Smoky Barbecue Chicken Quesadillas
These Smoky Barbecue Chicken Quesadillas are a delicious way to use up leftover chicken or turkey, resulting in a comforting, gooey meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner. Combining savory sautéed onions, sweet bell peppers, and tender shredded chicken coated in tangy barbecue sauce, this dish is packed with flavor. The crispy tortillas, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and optional cilantro garnish elevate it to a new level of deliciousness. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner or just looking for a quick satisfying meal, these quesadillas are sure to please your taste buds and leave everyone asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
red onion
1 (sliced thin)
bell pepper
1 (sliced thin (red or green) (optional))
butter
2 tablespoons (for sautéing and buttering the tortillas)
cooked chicken
1 cup (shredded)
barbecue sauce
1/2-1 cup (to taste)
Monterey Jack cheese
1-2 cups (shredded)
cilantro
to taste (chopped (optional))
large flour tortillas
4
additional barbecue sauce
for serving
Instructions
1
In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add sliced red onion and bell pepper (if using) to the pan. Sauté for 4-5 minutes or until they become soft and slightly caramelized. Once cooked, remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
2
In the same skillet, add the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce. Heat on medium-low for about 3-4 minutes until the chicken is warmed through and coated with the sauce. Remove from heat.
3
Lightly butter one side of a tortilla with 1/2 tablespoon of butter. Place it butter-side down in the skillet.
4
Evenly sprinkle a layer of shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 1/4-1/2 cup) over one half of the tortilla. Top with a portion of the saucy shredded chicken, sautéed onions, and bell peppers. Add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro if desired, then fold the tortilla over to form a semi-circle.
5
Cook the quesadilla for about 3-4 minutes on the first side, or until it turns golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the other side is similarly golden.
6
Once cooked, transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board and let it cool slightly before cutting into wedges.
7
Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling ingredients.
8
Serve warm with additional barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Smoky Barbecue Chicken Quesadillas?
These quesadillas are a comforting meal consisting of sautéed red onions, bell peppers, and shredded chicken tossed in barbecue sauce, all melted with Monterey Jack cheese inside crispy flour tortillas.
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
You can use one cup of cooked, shredded chicken. This is an excellent way to use up leftover chicken or turkey.
What kind of cheese is best for these quesadillas?
Monterey Jack cheese is recommended for its excellent melting properties, but you can use other varieties if preferred.
How many tortillas does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 4 large flour tortillas.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes thinly sliced red onion and optional thinly sliced red or green bell peppers.
How do I prepare the vegetables?
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the sliced red onion and bell pepper for 4-5 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
How do I warm the chicken?
Add the shredded chicken and barbecue sauce to the skillet and heat on medium-low for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is warmed through and coated.
How much barbecue sauce should I use?
The recipe suggests 1/2 to 1 cup of barbecue sauce, depending on your taste preferences.
How do I get the tortillas crispy?
Lightly butter one side of the tortilla with 1/2 tablespoon of butter and place it butter-side down in the skillet while cooking.
How do I assemble the quesadilla?
Sprinkle cheese over half of the tortilla, top with the chicken and vegetable mixture, add cilantro if desired, and fold the tortilla into a semi-circle.
How long should I cook each side?
Cook for about 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Can I add cilantro to the recipe?
Yes, chopped cilantro can be added to the filling for extra flavor, though it is optional.
What is the best way to serve these quesadillas?
Serve them warm, cut into wedges, with additional barbecue sauce on the side for dipping.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, these quesadillas are described as family-friendly and are sure to please both kids and adults.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This dish is categorized as Mexican cuisine and is ideal for lunch or dinner.
How much cheese should I use per quesadilla?
Use approximately 1/4 to 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese per tortilla.
Can I use green bell peppers instead of red?
Yes, you can use either red or green bell peppers, or omit them entirely if you prefer.
Should I let the quesadilla cool before cutting?
Yes, let it cool slightly on a cutting board before slicing into wedges to help the cheese set.
What if I don't have leftover chicken?
You can quickly cook and shred some chicken breasts or use a rotisserie chicken from the store.
How much butter is needed in total?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of butter: one for sautéing vegetables and the rest for buttering the tortillas.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely, leftover turkey works perfectly in this recipe as a substitute for chicken.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, since it uses pre-cooked chicken and takes only a few minutes to sauté and grill, it is a very fast meal.
What texture should the onions have?
The onions should be sautéed until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
Can I make these spicy?
You can easily make them spicy by using a spicy barbecue sauce or adding jalapeños to the filling.
How do I prevent the filling from falling out when flipping?
Ensure the cheese is melted enough to act as a glue and use a wide spatula to carefully flip the semi-circle.
Are these quesadillas good for leftovers?
While best served fresh and crispy, they can be reheated in a pan to maintain some of the crunch.
What size tortillas should I buy?
Large flour tortillas are recommended to accommodate the generous amount of filling.
Can I use a different type of onion?
While red onion provides a nice sweetness, you can substitute with yellow or white onion if needed.
Is the cilantro cooked with the chicken?
No, the cilantro is added fresh during the assembly phase before folding the tortilla.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including optional items like cilantro and bell peppers.