Go Back
BBQ Bacon Chicken Quesadillas

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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American, tex mex inspired
Calories: 420

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.