BBQ Chicken Quesadilla
This BBQ Chicken Quesadilla is packed with tender chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, red onions, and mozzarella cheese. It makes the perfect weeknight meal and is ready in just 15 minutes!
I have a confession to make. Are you ready for this one? Every once in a while, I get a craving for Taco Bell’s steak quesadilla. There. It’s out there. Please don’t judge me.
Now, I haven’t actually gotten a quesadilla from Taco Bell in a few years, but every so often, I’m taken back to my younger years when I would order that. And it was good! But let’s not talk about the fact that it’s probably not real steak in there.
I hardly ever go to Taco Bell anymore, unless I need a junk food craving in the form of fake Mexican fast food. But I still think about how delicious those quesadillas were.
Luckily, I’ve wised up over the years and go to authentic Mexican places to get my cravings fulfilled. But when I just don’t feel like heading out the door, I like to whip up my own homemade quesadillas.
I love quesadillas filled with just about anything…cheese, peppers, chicken, onions, chorizo, you name it. There’s just something about the texture and way that quesadillas are prepared that has me hooked. Plus, it’s usually easy to eat and doesn’t get all messy when you’re trying to devour it.
And since I’m a sucker for anything with barbecue sauce, I knew this BBQ Chicken Quesdailla would serve as a perfect, weeknight meal. After all, what could be easier (and more delicious) then some barbecue chicken, gooey cheese, and flour tortillas?
The next time you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, full of gooey cheese and chicken, skip the fast food place and whip up these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas! I guarantee it’ll be a household favorite!
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
The ingredients list for these homemade chicken quesadillas is short:
- Shredded chicken
- BBQ sauce
- Butter
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded mozzarella
- Red onion
How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that’s easy to customize depending on your tastes, then this BBQ Chicken Quesadilla was made for you. It’s so simple to prepare that you can have this prepped and ready to devour in less than 15 minutes. How about that for a weeknight meal?
- In a small bowl, combine the chicken and barbecue sauce. Mix well. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Place one tortilla in middle of pan. Top with shredded cheese. Spread chicken in an even layer on top of cheese.
- Top with onion, followed more cheese. Place second tortilla shell on top of chicken mixture and lightly press down.
- Heat tortilla on both sides until shell turns golden brown and cheese starts to melt.
What’s the Best Cheese for Quesadillas?
I prefer using shredded mozzarella for this bbq shredded chicken quesadilla. Mozzarella is super ooey gooey but doesn’t have a strong flavor, making it the perfect complement to the tangy bbq sauce.
Can I Use Corn Tortillas?
Of course! I use flour tortillas because that’s what I grew up using for my quesadillas. I imagine corn tortillas wouldn’t be as flexible and would add more flavor and texture to the dish.
Tips for Making Homemade Chicken Quesadillas
- Feel free to customize these bbq quesadillas depending on what you like. I added extra mozzarella cheese and red onions to my quesadilla, but left off the onions and piled on more barbecue sauce for the hubster.
- For the chicken, I used the shredded rotisserie chicken that you can find near the deli section of your grocery store. You can also use leftover chicken or meal prepped chicken!
- Make sure your pan is nice and hot before adding the quesadilla to it. You want the quesadilla to immediately start cooking, otherwise the tortilla will absorb too much butter and taste oily.
Looking for more homemade quesadilla recipes?
BBQ Chicken Quesadilla
Ingredients
- ¾ cup shredded chicken, *(see note below)
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce, (any kind)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large flour tortillas
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the chicken and barbecue sauce. Mix well. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Place one tortilla in middle of pan. Top with ¼ cup shredded cheese. Spread chicken in an even layer on top of cheese, leaving about a ½ inch border around the tortilla.
- Top with onion, followed by rest of cheese. Place second tortilla shell on top of chicken mixture and lightly press down.
- Heat tortilla on both sides, about 3-4 minutes, or until shell turns golden brown and cheese starts to melt. Remove from pan and cut into four slices. Serve immediately.
Haha, I definitely get fast food cravings from time to time as well! No shame there 😉
Your quesadillas look amazing, Gayle! I loooove BBQ flavors, so these sound perfect to me!
Thanks for the quesadilla love, Nora! I’m a sucker for anything with bbq sauce! 🙂
15 minutes on a weeknight AND this gorgeous looking quesadilla? I’m so in!
Thanks, Kate!
This is a perfect way to use that leftover chicken! BBQ sauce is my favorite quesadilla topper, too. It goes so well with the rest!
Definitely, Mir! Thanks!
