Barbecue Chicken Quesadillas are an easy way to turn cooked chicken into a crispy, cheesy meal with plenty of smoky, tangy flavor. Shredded chicken is mixed with barbecue sauce, salsa, taco sauce, and green chiles, then tucked into flour tortillas with sharp cheddar cheese and cooked until golden and crisp.

This recipe comes together quickly and is perfect for busy weeknights, casual lunches, game-day snacks, or using leftover chicken. Serve the quesadillas with sour cream and extra salsa for dipping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Using cooked chicken keeps preparation simple.
Big flavor: Barbecue sauce, salsa, taco sauce, and green chiles create a flavorful filling.
Crispy and cheesy: Golden tortillas and melted cheddar make every bite satisfying.
Great for leftovers: It’s an easy way to repurpose leftover cooked chicken.
Family-friendly: You can easily adjust the spice level.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 quesadillas
Category: Lunch / Dinner
Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex Inspired

Ingredients

3 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles
½ cup salsa
⅓ cup barbecue sauce
¼ cup taco sauce
8 flour tortillas (8 inches)
¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Optional: Sour cream and additional salsa, for serving

How to Make Barbecue Chicken Quesadillas

1. Prepare the Chicken Filling

Add the shredded cooked chicken, chopped green chiles, salsa, barbecue sauce, and taco sauce to a large bowl.

Stir until the chicken is evenly coated and all the ingredients are well combined.

2. Assemble the Quesadillas

Place four flour tortillas on a clean work surface.

Spread the chicken mixture evenly over each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.

Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken.

Top with the remaining four tortillas and gently press down to hold the quesadillas together.

3. Cook the Quesadillas

Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Place one or two quesadillas in the skillet, depending on its size. Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crisp and the cheese has melted.

Carefully flip with a wide spatula to avoid spilling the filling.

Repeat with the remaining quesadillas.

4. Slice and Serve

Transfer the cooked quesadillas to a cutting board and let them rest for 1–2 minutes.

Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve warm with sour cream and additional salsa.

Recipe Tips for Success

Don’t overfill the tortillas: Too much filling can make the quesadillas difficult to flip.
Keep the heat moderate: Medium heat gives the cheese time to melt before the tortillas become too dark.
Use well-drained chicken: Excess moisture can make the quesadillas soggy.
Press gently: A light press with the spatula helps the tortillas brown evenly.
Let them rest briefly: This helps the melted cheese set slightly and makes slicing easier.

Ingredient Substitutions

Cooked chicken: Use leftover roasted, grilled, or rotisserie-style chicken.
Sharp cheddar: Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend can be used.
Flour tortillas: Whole wheat tortillas can be substituted.
Salsa: Use mild, medium, or hot salsa depending on your preferred heat level.
Barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite smoky, sweet, or tangy barbecue sauce.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Barbecue Chicken Quesadilla

Use hot salsa and taco sauce, or add sliced jalapeños for extra heat.

BBQ Chicken and Corn Quesadilla

Add a few tablespoons of drained corn to the chicken mixture for sweetness and texture.

BBQ Chicken Ranch Quesadilla

Drizzle a little ranch dressing over the chicken filling before adding the cheese.

Extra-Cheesy Quesadilla

Increase the shredded cheddar for a cheesier filling, or combine cheddar with Monterey Jack.

What to Serve With Barbecue Chicken Quesadillas

Serve these quesadillas with:

Sour cream
Extra salsa
Guacamole
Pico de gallo
Sliced avocado
Corn salad
Black bean salad
Mexican-style rice
Fresh green salad

How to Store

Let leftover quesadillas cool completely before placing them in an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

For the crispiest results, reheat them in a skillet or air fryer rather than the microwave.

Skillet

Heat a dry skillet over medium-low heat and cook the quesadilla for a few minutes per side until warmed through and crisp.

Air Fryer

Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 3–5 minutes, checking frequently.

Can You Freeze Barbecue Chicken Quesadillas?

Yes. Assemble the quesadillas without cooking them, then place parchment paper between each one and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Freeze for up to 2 months.

Cook directly from frozen in a skillet over medium-low heat, allowing extra time for the filling to warm through and the cheese to melt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover chicken?

Absolutely. This recipe is a great way to use leftover cooked chicken. Simply shred it before mixing it with the sauces and green chiles.

What is the best cheese for chicken quesadillas?

Sharp cheddar works especially well because its strong flavor complements the barbecue sauce. Monterey Jack and Colby Jack are also excellent melting cheeses.

How do I keep quesadillas crispy?

Avoid using too much wet filling and cook the quesadillas over medium heat rather than high heat. Reheating in a skillet or air fryer also helps maintain their crisp texture.

Can I make these quesadillas less spicy?

Yes. Use mild salsa and mild taco sauce, and choose mild green chiles. You can also reduce the amount of taco sauce.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes. The chicken mixture can be prepared up to a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator. Assemble and cook the quesadillas when you’re ready to serve.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings:

Calories: 520
Protein: 37g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 1,250mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary depending on the chicken, tortillas, barbecue sauce, salsa, taco sauce, and cheese used.

Final Thoughts

Barbecue Chicken Quesadillas combine everything you want in an easy comfort-food meal: tender shredded chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, spicy green chiles, tangy salsa, and plenty of melted cheddar tucked inside crisp golden tortillas.