Name: BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 1/3 cup BBQ sauce; 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; 4 large flour tortillas (around 10 inches); 2 tablespoons butter; Kosher salt, to taste

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Introduction

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Packed with tender chicken, smoky bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, these quesadillas make for a quick and satisfying meal anytime.

A close-up view of a woman's hand lifting a golden-brown quesadilla triangle filled with melted yellow cheddar cheese, red onions, and bits of green herbs. The quesadilla is being dipped into a small white bowl of creamy white sour cream garnished with small green herb pieces. Around the bowl, there are several more quesadilla pieces stacked on a wooden board lined with white parchment, scattered with fresh green cilantro leaves, thin slices of purple onion, and shredded yellow cheese. The background has a soft focus and a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 large flour tortillas (around 10 inches)
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

1/3 cup BBQ sauce
6 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled)

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
2 tablespoons butter
Kosher salt (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce, stirring well to coat all the chicken evenly.
Step 2: Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add ½ tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt evenly over the skillet surface. Place one tortilla in the skillet; the salt will add a nice flavor to the outside.
Step 3: Spread the BBQ chicken over half of the tortilla. Add crumbled bacon, ½ cup of shredded cheddar, some thinly sliced red onion, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top.

Step 4: Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling and cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Flip carefully and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is melted.
Step 5: Remove the cooked quesadilla from the skillet and keep warm on a baking sheet in a low oven. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and fillings.
Step 6: Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve with extra BBQ sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Use smoked gouda or Monterey Jack cheese for a creamier texture and smoky flavor.
For a spicy kick, add jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce inside the quesadilla.
If you prefer, substitute pulled grilled chicken for rotisserie chicken for a fresher taste.

To make these quesadillas vegetarian, replace the chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms and black beans.

Storage

Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the tortillas from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows a group of eight triangular quesadillas arranged closely on a white marbled surface. Each quesadilla has a golden-brown, slightly crispy outer layer with visible browned spots. Inside, there are at least two layers visible: shredded yellow cheese and thin slices of purple onion mixed with some green herbs, likely cilantro. Around the quesadillas, fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered. There are two small white bowls nearby—one filled with a smooth dark red-brown sauce and the other filled with a creamy white dip topped with chopped green herbs. The overall look is warm, inviting, and freshly prepared. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Cheddar works great, but you can also use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend for different flavors and melting qualities.

Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the quesadillas and refrigerate them before cooking. Cook them just before serving to keep the tortillas crisp and the cheese melted.