BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

If you’ve been craving something warm, cheesy, and just a little bit smoky after a long day of juggling work, kids, errands (and let’s be honest, probably laundry that you meant to fold yesterday), then these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are about to become your new weeknight hero.

There’s something downright comforting about the way barbecue sauce hugs shredded chicken, especially when it’s sandwiched between two golden tortillas and smothered in melty cheddar. And because you’re busy—I see you, multitasking queen—this recipe uses simple ingredients and takes just minutes to throw together. Perfect for picky eaters, hungry partners, or when you want something delicious without a kitchen marathon.

Welcome back to Chicken Magic Recipes—I’m Aneta, your chicken-obsessed kitchen friend, always here to make dinner feel a little easier and a lot more fun. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

If you’ve ever wished dinner could magically appear on the table (preferably carried by a handsome chef named Marco), this is the next best thing. These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are:

• Fast — from fridge to plate in under 20 minutes.
• Comforting — warm, melty, and boldly flavored.
• Family-friendly — kids adore them, and adults don’t need a backup plan.
• Budget-friendly — no fancy ingredients or long prep time.

Plus, you can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or meal-prep chicken—whatever you’ve got works beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional but delicious)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Here’s the beauty of this recipe—it’s straightforward, cozy, and impossible to mess up, even if someone is calling “Mom!” every 38 seconds.

Step 1: Mix the Magic

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce. Stir until the chicken is fully coated and looking happy. The saucier, the better—that’s the rule in my house.

Step 2: Warm the Skillet

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the pan hot enough to sizzle but not so hot that your tortillas go from golden to burnt in the time it takes to check an email.

Step 3: Build Your Layers

Place one tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over it.
Spread 1/2 cup of the BBQ chicken mixture evenly across the cheese.
Top with another 1/2 cup of cheese—yes, more cheese. We’re not here to be shy.

Step 4: Seal the Deal

Place a second tortilla on top. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the bottom tortilla is golden and the cheese begins to melt into a gooey dream.

Step 5: Flip Like a Pro

Carefully flip the quesadilla—use a big spatula or two small ones if confidence is low (no judgment). Cook another 3–4 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted.

Remove from the skillet, slice into wedges, and repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Garnish with chopped green onions if you’d like an extra pop of color and flavor.

Aneta’s Chicken Magic Tips

Because every great recipe deserves a few little tricks:

1. Want extra smoky flavor?

Use a smoky barbecue sauce or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the chicken.

2. No mess flipping tip:

Place a plate over the skillet, flip the quesadilla onto the plate, then slide it back into the pan. Boom—stress-free magic.

3. Cheese alternatives:

Cheddar is classic, but pepper jack gives this recipe a fun kick if your family loves a little heat.

4. Sneak in veggies:

Finely diced bell peppers or corn mix beautifully into the chicken and add color without complaints from picky eaters.

And if your quesadilla looks a little uneven or a little lumpy—don’t panic. It’s all part of the charm.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

This recipe became an unexpected star at one of my family gatherings. I originally made it as a “quick snack” before dinner, but suddenly everyone abandoned the actual dinner and hovered over the cutting board like seagulls at the beach.

Even my kids—who like to question everything from dinner choices to why they can’t have ice cream daily—declared these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas a new favorite. That’s when I knew I had to bring this recipe to the Chicken Magic community.

FAQs About BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Ready to Bring BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Into Your Weeknight Rotation?

These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas aren’t just a quick dinner—they’re a warm, cheesy hug after a long day. Perfect for busy families, comforting on chilly evenings, and crowd-pleasing at parties, this recipe will slide into your weekly lineup with zero fuss.

I hope your kitchen fills with that smoky-sweet aroma that makes everyone wander in asking, “What smells so good?”

Because, friend, that’s when you know the magic is working.

Happy cooking,

More Delicious Ideas You’ll Love

If these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas hit the spot, you’re going to adore these other flavorful, quick-to-make dishes. Each one brings its own kind of comfort, convenience, and “wow, that was easy!” energy to your kitchen:

• If you love quick handheld meals, check out these BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps — fresh, crunchy, and packed with that irresistible sweet-tangy barbecue flavor.
• Craving something cozy with a twist? This bold and satisfying BBQ Chicken Fried Rice is a weeknight favorite that disappears fast.
• Want a simple dinner with big flavor and tiny cleanup? You’ll appreciate these Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas — perfect for feeding the whole crew.
• And if quesadillas are your weakness, don’t miss these crispy, melty, veggie-friendly Crispy Black Bean Quesadillas — they’re seriously delicious.

If you make the recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Don’t forget to leave a quick review and rate it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to help others find a new favorite too.

Print