I haven’t had quesadillas in seriously SO long! Something tells me that these winners would go down VERY well around here—my family adores quesadillas! Only I’m kinda worried I wouldn’t be able to share. 😉
Quesadillas are always a hit in my household! And I hear you about the not sharing part…they’re just too good to do that! 🙂
Mmm I don’t know why I don’t make quesadillas more often… This is definitely encouraging me!! Pinned 🙂
Thanks for the kind words and pin, Sues!
Gayle, hahah I love it! you and my husband both with the Taco Bell steak quesadilla. Well, yours looks freaking fabulous and you made it at home so I love this!!!
Haha now that I look back, what was I thinking?! Thanks for the kind words, friend!
Hahaha, totally NOT judging you for your taco bell quesadilla cravings! We all get weird, unhealthy craving from time to time! Mine is normally a mega chimichanga from Tijuanna flats. #WeAreAllHuman LOVING your homemade quesadillas! BBQ chicken and cheese stuffed in some tortillas?! YESSSS! Your pictures are gorgeous too, Gayle! How do you make shooting cheesy stuff look so good?! I’m jealous! Pinned! Cheers, my dear and happy almost weekend!
Oh now I’m craving that chimichanga! So glad you’re not judging me because a steak quesadilla?! What was I thinking? 🙂 Thanks for the kind words, friend!
Yes! This meal combines two of my kids’ favorite foods – BBQ and quesadillas! What’s not to love?! I’ve actually made something similar before to use up leftover BBQ in the fridge. Always a hit!!
Thanks, Blair! I agree, bbq and chicken make the best combo!
Quesadillas are the perfect weeknight meal! I’m loving this bbq chicken version, especially with the mozzarella and red onion!
Thanks, Kristine!
I laughed out loud at your confession! lol! I was thinking “a confession…oh my what can this be?!” Don’t worry, I won’t judge your Taco Bell cravings as long as you won’t judge the fact that I used to crave Wendy’s chicken nuggets! hahahahah!
This quesadilla looks amazing! We have recently found some great gf wraps and have been making quesadillas like crazy! I am adding these to my list!
Haha I won’t judge you…at least you didn’t crave fake, gross steak! What was I thinking? 🙂 Thanks for the quesadilla love, Annie!
Love quesadillas and need to try this asap! I haven’t been to Taco Bell in years, but just like you, I don’t miss it! Pinning!
Thanks for the quesadilla love and pin, Mira!
I used to love Taco Bell when I was younger, but let’s just say I’m totally over that phase. 🙂 I love homemade quesadillas, however, and I love all the flavors going on here! This is a meal that would never disappoint!
Haha I’m over that phase now too…luckily! 🙂 Thanks for the kind words, Marcie!
No judgments on the Taco Bell cravings, Gayle! We all have our guilty thoughts of not so perfect food. These quesadillas sound perfect for an easy, cheesy, weeknight meal!
Ok glad you’re not judging me! 🙂 Thanks, Rachelle!
Haha, we all have those takeout cravings so totally no judgment here 🙂 These quesadillas look way better than Taco Bell! 🙂 Love the bbq chicken and ready in 30 minutes? Yes please!
Thank you, Kelly!
There’s no shame in craving TBell! Every now and then I get a craving for a Crunchwrap Supreme. That was my childhood TBell menu item of choice. 😉 The problem is the quality of food has gone WAYYY down so now the food (even though it smells good) it makes you feel terrible! I like your BBQ Chicken Quesadilla recipe better than any fast food option for sure!
Yes! I totally agree, Lauren. I wish the quality of food was better, because then I wouldn’t feel so bad about my cravings! 🙂 Thanks for the quesadilla love!
I am loving your 30 minutes Thursday series! This is such a great addition, plus I’ve been craving Mexican food for weeks!
Thanks, Shelby! I ALWAYS seem to be craving Mexican food! 🙂
We eat quesadillas at least once a week in my house – mostly just cheese, though! They are just so easy when we need a quick meal. I love this BBQ chicken version! Pinned!
Thanks for the kind words and pin, Keri! Cheese quesadillas are always good too! 🙂
I haven’t had quesadillas in so long- delicious! Love the idea of thirty minute Thursdays 🙂
Thanks, Medha! It’s my favorite Thursday of the month! 🙂
Oh my gosh this looks amazing! I’m obsessed with Mexican food and have been eating it all the time lately! SO good… also, I love what you said about Taco Bell! I’m the same way. I haven’t been there in years, but I do remember the chicken and cheese quesadillas!! SO nostalgic! Thanks for the recipe!
Thanks, Cailee! Isn’t it funny how our tastes have changed over the years? 🙂
My word, that looks amazing. Barbecue? DELICIOUS!
Anything with barbecue is a winner in my book! 🙂 Thanks, Aria!
