30-Minute BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
These hearty quesadillas combine tender diced chicken coated in tangy barbecue sauce with a double-cheese blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar, plus fresh green onions for a subtle bite. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or when you need to transform leftover chicken into something exciting. The combination of smoky BBQ flavors and melted cheese creates a satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 6 large flour tortillas, burrito size
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup green onions, diced
Instructions
- 1
Dice the chicken into smaller pieces and stir together with barbecue sauce until thoroughly coated
- 2
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium high heat
- 3
Place one flour tortilla on the heated surface and add chicken mixture, green onions, and both cheeses to one half
- 4
Fold tortilla over to make a half moon shape
- 5
Cook for 2-4 minutes on each side until tortillas are browned slightly
- 6
Repeat process with remaining tortillas and filling
- 7
Let cool for 5 minutes, then slice and serve
Tips
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or leftover grilled chicken for extra flavor
Pre-shred your own cheese for better melting than pre-packaged shredded cheese
Don't overfill the quesadillas or they'll be difficult to flip and may leak
Good to Know
Refrigerate assembled quesadillas up to 2 days, or cooked quesadillas up to 3 days
Prepare chicken mixture and shred cheese up to 1 day ahead
Cut into wedges and serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole
Common Mistakes
Don't use too much filling or quesadillas will be messy to flip
Don't cook on too high heat to avoid burning tortillas before cheese melts
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I freeze these quesadillas?
Yes, freeze cooked quesadillas up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
What if I don't have both types of cheese?
You can use 4 cups of just one cheese type, though the flavor won't be as complex as the two-cheese blend.
How do I keep quesadillas warm while making multiple batches?
Place finished quesadillas on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep warm while cooking remaining batches.