Description
These Cheesy Barbecue Chicken Quesadillas are a deliciously quick and easy meal combining tender, barbecue-flavored chicken with melted sharp cheddar cheese, fresh red onion, and cilantro, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas and pan-fried to a perfect golden crisp.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Quesadilla Filling
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 red onion, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 tablespoons barbecue sauce (additional)
Tortillas
- 4 8-inch soft flour tortillas
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded or chopped cooked chicken with 1/2 cup barbecue sauce. Stir well until the chicken is evenly coated. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Assemble Quesadilla: Lay one flour tortilla flat and spread 1 tablespoon of barbecue sauce on top, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over half of the tortilla. Add a quarter of the chicken mixture evenly on top of the cheese, then sprinkle diced red onions and chopped cilantro over the chicken. Finally, spread another 1/4 cup of cheese over the filling. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to form a half-moon shape.
- Heat Skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, generously spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Quesadilla: Carefully place the folded quesadilla onto the hot skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Flip the quesadilla gently and cook an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side, until it is also golden brown and the cheese inside is melted.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the cooked quesadilla to a cutting board and allow it to cool for 1-2 minutes. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice it into 3-4 wedges for easy serving.
- Repeat and Keep Warm: Repeat the assembly and cooking process with the remaining tortillas and filling. To serve all at once, place cooked quesadillas on a baking sheet and keep them warm in a low oven until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken from leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
- If you prefer a crispier quesadilla, press down slightly with a spatula while cooking.
- Feel free to swap sharp cheddar for Monterey Jack or a mix of cheeses for different flavor profiles.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortillas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheesy barbecue chicken quesadillas, easy quesadilla recipe, quick chicken dinner, barbecue chicken, skillet quesadilla
