1. Prepare the BBQ Chicken

The first step in making BBQ Chicken Quesadillas is preparing the BBQ chicken. Start by cooking and shredding the chicken. If you have leftover cooked chicken, this is a perfect opportunity to use it. Otherwise, cook the chicken breasts in a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked through. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding it using two forks.

In a large bowl, toss the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until evenly coated. You can use any BBQ sauce you prefer, but a tangy, smoky sauce works best for this recipe. Set the BBQ chicken aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

2. Prepare the Quesadilla Fillings

Next, gather all the ingredients you will be using for the quesadilla filling. Start by shredding the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. These two types of cheese offer a perfect combination of meltiness and flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Thinly slice the red onion and chop the cilantro (if using). If you’re adding corn or black beans, have them ready as well. These optional ingredients add extra flavor and texture, but you can skip them if you prefer a more traditional BBQ chicken filling.

3. Assemble the Quesadillas

To assemble the quesadillas, lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface. On half of the tortilla, spread a layer of BBQ chicken, followed by a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Add a few slices of red onion, a sprinkle of cilantro, and any other optional ingredients like corn or black beans. Be sure not to overstuff the quesadilla to avoid spilling the filling during cooking.

Once the fillings are in place, fold the tortilla in half to enclose the ingredients. Press down gently to help seal the quesadilla.

4. Cook the Quesadillas

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the prepared quesadilla in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Use a spatula to flip the quesadilla carefully, ensuring it doesn’t fall apart. You may need to cook the quesadillas in batches, depending on the size of your pan.

Once the quesadilla is cooked to perfection, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a cutting board. Repeat the process for the remaining quesadillas.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Allow the quesadillas to cool for a minute before cutting them into wedges. This will make them easier to slice and prevent the cheesy filling from spilling out. Serve the BBQ Chicken Quesadillas with your favorite dipping sauces, such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole. You can also garnish the quesadillas with extra cilantro or a drizzle of BBQ sauce for added flavor.