Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to meal—BBQ bacon chicken quesadillas! They’re a delightful concoction that marries smoky, savory flavors with ooey-gooey cheese, and every bite feels like a warm hug. I just love how quick and easy they are to whip up, making them perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings with friends. The combination of shredded chicken and crispy bacon, all slathered in your favorite BBQ sauce, is seriously mouthwatering. Plus, you can customize them however you like, adding your favorite toppings or sides. Trust me, once you try these quesadillas, they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen too! They’re just that good.
Ingredients List
You’ll want to gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients to make your BBQ bacon chicken quesadillas shine:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken, ideally from a rotisserie or leftover chicken
- 1 cup cooked chopped bacon, crispy and ready to add that savory crunch
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, choose your favorite for the best flavor
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella work great)
- 4 large tortillas, flour or corn, whichever you prefer
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for that perfect golden crisp
How to Prepare BBQ Bacon Chicken Quesadillas
Making these BBQ bacon chicken quesadillas is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be savoring every cheesy, smoky bite in no time:
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, and BBQ sauce until everything is well combined. This is where the magic begins, so don’t skimp on the mixing!
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. This will help create that delicious golden crust on your quesadillas.
- Once the skillet is hot and the oil is shimmering, place one tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle half of it generously with shredded cheese—the gooier, the better!
- Add a portion of the chicken and bacon mixture on top of the cheese. Don’t be shy; load it up!
- Top it off with a little more cheese because, let’s be honest, you can never have too much cheese! Then, carefully fold the tortilla in half.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. You’ll love the sound of that sizzling!
- Gently flip the quesadilla using a spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until it’s beautifully golden and the cheese is all melty.
- Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling until they’re all cooked up and ready to go.
- Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve warm. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but I won’t judge if you sneak a bite while they’re still sizzling!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These BBQ bacon chicken quesadillas are just bursting with goodness, and I can’t wait to share why they’re going to be your new favorite dish!
- Quick preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip these up even on the busiest of days!
- Easy to customize: Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies or switch up the cheese—there are no rules here!
- Flavorful: The combination of smoky BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s a casual get-together or a game day feast, these quesadillas are a surefire hit with friends and family.
Tips for Success
To ensure your BBQ bacon chicken quesadillas turn out absolutely perfect every single time, here are a few tips that I swear by:
- Optimal cooking temperature: Keep your skillet at medium heat. Too high and you risk burning the tortillas before the cheese melts—nobody wants a charred quesadilla!
- Cheese choices: While I love using cheddar and mozzarella, feel free to experiment with pepper jack for a spicy kick or a blend of cheeses for extra creaminess. The more, the merrier!
- Crispy texture: Don’t skimp on the olive oil! It’s the secret to achieving that golden, crispy exterior. You could also brush a little oil on the tortillas before cooking for an extra crunch.
- Don’t overload: While it’s tempting to pack them full of filling, leaving a little space around the edges makes it easier to flip and helps the cheese melt nicely.
- Let them rest: After cooking, let the quesadillas sit for a minute before slicing. This helps the cheese set a bit, making for cleaner cuts and less mess when you dig in!
Variations
The beauty of BBQ bacon chicken quesadillas is that they’re as versatile as your imagination! Here are some fun ideas to customize them to your taste:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for a spicy twist that’ll wake up your taste buds!
- Cheesy goodness: Mix in different types of cheese like pepper jack for heat, gouda for a smoky flavor, or even a creamy queso blend for a deliciously gooey experience.
- Veggie overload: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even fresh spinach to add a pop of color and nutrition. The more veggies, the merrier, right?
- BBQ flavors: Try different BBQ sauces to switch up the flavor profile. A tangy mustard-based sauce or a sweet honey BBQ could bring a whole new vibe to your quesadillas.
- Sweet and savory: For a unique twist, consider adding some caramelized onions or a sprinkle of pineapple for a delightful sweet contrast to the smoky bacon.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect BBQ bacon chicken quesadillas. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes cooking so much fun!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some BBQ bacon chicken quesadillas left over? No problem! Here’s how to store them properly and reheat them to keep that delicious flavor and texture intact:
- Storing leftovers: Allow the quesadillas to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing for later: If you want to save them for a rainy day, you can freeze the quesadillas! Just follow the same cooling and wrapping method. They’ll be good for about 2 months in the freezer. Trust me, having these on hand is a total game changer!
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat them is in a skillet over medium heat. This helps restore that nice crispy texture. Just pop the quesadilla in the skillet and heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side until warmed through.
- Oven option: If you’re reheating a few at once, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the quesadillas on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until they’re nice and hot. Cover with foil to prevent them from getting too brown.
- Microwave method: In a pinch, you can also use the microwave, but be warned—it might end up a bit soggier! Just place the quesadilla on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking to see if it’s warmed through.
With these tips, you can enjoy your BBQ bacon chicken quesadillas even after the initial feast! Just remember, they are best fresh, but I promise they’ll still taste amazing as leftovers.
Nutritional Information
Now, I want to give you a little heads-up about the nutritional info for these BBQ bacon chicken quesadillas. Keep in mind that the actual values can vary based on the ingredients and brands you choose, so this is just a ballpark idea. Still, here’s what you can expect per serving (that’s one quesadilla):
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 25g
So there you have it! These quesadillas pack a hearty punch of protein, and while they’re definitely a treat, they can fit into a balanced meal when enjoyed in moderation. Just remember to have fun with your cooking and eat what makes you happy!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these mouthwatering BBQ bacon chicken quesadillas? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get:
Can I use raw chicken in this recipe?
I wouldn’t recommend it! It’s best to use cooked chicken for these quesadillas to ensure everything melts together nicely. Leftover rotisserie chicken works like a charm!
What’s the best way to customize the flavor?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can play around with different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor profile. Spicy, sweet, tangy—whatever makes your taste buds sing!
Can I make these quesadillas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the filling and store it in the fridge for a couple of days. Just assemble and cook when you’re ready for a quick meal!
What should I serve with BBQ bacon chicken quesadillas?
I love serving them with a side of sour cream, guacamole, or even a fresh salad. They’re also fantastic with some crispy tortilla chips for that extra crunch!
Can I freeze the quesadillas?
Yes, you can! Just make sure they’re properly wrapped and stored in the freezer. When you’re ready, thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat for a quick and tasty meal!
BBQ Bacon Chicken Quesadillas: 7 Ways to Savor Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
BBQ bacon chicken quesadillas are a delicious and easy meal option that combines smoky flavors with gooey cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 4 large tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, chopped bacon, and BBQ sauce.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of it with cheese.
- Add a portion of the chicken and bacon mixture on top of the cheese.
- Sprinkle more cheese on top and fold the tortilla in half.
- Cook until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Feel free to customize with additional veggies like bell peppers or onions.
- Use your favorite BBQ sauce for different flavors.
- Serve with sour cream or guacamole on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 quesadilla
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: bbq bacon chicken quesadillas
