BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas

Sweet smoky BBQ chicken quesadillas have a way of stealing the spotlight at dinnertime in my home Their melty cheese and finger licking barbecue flavor come together fast and satisfy everyone from picky kids to spice loving grown ups These are my favorite solution for leftover chicken or any time you crave that perfect combination of chewy crispy and gooey

When I first started making BBQ chicken quesadillas I was simply trying to clean out the fridge Now every time I serve them on game nights or lazy Friday meals I get requests for seconds before the first bites are finished

Ingredients

• Shredded chicken: freshly roasted or store bought rotisserie chicken brings rich flavor and tender texture Look for chicken without added liquids or preservatives for the best taste
• Barbecue sauce: use your favorite style sweet tangy or spicy and choose one with minimal corn syrup and bold flavors A smoky hickory or classic Kansas City style works great
• Tortillas: flour tortillas hold up best and crisp nicely when toasted Use eight inch rounds for optimal folding and grilling Choose fresh looking ones free of cracks for easy handling
• Cheddar cheese: shred your own for the best melt and creamy flavor Milder cheddar is gooey and classic while sharp cheddar brings more punch Opt for cheese blocks over pre shredded to avoid added starches

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

In a large bowl combine shredded chicken with barbecue sauce Use tongs or clean hands to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated with the sauce There should be no dry spots and the chicken should look glossy and evenly soaked

Warm the Tortillas:

Place a clean dry skillet over low to medium heat Lay one tortilla down and allow it to warm for about one minute This softens the tortilla making it easier to fold and helps develop the first layer of crispiness Do not rush this step as gentle heat is key

Assemble with Cheese and Chicken:

Sprinkle about one third cup of cheddar cheese over half of the warmed tortilla The cheese should be an even layer touching the edges Spoon a generous portion of the saucy chicken over the cheese then top with another scatter of cheddar This double cheese layer seals in moisture

Fold and Toast:

Use a spatula to gently fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filled side forming a half moon Press lightly so the filling is even Allow the quesadilla to cook until the underside develops small golden brown spots and the bottom cheese has visibly melted This takes about two to three minutes

Flip and Finish:

Carefully flip the quesadilla to toast the other side Continue cooking until more golden spots appear and the second cheese layer is fully melted Check the edges to be sure cheese is not leaking out Repeat the process with remaining tortillas and filling

Serve Hot and Crispy:

Transfer hot quesadillas to a cutting board Let rest one minute to allow the cheese to set This keeps the filling neatly inside Slice into wedges and enjoy while the tortilla is still crisp and the cheese is stretchy

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My favorite part is pulling apart a fresh hot quesadilla and seeing that stringy cheese stretch It always reminds me of summer cookouts with my family when we would try to create new ways to use up grilled chicken Everyone agreed this was the only leftover recipe worth fighting over

Storage Tips

To keep quesadillas crispy store leftovers in a paper towel lined airtight container in the fridge They will keep their flavor and texture for up to three days Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best results Microwaving works in a pinch but loses crispiness For longer storage freeze individually wrapped portions then re crisp from frozen using a nonstick skillet and a touch more cheese for an extra melty finish

Ingredient Substitutions

No cheddar cheese Try Monterey Jack mozzarella or a Mexican blend for slightly different flavor and gooeyness Shredded pork beef or tofu can stand in for chicken if you are feeling adventurous You can also use gluten free tortillas or even large sturdy corn tortillas just keep an eye on cooking time as texture will vary

Serving Suggestions

Cut quesadillas into triangles and serve with your favorite salsas pickled jalapenos or a big dollop of sour cream A sprinkle of fresh cilantro brightens up the smoky flavor If you are making these for a party stack on a platter with extra BBQ sauce for dipping or pack in lunchboxes for a crowd pleasing midday meal

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This recipe proves that deliciousness is all about the right combination of simple ingredients and a little care in preparation Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use leftover chicken for this dish?

Yes, leftover cooked or rotisserie chicken works well. Just shred and mix with BBQ sauce before assembling.

→ What type of BBQ sauce is best?

Choose your favorite style, whether smoky, sweet, or spicy. All add delicious flavor to the filling.

→ Can I add extra fillings like onions or peppers?

Absolutely, sautéed onions, peppers, or even jalapeños are tasty additions alongside the chicken and cheese.

→ How do I make the quesadillas extra crispy?

Cook over medium heat and avoid overfilling. Press gently and cook until both sides turn golden with slight browning.

→ Which cheese works best for this dish?

Cheddar melts well and pairs with BBQ sauce, but Monterey Jack or a blend also produce a creamy texture.