BBQ Chicken Quesadillas with Red Onion and Cilantro
These quesadillas are crispy, cheesy, and packed with BBQ flavor. Tender chicken, red onion, and fresh cilantro are layered between tortillas with gooey cheese, then lightly toasted until golden. Perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or snack.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 20–22 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (grilled, rotisserie, or leftover)
3–4 tbsp BBQ sauce
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack)
4 medium flour or whole wheat tortillas
1 tsp olive oil or cooking spray
Optional: sour cream or salsa for serving
Instructions
Prep chicken: Toss shredded chicken with BBQ sauce in a bowl until well coated.
Assemble quesadillas:
Lay a tortilla flat.
Evenly layer cheese, BBQ chicken, red onion, cilantro, and more cheese on top.
Place another tortilla on top and press lightly.
Cook quesadillas:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly brush or spray with olive oil.
Cook quesadilla 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
Serve:
Slice quesadillas into wedges. Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Notes & Tips
Cheese tip: Layer cheese both under and over the filling to help hold everything together.
Extra flavor: Add jalapenos, roasted corn, or black beans for a Southwest twist.
Crispy quesadilla: Don’t overload with filling to ensure it cooks evenly and crisps up.
Make ahead: Cook chicken with BBQ sauce in advance; assemble and cook quesadillas just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes! It’s a perfect shortcut and adds great flavor.
Q: Can I make these vegetarian?
A: Substitute chicken with beans, roasted veggies, or a plant-based meat alternative.
Q: Can I freeze quesadillas?
A: Assemble but don’t cook. Wrap in foil and freeze. Reheat in oven or air fryer until crispy.
Q: Can I use corn tortillas?
A: Yes, but they may be more delicate—handle carefully when flipping.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 350–400 kcal
Protein: 22–25 g
Carbohydrates: 30–32 g
Fiber: 3–4 g
Fat: 15–18 g
Sugar: 6–8 g
Sodium: 550–600 mg