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30-Minute BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Crispy golden quesadillas filled with smoky BBQ-sauced rotisserie chicken, two melty cheeses, and red onion — 30 minutes, about 36g protein per serving (estimated).
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken from about 1/2 large rotisserie chicken
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce plus more for dipping
  • 4 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese 3/4 cup sharp cheddar + 3/4 cup Monterey Jack
  • 1/2 small red onion thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil divided
  • Ranch dressing or extra BBQ sauce for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet (12-inch), preferably cast iron or nonstick
  • Wide spatula
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Shred the rotisserie chicken into bite-size pieces, discarding any skin and bones. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with the 1/2 cup BBQ sauce until every piece is evenly coated. Thinly slice the red onion and chop the cilantro.
  2. Set the large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 tablespoon of the vegetable oil and swirl to coat; let it shimmer. While it heats, lay out two of the tortillas on the counter.
  3. Spread one-quarter of the BBQ chicken over one half of each tortilla. Top each with 1/4 of the cheese blend, a few red onion slices, and a pinch of cilantro. Fold the empty half over the filling and press gently so the tortillas hold their shape.
  4. Lay the two folded quesadillas in the hot skillet. Cook 3 minutes per side, pressing lightly with the spatula, until the tortillas are deep golden and crisp and the cheese is fully melted. Transfer to a cutting board.
  5. Repeat: add another 1/2 tablespoon oil to the skillet, fill and fold the remaining two tortillas, and cook 3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. If the skillet looks dry between batches, add the remaining oil.
  6. Let the quesadillas rest 1 minute, then slice each into 4 wedges. Serve hot with ranch dressing or extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

Notes

Food safety: use pre-cooked chicken only — the crisping time is too short to cook raw chicken safely. The filling must reach steaming hot (165°F); melted cheese bubbling at the edges is your signal. Leftovers 3 days refrigerated; reheat in a dry skillet to 165°F. Not freezer-friendly. Protein ~36g/serving estimated from USDA FoodData Central; not lab-tested.