These are just too dang easy that I feel there must be something wrong…except NOT! They’re perfect! Basically my favorite pizza in quesadilla form. I’m so on board with this!
Haha I know, right? Too easy seems tricky! 🙂 Thanks for the quesadilla love, Brielle!
A 15 minute meal is so much better than a 30 minute meal, haha! We make so many quesadillas in this house and I love the addition of the chicken and BBQ sauce! My husband would go crazy for these 🙂
Yes! 15 minutes definitely beats 30 minutes! 🙂 Thanks for the quesadilla love, Izzy!
Ha ha – old cravings are so funny sometimes. Every once in a while I really want a TCBY frozen yogurt, because I always used to get those on road trips. I don’t think I’ve had one in years (and I’m not even sure if they still exist even). These quesadillas are perfect. Just what I want for dinner tonight!
I never really lives close to TCBY when I was younger, but now these fro yo places are all the rage! Thanks for the quesadilla love, Liz!
I get cravings for Taco Bell all the time, so I’m not judging!! This looks fantastic, and my mouth is watering!
Glad you’re not judging, Dorothy! Thanks for the kind words!
I totally get fast food cravings sometimes too – totally normal! 🙂 This quesadilla sounds fantastic. I love quesadillas stuffed with anything and everything, they’re just so good!
Thank you, Stacey! I love quesadillas because you can stuff them with just about anything and they taste SO good!
You are definitely not alone! I get cravings every now and then for their chicken quesadilla! This is totally something I would make at home for lunch or dinner. Love how easy it is too, you ladies always do a great job for 30 minute Thursday!
Ok glad I’m not alone! Luckily I don’t crave the fake steak stuff anymore! 🙂 Thanks for the quesadilla love!
Oh I get cravings for all kinds of fast food. I think it’s natural. 🙂 Plus I eat a quesadilla at least once a week. They’re so easy to use leftovers in and quick. This BBQ chicken version sounds like it needs to be my quick weeknight dinner coming up soon! 🙂
Quesadillas are such an easy and delicious meal. I love how you can throw just about anything in them and they taste delicious! Thanks for the kind words, Alyssa!
This is the no-judgement zone! And who doesn’t crave fun food like that from time to time…I’d have to say my guilty pleasure crave is McDonald’s french fries – yikes! I love the addition of the bbq sauce – I’m picturing these to be very popular on Super Bowl Sunday!
I do love McDonald’s french fries too! And I love your thinking about making these for the Superbowl! Thanks for the quesadilla love, Annie!
One of our staples, sometimes we even get them as appetizer at a restaurant.
I love making quesadillas for appetizer, too!
I love quesadillas! You’ve got me craving now.
Hope your year is off to a great start!
Thanks, Melanie! Happy Friday! 🙂
This is exactly the kind of meal I need on a busy weeknight. Quesadillas are the best! Have a great weekend, Gayle!
Thanks, Jen! Hope you have a great weekend, too!
Quesadillas are probably one of the best foods….ever. Can’t go wrong with carbs and cheese! Love the BBQ chicken twist you added 🙂 so yummy!
Carbs and cheese for the win! 🙂 Thanks, Rachel!
Yummmm!! These look so good. Definitely healthier than Taco Bell!
Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by, Natasha!
Quesadillas are an absolute favorite of mine!! These look so so good! Happy weekend Gayle!
Thanks, Ashley!
bbq chicken quesadillas are one of my favorites but I haven’t had them in forever! These look amazing!
Thank you, Aimee!
I haven’t had a quesadilla in a long time! It’s such a shame because I love them. These look amazing! I love how fast they are. I’m officially craving one!
Thanks, Amanda! I’m all about quesadillas because they’re so easy!
I love making quesadillas at home, they are so versatile and delish! this look good Gayle! 🙂
Thanks, Manali!
I love everything about this meal Gayle!! Craving some now!
Thanks, Ami!
I love BBQ Chicken anything! These quesadillas sound incredible. What a wonderful quick and easy meal!
Thanks for the quesadilla love, Christin!
Oh my Lanta. I was in a hurry to make something tonight, and so I was looking on Pinterest for ideas and this came up and I’m so happy I tried this. I didn’t follow exactly but it was pretty close and it was awesome. What a fantastic idea. I will remember this web site again for anything i want to make again!
Hi Pamela! I am so glad that you loved these quesadillas. They’re a favorite of my husband and I when we want a quick meal. Thanks so much for stopping by and letting me know how it turned out! Hope you enjoy any other recipe that you might try!
This is looking so tasty and delicious BBQ chicken recipe. I have never see an easy recipe like this. So easy and quick to make it at home. Thank you for sharing this wonderful article.
Hope you love this!