BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

How to Make the Best BBQ Chicken Quesadilla: An Easy, Flavor-Packed Recipe

If you’re craving a quick lunch or an easy dinner packed with bold, smoky flavors, you’re going to love this BBQ chicken quesadilla recipe. Melty cheese, juicy chicken, and savory veggies come together in crispy flour tortillas — making it an irresistible meal the whole family will devour.

This easy recipe is perfect for using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, making it a great way to transform your fridge staples into something special.

Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a casual weeknight dinner, or game-day eats, these barbecue chicken quesadillas are always a crowd-pleaser!

Why This BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Recipe Is a Must-Try

If you’re looking for the ultimate easy dinner or a quick lunch, these bbq chicken quesadillas are hands down the best. Loaded with tender chopped chicken, sweet peppers, red onion, tangy barbecue sauce, and lots of melty cheese, it’s hard to beat this flavor-packed meal.

Plus, they’re easy to customize with your favorite add-ins like black beans or spicy sauces, and they’re super portable — a great way to serve a meal everyone will love without a lot of fuss.

One bite and you’ll agree: this is the easy way to make restaurant-quality barbecue chicken quesadillas right at home!

Ready to give it a try? Grab your ingredients, heat up your griddle, and get ready to enjoy the best BBQ Chicken Quesadillas you’ve ever tasted!

Ingredients You’ll Need for BBQ Chicken Quesadilla

For the bbq chicken quesadillas:

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast)
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite BBQ sauce)
• 2 XL Grande flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil

For the dipping sauce:

• ½ cup mayo
• ½ cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons jalapeño juice
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder

Step-by-Step Instructions for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

1. Prep the Chicken and Veggies

Start by cubing your chicken thighs into smaller pieces for even cooking.

Place them in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and season with a simple SPG (salt, pepper, garlic) blend and your favorite BBQ rub for extra flavor.

On a cutting board, thinly slice your red onion and green bell pepper. This veggie duo brings out the perfect sweetness and crunch in your bbq chicken quesadillas.

2. Make the Homemade Dipping Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, chopped jalapeños, jalapeño juice, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Mix thoroughly until smooth.

Cover and refrigerate the sauce — the longer it chills, the better it tastes!

3. Cook the Chicken and Vegetables

Preheat your griddle or large skillet to medium-high heat.

Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking for 8–10 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.

Push the veggies aside and add the chicken to the griddle. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly charred.

4. Warm the Tortillas

Lightly warm the flour tortillas directly on the griddle or skillet for about 1 minute per side. This makes them more pliable and easier to fold without tearing.

5. Assemble the BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Now comes the fun part — building your bbq chicken quesadillas!

On a clean flat surface, Place tortillas down and sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on half of each tortilla.

Top with half of the cooked veggies and chicken then drizzle ¼ cup of barbecue sauce over the chicken mixture.

Add ½ cup of pepper jack cheese for that perfect melty cheese effect.

Fold the other side of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape.

6. Cook the Quesadillas

Cook quesadillas over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side, pressing slightly with a spatula to seal.

You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted.

Pro Tip: Brush a little olive oil on the outside of the tortillas for extra crispiness!

7. Slice and Serve

Remove the quesadillas from the griddle and transfer them to a cutting board. Let them cool for a minute, then slice into thirds or quarters using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter.

Serve hot with your chilled jalapeño dipping sauce, extra bbq sauce, ranch dressing, or even some salsa!

Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

• Use cooked chicken like rotisserie shredded chicken or leftover chicken for an even easier meal.
• Add black beans, corn, or even diced tomatoes for great options to bulk them up.
• Always use plenty of shredded cheese — the glue that holds everything together!
• If prepping ahead, store cooled quesadillas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat on a medium heat skillet for the crispiest texture.

FAQ About Barbecue Chicken Quesadillas

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast is a leaner option and works just as well. Just be careful not to overcook it to keep it juicy.

What’s the best cheese for BBQ chicken quesadillas?

A combo of cheddar cheese and pepper jack gives the perfect balance of meltiness and flavor. You can also swap in mozzarella for extra stretch!

How do I make it spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture or use a spicy BBQ sauce to turn up the heat.

More Delicious Recipes to try!

Chipotle Honey Chicken Tacos
These Chipotle Honey Chicken Tacos are the perfect blend of sweet and smoky. Juicy grilled chicken is coated in a sticky chipotle honey glaze, then tucked into warm tortillas and topped with fresh garnishes. They’re bold, flavorful, and perfect for taco night or an easy summer dinner.

Steak and Shrimp Quesadillas
Loaded with tender steak, juicy shrimp, melty cheese, and sautéed peppers, these Steak and Shrimp Quesadillas bring the surf and turf to your skillet. Crispy golden tortillas hold it all together, making this a satisfying and crowd-pleasing dish for lunch, dinner, or game day appetizers.

BBQ Chicken Cheesesteak
This BBQ Chicken Cheesesteak combines smoky barbecue chicken, sautéed onions, bell peppers, and gooey cheese in a toasted hoagie roll. It’s a flavorful twist on the classic cheesesteak — quick to make and perfect for a hearty lunch, weeknight dinner, or your next cookout.

Grilled Elote
Grilled Elote, or Mexican street corn, is charred to perfection and slathered with creamy mayo, tangy lime, chili powder, and crumbled cotija cheese. It’s the ultimate summer side dish — smoky, savory, and packed with flavor in every bite. A must-try for backyard barbecues or taco nights.

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