour cream or salsa if desired.
Notes
- You can add cooked bacon or swap in mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist.
- Great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 quesadilla
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg