BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight Recipe

Meet your new obsession: the BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight Recipe. This crave-worthy mashup layers tangy BBQ chicken, creamy cheddar, hearty black beans, and just the right kick from jalapeño between golden, crispy tortillas. Every bite is an explosion of bold flavors and melty, irresistible cheese—the kind of dish that instantly turns any meal into a mini celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Melty, Cheesy Goodness: Every quesadilla oozes with the perfect combo of gooey cheddar and smoky spiced chicken—it’s the definition of comfort food!
  • Quick & Easy: The BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight Recipe is ready in just 25 minutes, making it the ultimate solution for busy weeknights or last-minute get-togethers.
  • Big, Bold Flavors: The sweet tang of BBQ sauce, fresh cilantro, and just a hint of heat from jalapeño give these quesadillas that wow factor everyone loves.
  • Totally Customizable: You can easily make this recipe your own by swapping proteins, cheeses, or adding extras—so everyone at the table gets exactly what they want!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It only takes a handful of simple, honest ingredients to create the mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight Recipe. Each element brings something unique—from creamy, gooey cheese to zippy peppers and fresh herbs—so don’t skip the fresh touches!

  • Chopped Cooked Chicken: Use leftover roasted, grilled, or even store-bought rotisserie chicken to keep things ultra-convenient and flavorful.
  • Black Beans: They add heartiness, earthy flavor, and a hit of plant-based protein to the party.
  • Red Onion: For a zesty crunch and a pop of purple color throughout your filling.
  • Jalapeño: This brings a bright, gentle heat—you can dial it up or down depending on your spice preference.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Essential for a burst of freshness that balances all the smoky, cheesy notes.
  • Shredded Cheddar: Melts beautifully, giving the quesadillas their irresistible gooey texture and savory flavor.
  • Chili Powder & Smoked Paprika: These two spices layer in a warm, smoky earthiness and just a touch of Southwestern flair.
  • Salt: Just enough to wake up all the other flavors in your filling.
  • BBQ Sauce: The secret weapon! It brings sweet tang and a gorgeous sticky glaze to each bite.
  • Flour Tortillas: Soft, golden, and the perfect blank canvas for your delicious filling—go with 7-inch rounds for perfect portions.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The beauty of the BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight Recipe is how endlessly adaptable it is. Don’t be afraid to get creative—this recipe seriously welcomes swaps and add-ins, so you can please every palate or use up whatever you have on hand.

  • Spicy Buffalo Style: Swap out the BBQ sauce for your favorite Buffalo wing sauce and add blue cheese crumbles for a tangy twist on game day.
  • Veggie-Packed: Bulk up the filling with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach—perfect for veggie-lovers or anyone looking for extra nutrition.
  • Cheese Lovers’ Dream: Mix in pepper jack, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a gooier, multidimensional cheese pull.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas and check your BBQ sauce for any hidden gluten so everyone can enjoy these cheesy wonders!

How to Make BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Filling

Start by adding your chopped cooked chicken and drained black beans to a large mixing bowl. Finely dice the red onion and jalapeño (don’t forget to remove the seeds if you want things milder), then roughly chop the fresh cilantro. Toss all the veggies and herbs into the bowl with the chicken and beans, along with your shredded cheddar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and BBQ sauce. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed, ensuring every ingredient gets a little bit saucy and cheesy.

Step 2: Fill and Fold the Quesadillas

Lay out your tortillas on a clean surface and scoop about 1/3 cup of the BBQ chicken filling onto one half of each tortilla. Use a spoon to spread the filling out towards the edges (leave a little border for easier sealing!), then simply fold the bare half over top to create perfect little half-moons. The filling will be generous—but that’s exactly what you want!

Step 3: Golden, Crispy Perfection

Heat a large, dry skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the folded quesadillas in batches, pressing gently, until the outside is deeply golden and crisp, the cheese inside melts into gooey ribbons, and the filling is piping hot (about 3–4 minutes per side). No need for oil—just let the tortillas toast up beautifully. Once done, transfer to a cutting board and let them cool for a minute before slicing in half.

Pro Tips for Making BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight Recipe

  • Rotisserie Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken for unbeatable ease, flavor, and moistness—plus, it saves loads of prep time.
  • Tortilla Toasting Tricks: Don’t rush the browning step—low and slow yields perfectly crisp, golden quesadillas every time without burning or drying out the filling.
  • Cheese Edge Magic: Sprinkle a bit of extra cheese right at the edges before folding for a delicious “cheese crisp” that seals and adds a dreamy crunchy finish.
  • Crowd Pleaser Prep: Keep cooked quesadillas warm in a low oven (around 200°F) so you can make a big batch and serve everyone at once, hot and melty!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight Recipe

BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Garnishing these quesadillas is where you can really have fun! A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or sliced green onions makes the flavors pop. For a creamy contrast, add dollops of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and if you love a little extra zing, a few spoonfuls of chunky salsa or sliced avocado sends things over the top.

Side Dishes

The BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight Recipe pairs beautifully with a simple salad of romaine and lime, classic Mexican street corn, or a side of crispy tortilla chips with guacamole. For heartier meals, serve alongside smoky roasted sweet potatoes or a fresh corn and tomato salad for a full-on fiesta vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your quesadillas into smaller wedges to serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer platter, or stack them high on a rustic wooden board with bowls of colorful dips for family movie night. For lunchboxes, wrap halves in foil for an easy, hand-held treat that’s just as delicious at room temperature.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight Recipe keeps well! Let any extras cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days—perfect for next-day snacking or easy lunches.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your quesadillas, wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap and place in a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen if you’re in a hurry.

Reheating

Reheat your BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight Recipe on a skillet over medium heat until hot and crispy again, or pop them in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Microwave works in a pinch, but the edges won’t be quite as crispy—so use the stovetop or oven if you can!

FAQs

  1. Can I make BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight Recipe ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can prep the filling up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply assemble and cook the quesadillas fresh for that signature crispy exterior and melty cheese.

  2. What’s the best way to keep quesadillas warm for a crowd?

    Place cooked quesadillas on a baking sheet in a low oven (200°F) while you finish the batch. This ensures everyone gets a hot, cheesy slice at the same time—perfect for parties or family gatherings!

  3. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

    You can, but keep in mind corn tortillas are smaller and less flexible, so the quesadillas may be a bit more fragile. Warm them slightly before folding to help prevent cracking.

  4. How spicy is this BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight Recipe?

    With just one jalapeño and a little chili powder, the heat level is mild to medium. For a kick, leave some jalapeño seeds in, or swap for hotter peppers. If you prefer it milder, simply omit the jalapeño completely.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try the BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight Recipe, it’ll become a new staple for quick dinners, easy entertaining, or whenever you need a cheesy, hearty pick-me-up. Don’t wait—grab your skillet, gather your favorite toppings, and get ready for a seriously delicious experience you’ll want to make again and again!

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BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight Recipe

BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Delight Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 92 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings (2 quesadillas each) 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These Ultimate Chicken Quesadillas are packed with flavor and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Filled with BBQ chicken, black beans, cheese, and a blend of spices, these quesadillas are sure to be a family favorite.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Quesadillas:

  • 1.5 cups chopped cooked chicken
  • 1 15oz. can black beans, drained
  • 1/4 red onion
  • 1 jalapeño
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce
  • 10 7-inch flour tortillas

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, black beans, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, cheddar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and BBQ sauce. Mix until well combined.
  2. Assemble the Quesadillas: Spread 1/3 cup of the filling on one half of each tortilla. Fold the tortillas closed.
  3. Cook the Quesadillas: Cook the filled tortillas in a skillet over medium-low heat until browned and crispy on the outside, and the cheese has melted.
  4. Serve: Cut each quesadilla in half and serve hot.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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