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BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are a quick and easy dinner solution, combining smoky chicken, tangy barbecue sauce, and melted cheese in crispy tortillas.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Leftover rotisserie chicken works great; use grilled chicken for smoky depth.
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce Choose a sweeter sauce for kids or a spicy one for adults; for a lighter option, mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or a Mexican blend Gives that stretchy, gooey pull.
  • 8 pieces flour tortillas, 8-inch Swap for whole wheat or gluten-free as needed.
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced Caramelize for a sweeter bite or use raw for a sharp pop.
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, diced Adds color and crunch; canned roasted peppers are a shortcut.
  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil Butter gives a golden crisp; oil keeps it dairy-free.
Optional Garnishes
  • to taste cilantro For serving.
  • to taste lime wedges For serving.
  • to taste sour cream or avocado Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until evenly coated.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, warm a teaspoon of oil and sauté the red onion and bell pepper until softened and slightly caramelized, about 4 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Wipe the skillet clean and heat it over medium-low. Butter one side of a tortilla or brush with oil.
  2. Place the tortilla butter-side down, sprinkle a layer of cheese, top with saucy chicken, veggies, and another light sprinkle of cheese. Top with a second tortilla.
  3. Cook 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown and crisp.
  4. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for a minute before slicing into wedges.
Serving
  1. Serve with lime wedges, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream or avocado.

Notes

For a smoky twist, stir a little chipotle in adobo into the barbecue sauce. Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with shredded jackfruit or roasted mushrooms. You can turn it into a party platter or add toppings like pickled jalapenos for bold flavors.