BBQ Chicken Cheese Quesadillas

Barbecue chicken quesadillas bring bold smoky flavor and that gooey cheesy bite my family can't get enough of They crisp up in minutes and are a big hit with grown ups and little ones alike When we have leftover chicken this is our top pick for something fast and super satisfying—chewy tortilla outside and plenty of melty goodness inside

The first time I threw these together was just an effort to use extra odds and ends in the fridge Now anytime lazy Fridays come up or game day kicks off everyone begs for seconds right away before the first one's gone

Tasty Ingredients

• Cheddar cheese: Go for blocks to shred yourself for next level gooeyness and flavor Sharp cheddar packs some punch but mellow ones are extra creamy Avoid pre shredded since they can be gritty from added powders
• Tortillas: Stick to flour tortillas around eight inches if you want them to fold up nicely and cook up crispy Find ones that look fresh with no cracks so they're easy to handle
• Barbecue sauce: Pick out a bold bottle—something sweet, tangy, or smoky works well Classic Kansas City or hickory flavors are solid options Low corn syrup is better if you can swing it
• Shredded chicken: Grab rotisserie or any cooked chicken for juicy tender filling If you have fresh homemade, even better Stick to ones without extra water, it'll give you more flavor

Simple Instructions

Serve While Hot:

Move your finished quesadillas onto a board and pause a minute so the cheese settles a bit Cut them into wedges You want to eat these quick while they're still cheesy and crispy

Flip and Toast the Other Side:

Gently turn your quesadilla over Let it crisp up on side two until golden patches show up and the rest of the cheese gets melty Watch that the cheese doesn't ooze out the sides Repeat those steps with what's left

Fold It Up and Cook:

Fold your tortilla over so the fillings are tucked in Press gently to even things up Let it sit until the lower side is golden brown and gooey underneath Should take just a couple minutes

Put Together Chicken and Cheese:

Cover one half of your tortilla with a big sprinkle of shredded cheddar Pour on some saucy chicken, then toss a little more cheese on top so the inside stays moist

Warm Up Your Tortilla:

Put a clean pan on the stove on medium low Lay down a tortilla and warm it for a minute so it softens and starts crisping Don't rush this part; slow heat does the trick

Mix Filling:

Combine your chicken with barbecue sauce in a big bowl Toss well so every piece gets saucy and glossy, with no dry chicken showing

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Nothing beats tearing apart a hot quesadilla to see all that stretchy cheese It takes me back to summer with my family figuring out new ways to use up barbecue chicken Everyone was always quick to claim leftovers for these

Storing Leftovers

Line a container with a paper towel and tuck away any cold quesadillas in the fridge They'll taste great for up to three days For crispy results, warm in a skillet over medium heat If you’re in a rush, microwaving is okay but makes them less crunchy For longer keeping, freeze individually wrapped pieces and then reheat right from the freezer in a dry pan with extra cheese if you want them super melty

Swap-In Ideas

Out of cheddar cheese? No sweat, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or any shredded Mexican blend bring gooey action too Dice up leftover pork, beef, or even tofu if you’d rather skip chicken Gluten free tortillas or sturdy corn ones work just as well but watch the cooking since texture will be different

Fun Ways To Serve

Chop your quesadillas into wedges and pile them high with sour cream fresh salsa or some pickled jalapenos Sprinkle with cilantro for a pop of color Want to impress at a gathering? Stack them on a platter with a side of barbecue sauce for dipping, or pack them cold in a lunchbox for a fun midday treat

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This just proves when you keep things simple and take your time you get awesome results Enjoy every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use leftover chicken for this dish?

Go ahead and use any leftover cooked or rotisserie chicken you’ve got. Just pull it apart, toss with your BBQ sauce, and you’re good to go.

→ What type of BBQ sauce is best?

Use whichever BBQ sauce you like best. Sweet, smoky, or spicy—they all work in the filling.

→ Can I add extra fillings like onions or peppers?

Definitely. Toss in sautéed peppers, onions, or even jalapeños if you want extra flavor with your chicken and cheese.

→ How do I make the quesadillas extra crispy?

Keep the fillings light, press them down in the pan, and cook on medium so they crisp up but don’t burn. You want both sides to come out golden with a bit of a crunch.

→ Which cheese works best for this dish?

Cheddar is great because it melts well with BBQ. You can swap with Monterey Jack or other melty cheeses you like too.