Name: Cheesy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 11 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large flour tortillas; 1 cup cooked shredded chicken; ¼ cup BBQ sauce; ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese; 2 cheese slices (optional, for topping); 1 tbsp butter or oil; Dried parsley for garnish

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If there’s one thing I love, it’s an easy, flavorful meal that satisfies every time — and these Cheesy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas check all the boxes. With melty cheese, smoky BBQ sauce, and tender chicken packed into golden tortillas, this recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Cheesy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe turns a few simple ingredients into a delicious, comforting meal. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and works great for lunch, dinner, or even a savory snack. The combo of BBQ sauce and melty cheese makes each bite mouthwatering, and the crispy tortilla exterior gives it just the right amount of crunch. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 large flour tortillas
1 cup cooked shredded chicken
¼ cup BBQ sauce
½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
2 cheese slices (optional, for topping)
1 tbsp butter or oil
Dried parsley for garnish

Directions

I start by mixing the cooked, shredded chicken with BBQ sauce in a bowl until it’s fully coated.
In a skillet over medium heat, I melt the butter (or heat oil) and lay down one tortilla.
I sprinkle the shredded cheese over the tortilla, then spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly on top.
I place the second tortilla over the chicken and press it gently.
I cook the quesadilla for about 2–3 minutes per side until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Once it’s done, I slice it into wedges and top with cheese slices, letting them melt slightly from the heat.
I finish by sprinkling a bit of dried parsley on top before serving warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 servings.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 11 minutes

Variations

I sometimes switch things up by using spicy BBQ sauce for an extra kick or adding sliced jalapeños for heat. If I’m craving more texture, I’ll throw in some chopped red onions or bell peppers. And when I want it extra cheesy, I go with a mix of mozzarella and sharp cheddar. Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly here.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, I let the quesadillas cool completely and then wrap them in foil or place them in an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, I prefer using a skillet to keep the outside crispy — just a couple of minutes per side over medium heat. The microwave works too, but I lose a bit of that crunch.

FAQs

How do I keep the quesadilla from falling apart?

I make sure not to overfill it and press the top tortilla gently before cooking. Using shredded cheese helps hold everything together as it melts.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, but I find corn tortillas are smaller and a bit more delicate, so I use two smaller ones per quesadilla and handle them gently while flipping.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

I go with my favorite store-bought sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, but this recipe works with spicy, honey, or even tangy vinegar-based BBQ sauces.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I assemble the quesadillas and refrigerate them uncooked, then grill them fresh when I’m ready to eat.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes, I just use dairy-free cheese and skip the butter or use plant-based oil for cooking.

Conclusion

These Cheesy BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a quick, satisfying dish that I love making again and again. Whether I’m feeding my family or just want a flavorful bite for myself, they never disappoint. With simple ingredients and customizable fillings, they’re a must-try for anyone who craves warm, melty comfort food in minutes.