If you’re craving a dish that bursts with smoky, spicy, and satisfying flavors, you’re going to love this Simple Chipotle BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but deliciously impressive to serve at a casual get-together. Combining tender chicken with a rich blend of chipotle and BBQ sauces, along with melty cheese and crispy tortillas, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and the perfect way to spice up your usual quesadilla game.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients come together to create a colorful and deeply flavorful meal. Each one not only builds flavor but adds texture and visual appeal to the final quesadilla.
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
- 1/4 cup Chipotle Sauce: Brings just the right smoky heat that defines the dish’s bold character.
- 1/4 cup BBQ Sauce: Adds a tangy sweetness that complements the spiciness perfectly.
- 2 cups Shredded Cheese: Opt for cheddar or Monterey Jack for melty, gooey goodness.
- 4 large Flour Tortillas: Soft and pliable, these hold the filling snugly and crisp beautifully when cooked.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Used for cooking, it ensures a perfectly golden, crispy exterior.
- 1 handful Fresh Cilantro: Optional but adds a fresh, herbal note to balance the richness.
- 1 cup Sour Cream: Optional, but the perfect cooling contrast to the smoky heat.
How to Make Simple Chipotle BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breast and cutting it into bite-sized pieces. Season these pieces lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken before cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
Step 3: Add Sauces and Simmer
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the chipotle sauce and BBQ sauce. Toss the chicken pieces until they are evenly coated, then let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to marry all those fantastic flavors.
Step 4: Prepare Tortillas
While the chicken simmers, lay out your flour tortillas on a clean surface. It’s helpful if they’re warm and flexible; this will make folding and cooking them a breeze without cracking.
Step 5: Assemble the Quesadillas
Divide the spicy chicken mixture evenly among the tortillas. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the filling and fold each tortilla in half to seal in the deliciousness.
Step 6: Cook the Quesadillas
Wipe out your skillet, return it to medium heat, and add a little more olive oil. Cook each folded quesadilla for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the tortilla is beautifully golden and crispy, and the cheese inside is melted to perfection.
Step 7: Final Touch and Serve
Once cooked, remove the quesadillas from the skillet and slice them into wedges. This step not only makes sharing easier but also exposes that irresistible, melty filling.
Step 8: Garnish and Enjoy
Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve alongside a cool spoonful of sour cream for dipping, completing this perfectly balanced meal.
How to Serve Simple Chipotle BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro leaves add a vibrant pop of green and a slight citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and sauce. Don’t skip the sour cream—it’s the ideal creamy companion that cools the smoky heat and adds smooth texture.
Side Dishes
Light, fresh sides like a crunchy slaw or a simple avocado and tomato salad make excellent partners. For a heartier meal, try serving with Mexican rice or black beans to keep the Tex-Mex vibes going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, serve your quesadilla wedges arranged in a circular pattern around a bowl of dipping sauce or guacamole. You can also pair the chips and fillings in mini versions for a fun appetizer at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes a fantastic next-day lunch or quick dinner with minimal effort.
Freezing
If you want to freeze them, wrap each quesadilla tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making it easy to enjoy this treat anytime.
Reheating
Reheat quesadillas in a skillet over medium heat to keep the tortillas crisp and the cheese melty. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that delightful crunch. A few minutes on each side is enough to warm through perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken myself?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can save time and still deliver fantastic flavor. Just toss the shredded chicken in the chipotle and BBQ sauces before assembling the quesadillas.
What kind of chipotle sauce works best?
Look for chipotle sauce with a smooth texture and balanced heat—too spicy can overwhelm the BBQ flavor. You can adjust the quantity to suit your spice tolerance.
Can I make these quesadillas vegetarian?
Certainly! Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or roasted vegetables for a delicious vegetarian twist while keeping the chipotle BBQ flavor.
What cheese melts best for these quesadillas?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classics for a reason—they melt beautifully and have great flavor. A blend of both can give you that perfect creamy and slightly tangy finish.
Is there a way to make these quesadillas healthier?
To lighten up the dish, use whole wheat tortillas and reduce the cheese slightly. Adding veggies like bell peppers or spinach inside will also boost the nutrition without sacrificing taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about the mix of smoky chipotle, tangy BBQ, tender chicken, and gooey cheese wrapped in a crisp tortilla. I really encourage you to try this Simple Chipotle BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate but is surprisingly simple to make. Once you taste it, you’ll be hooked and likely to make it again and again!
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Simple Chipotle BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Simple Chipotle BBQ Chicken Quesadillas recipe combines tender, spicy chicken with smoky chipotle and tangy BBQ sauce, melted cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, and warm flour tortillas to create a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (Trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/4 cup Chipotle Sauce (Adjust based on heat preference)
- 1/4 cup BBQ Sauce (Choose your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (For cooking the chicken)
- Salt and Pepper (To season the chicken)
Quesadillas
- 2 cups Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack recommended)
- 4 large Flour Tortillas (Soft and pliable for folding)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (For cooking the quesadillas)
Optional Garnish and Sides
- 1 handful Fresh Cilantro (Optional, for garnish)
- 1 cup Sour Cream (Optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Trim excess fat from the chicken breast and cut into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken pieces thoroughly with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Add Sauces to Chicken: Lower the heat to low, pour in the chipotle sauce and BBQ sauce, stir well to coat all the chicken pieces evenly, and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare Tortillas: Lay out the flour tortillas on a clean surface, making sure they are warm and pliable so they fold easily without cracking.
- Assemble Quesadillas: Evenly divide the chicken mixture among the tortillas, sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the filling, then fold each tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
- Cook Quesadillas: Wipe the skillet clean, return it to medium heat, and add a little olive oil. Place the folded quesadillas in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the exterior is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is melted.
- Serve: Check the quesadillas for doneness, then remove from heat. Slice each into wedges and serve warm for best taste and texture.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish the quesadillas with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve with sour cream on the side as a cool complement to the smoky, spicy chicken filling.
Notes
- Adjust the chipotle sauce quantity to control the spiciness to your preference.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Keep the tortillas warm before assembling to prevent cracking when folded.
- You can substitute flour tortillas with whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas if preferred.
- Leftover quesadillas can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness.
