BBQ Bacon Chicken Quesadillas

BBQ bacon chicken quesadillas are the kind of comfort food that instantly hits all the right notes—smoky, cheesy, savory, and just a little indulgent. They combine tender chicken, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and bold barbecue sauce, all pressed between golden tortillas until perfectly crisp.

This recipe is a favorite for busy weeknights, game days, and casual get-togethers because it’s quick, customizable, and deeply satisfying. Whether you serve them as a hearty lunch, an easy dinner, or a crowd-pleasing snack, BBQ bacon chicken quesadillas always disappear fast.

Once you try this combination, it’s hard to go back to plain quesadillas.

Why BBQ Bacon Chicken Quesadillas Work So Well

This dish brings together flavors that naturally complement each other:

• Smoky, tangy barbecue sauce

• Salty, crispy bacon

• Juicy, seasoned chicken

• Gooey, melty cheese

• Crispy tortillas with soft centers

It’s a balanced bite every time—crunch on the outside, rich and savory on the inside, with enough bold flavor to stand on its own or pair with simple sides.

Equipment

You don’t need much to make great quesadillas:

• Large skillet or griddle

• Tongs or wide spatula

• Cutting board

• Sharp knife

• Mixing bowl

• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients for BBQ Bacon Chicken Quesadillas

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• ½ cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite)

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• Black pepper, to taste

For the Quesadillas

• 4 large flour tortillas

• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend)

• Butter or oil, for the skillet

Optional Add-Ins

• Thinly sliced red onion

• Jalapeños

• Corn kernels

• Chopped cilantro

Timing & Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

• Total Time: 25–30 minutes

• Servings: 4 quesadillas

How to Make BBQ Bacon Chicken Quesadillas

Step 1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a bowl, combine cooked chicken, barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated.

Fold in the crumbled bacon, reserving a small amount if you want extra on top later.

Pro Tip: Warm the chicken mixture slightly before assembling—this helps the cheese melt faster without overcooking the tortillas.

Step 2. Assemble the Quesadillas

Lay tortillas flat on a clean surface.

• Sprinkle cheese over one half of each tortilla

• Add a generous layer of BBQ chicken mixture

• Add optional toppings if using

• Finish with another light layer of cheese

Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.

The cheese on both sides helps everything stick together.

Step 3. Cook Until Golden and Crispy

Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.

Cook quesadillas one at a time (or two if your pan allows):

• Cook for 2–3 minutes per side

• Flip carefully once the bottom is golden

• Press gently with a spatula to help seal

The goal is crisp tortillas with fully melted cheese.

Step 4. Slice and Serve

Remove quesadillas from the pan and let them rest for 1–2 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and prevents cheese from spilling out.

Slice into wedges and serve warm.

Tips for Perfect Quesadillas Every Time

• Use medium heat to avoid burning before cheese melts

• Don’t overfill—less is more for clean slices

• Shred your own cheese for better melting

• Let quesadillas rest briefly before cutting

Flavor Variations You’ll Love

Spicy BBQ Version

Use spicy barbecue sauce or add hot sauce or chipotle powder.

Ranch BBQ Twist

Drizzle ranch dressing inside before folding.

Buffalo-BBQ Fusion

Mix barbecue sauce with a little buffalo sauce.

Veggie-Loaded Option

Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.

Serving Suggestions

BBQ bacon chicken quesadillas pair well with both fresh and hearty sides:

• Coleslaw or cabbage salad

• Corn salad or street corn

• Simple green salad

• Guacamole or sour cream

• Extra barbecue sauce for dipping

They’re also excellent as a party appetizer when cut into smaller wedges.

Nutritional Facts (Per Quesadilla, Approximate)

• Calories: 420–480

• Protein: 28–32g

• Carbohydrates: 32–36g

• Fat: 22–26g

• Fiber: 2–3g

• Sugar: 6–8g

Values vary based on cheese type, bacon amount, and barbecue sauce.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to restore crispness

• Avoid Microwaving: It softens the tortillas

These quesadillas also work well for meal prep when stored uncut.

These lunch ideas are perfect when you want something hearty yet simple, like Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito, Shrimp Avocado Mango Bowl, or Buffalo Chicken Salad Wrap.

BBQ Bacon Chicken Quesadillas

These BBQ bacon chicken quesadillas combine tender chicken, crispy bacon, barbecue sauce, and gooey cheese inside golden tortillas for an easy, flavor-packed dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Lunch

Cuisine: American, tex mex inspired

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

For the BBQ Chicken Filling

• 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
• 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
• ½ cup barbecue sauce use your favorite
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Black pepper to taste

For the Quesadillas

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend
• Butter or oil for the skillet

Optional Add-Ins

• Thinly sliced red onion
• Jalapeños
• Corn kernels
• Chopped cilantro

Equipment

• Large skillet or griddle
• Tongs or wide spatula
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

Prepare the Chicken Mixture

1. In a bowl, combine cooked chicken, barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated.
2. Fold in the crumbled bacon, reserving a small amount if you want extra on top later.
3. Pro Tip: Warm the chicken mixture slightly before assembling—this helps the cheese melt faster without overcooking the tortillas.

Assemble the Quesadillas

1. Lay tortillas flat on a clean surface.
2. Sprinkle cheese over one half of each tortilla
3. Add a generous layer of BBQ chicken mixture
4. Add optional toppings if using
5. Finish with another light layer of cheese
6. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
7. The cheese on both sides helps everything stick together.

Cook Until Golden and Crispy

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
2. Cook quesadillas one at a time (or two if your pan allows):
3. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side
4. Flip carefully once the bottom is golden
5. Press gently with a spatula to help seal
6. The goal is crisp tortillas with fully melted cheese.

Slice and Serve

1. Remove quesadillas from the pan and let them rest for 1–2 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and prevents cheese from spilling out.
2. Slice into wedges and serve warm.

Conclusion

BBQ bacon chicken quesadillas are everything a great quesadilla should be—crispy on the outside, cheesy and flavorful on the inside, and packed with smoky barbecue goodness. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to casual entertaining.

Once you make them, they’re bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.

2. What cheese melts best?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend all melt well.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prep the filling ahead, but cook quesadillas fresh for best texture.

4. Are these freezer-friendly?

They can be frozen, but texture is best when eaten fresh or refrigerated.

5. Can I make them in an air fryer?

Yes. Cook at 375°F for 4–5 minutes per side until golden.