Short description

These crispy golden quesadillas are packed with smoky BBQ chicken, gooey melted cheese, and sweet caramelized onions—quick to assemble and perfect for lunch, dinner, or game-day snacking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor-packed: Smoky BBQ chicken combined with caramelized onions and a blend of cheddar and mozzarella delivers big, satisfying taste.
Fast and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients.
Versatile: Great on its own or served with dips like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for added flair.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
½ cup BBQ sauce
½ cup thinly sliced red onion
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup corn kernels (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil
4 large flour tortillas
Salt and pepper, to taste

directions

Mix the chicken: In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until fully coated.
Cook onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté red onion (and corn, if using) for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
Assemble quesadillas: Lay a tortilla flat and on one half sprinkle equal parts cheddar and mozzarella. Add a layer of BBQ chicken and caramelized onions; season lightly with salt and pepper. Fold the tortilla over the filling.
Cook until crispy: Wipe the skillet clean and lightly oil it. Place the folded tortilla and cook over medium heat for 2–3 minutes on each side, until golden and cheese is melted.
Repeat: Repeat the process with remaining tortillas and filling.
Serve: Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve warm with optional sides like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

Servings and timing

Yields: 4 quesadillas (makes 8 wedges) — serves 2–4 depending on appetite
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~8–10 minutes
Total time: ~18–20 minutes

Variations

Spicy kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
Veggie-packed: Include bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach during the onion sauté.
Cheese swap: Try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or gouda for different flavor profiles.
Greens option: Finish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions before serving.

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover quesadilla wedges in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Warm in a toaster oven or skillet at 350 °F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispness and melt the cheese. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Freezing: Cool completely, then stack with parchment between layers and wrap tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a 375 °F oven for 10–12 minutes until heated through and crisp.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes—shredded rotisserie chicken works great for convenience and added flavor.

Can I make quesadillas ahead of time?

You can assemble them up to 24 hours ahead; refrigerate on a baking sheet covered in plastic wrap. Cook when ready to serve.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, corn tortillas can be used, though they are smaller. Adjust filling amounts or overlap two per quesadilla.

How do I prevent tortillas from tearing?

Warm them briefly in a dry skillet or microwave for 10–15 seconds to make them more pliable.

Can I bake quesadillas instead of pan‑frying?

Yes. Bake on a preheated sheet at 400 °F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and cheese is melted.

What dips go well with these?

Classic choices include sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or a drizzle of cilantro‑lime crema.

Is this kid-friendly?

Absolutely. Mild BBQ sauce and no spicy peppers make it appealing to most kids; serve with ketchup or ranch for dipping if preferred.

Can I make a vegetarian version?

Yes — skip chicken and load up on sautéed veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and black beans.

Can I add extra protein?

Certainly. Sliced grilled steak, pulled pork, or crispy bacon are all tasty additions.

How crisp should tacos be?

They should be golden brown and crisp on the outside, with cheese fully melted inside. If they’re browning too fast, lower the heat slightly.

Conclusion

Crispy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying twist on a classic favorite—ideal for lunches, dinners, game days, or casual gatherings. With flexible ingredients and easy prep, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy fun!