BBQ Chicken Quesadillas – 5-Step Ultimate Easy Dinner

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas: Easy Blackstone Recipe for Griddle-Lovers

Grilling season calls for something smoky, cheesy, and quick—and these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas check every box. Whether you’re cooking outdoors on your Blackstone griddle or whipping up a hearty dinner for the family, this sizzling recipe brings together flavor and simplicity in the best way. In this article, we’ll cover how to make these quesadillas, pro tips for customizing them, ideas for feeding a crowd, and grilling tricks for busy weeknights.

Let’s dive into how I created this go-to griddle meal—and why it’s become a backyard favorite.

The Story Behind My BBQ Chicken Quesadillas (and Why You’ll Love Them)

When summer hits, I basically live by the grill. One of my favorite memories was a Saturday evening, the sun just dipping low, when I threw together a batch of these BBQ Chicken Quesadillas on the Blackstone while the kids played tag in the yard. I didn’t expect much—just a simple idea to use up leftover chicken thighs—but the result was a perfectly crisped tortilla, smoky sweet BBQ glaze, melty cheese, and just enough spice from the hot honey. The plate emptied faster than I could flip the next batch.

Since then, it’s become one of my most requested outdoor meal ideas, especially when we’re hosting casual get-togethers. The beauty is in the layers: that bold BBQ flavor, the crunch of the grilled tortilla, and the hot honey drizzle that makes each bite pop. Whether you’re a griddle pro or looking for easy Blackstone meals for a crowd, these quesadillas bring the flavor—and then some.

If you’re into meals to make on the Blackstone like Cajun Steak Pasta or Corn Chicken Bowl, this recipe fits right into your lineup of hot dinner recipes. It’s bold, fast, and family-friendly, making it a staple on my griddle rotation.

Ingredients & Smart Swaps for BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Choosing the Best Chicken and Tortillas

When it comes to BBQ Chicken Quesadillas, the key to getting that rich, satisfying flavor starts with your protein. I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness and juiciness, but chicken breasts work just as well if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just season well—kosher salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ rub are all you need to build a strong flavor foundation before you even add the sauce.

As for tortillas, large burrito-size flour tortillas are perfect for the Blackstone. They’re sturdy, easy to fold, and grill to a beautiful golden crisp. If you’re cooking for a crowd, smaller tortillas can be a great way to serve bite-sized versions that hold together well on the griddle.

Looking for healthy dinner on the grill options? Try swapping in low-carb or whole wheat tortillas and using grilled chicken breast. For more inspiration, check out the Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts recipe—it’s another flavorful but healthier grilled dish that works well with quesadillas too.

Sauces, Cheese & Add-Ins That Elevate Flavor

The BBQ sauce and hot honey duo is the real star here. You’ll want to pick a BBQ sauce that’s rich but not overly sweet—something with a smoky kick or vinegar tang works best. Drizzling in hot honey adds a fiery sweetness that balances the savory meat and cheese.

Speaking of cheese, the sky’s the limit. I usually go with a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for that creamy melt and bold taste, but you can also use pepper jack, mozzarella, or a smoky gouda. Feel free to sneak in finely chopped jalapeños, red onions, or even grilled corn for extra crunch and flavor.

If you enjoy recipes packed with cheese and flavor like Crack Chicken Gnocchi, this BBQ quesadilla will definitely hit the spot.

Step-by-Step – Making BBQ Chicken Quesadillas on the Blackstone

Grilling the Chicken to Perfection

Start by preheating your Blackstone griddle to medium heat. Add a drizzle of your preferred cooking oil—avocado oil works great because of its high smoke point. Place your chicken thighs or breasts directly onto the hot surface and season generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and a BBQ seasoning blend. Cook for about 6 minutes, flipping and chopping the meat with your spatulas as it browns.

Once it’s fully cooked and slightly charred, pour in about 3 tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce and a good drizzle of hot honey. Mix everything together and let it sizzle for another 2 minutes. The sugars will caramelize slightly, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze that clings to every bite. Remove the chicken and scrape the griddle clean.

If you’re a fan of other grilled meat dinners like the Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you’ll love how this method layers in smoky heat with minimal fuss.

Assembling and Griddling the Quesadillas

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add a light coating of oil and lay out your flour tortillas flat on the griddle. On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese, then spoon on the BBQ chicken. Drizzle more BBQ sauce and hot honey if desired, and add cilantro for a fresh pop (totally optional). Top with the remaining cheese, then fold the other side of the tortilla over to create that classic half-moon shape.

Cook each quesadilla for 1–2 minutes per side, pressing gently with your spatula to help the cheese melt and the tortilla crisp up. Once golden brown and crunchy, remove from the griddle and let cool slightly before slicing.

Pair them with your favorite toppings—sour cream, jalapeños, or even extra sauce for dipping. If you’re looking for crowd-pleasers like these, be sure to try the Air Fryer Salmon or Egg and Cheese Toasts for other quick hot dinner recipes.

Serving Ideas, Storage Tips & Blackstone Tricks

What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

These quesadillas are packed with flavor, so side dishes can be simple. A crisp slaw or grilled corn on the cob adds a fresh crunch to balance the smoky-sweet filling. If you’re serving a group, pair them with tortilla chips and a smoky chipotle ranch dip or guacamole for a casual spread that feels restaurant-worthy.

For outdoor meal ideas, serve alongside refreshing drinks like lemonade, iced tea, or even a citrusy mocktail. This recipe fits perfectly into any cookout or backyard hangout. If you want something similarly hearty with bold flavors, check out this Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta or the Cajun Steak Pasta—both are perfect additions to your summer dinner lineup.

Storage, Reheating & Blackstone Cooking Tips

Leftovers? You bet. Store any cooled quesadillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back on the griddle or a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes per side. This keeps them crispy without drying out the cheese.

If you’re cooking for a crowd and need to keep batches warm, transfer finished quesadillas to a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you finish grilling the rest. Want to speed things up? Cook the chicken ahead of time and just assemble and grill when ready to serve.

A quick Blackstone tip: Always preheat evenly and manage zones of heat—cook chicken on higher heat, but quesadillas on a medium-low area to avoid burning the tortillas before the cheese melts. This technique helps when juggling multiple dishes on the grill—like when you’re also preparing something like the Corn Chicken Bowl.

FAQs About BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

1. Can I make BBQ chicken quesadillas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and even assemble the quesadillas in advance. Store them wrapped in foil in the fridge, then grill or reheat them just before serving. For extra crispiness, always reheat on the griddle or in a skillet instead of the microwave.

2. What’s the best cheese for BBQ chicken quesadillas?
A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack is ideal for melt and flavor, but you can use mozzarella, Colby, or even smoked gouda. Choose a cheese that melts well and balances the sweet and smoky BBQ profile.

3. Can I make these quesadillas healthier?
Absolutely! Use chicken breast instead of thighs, opt for whole wheat or low-carb tortillas, and reduce the cheese or use a light version. You can also swap hot honey for plain honey or skip it entirely. Recipes like Healthy Chicken and Veggie Soup show how easy it is to keep flavor while trimming calories.

4. What other meats work in place of chicken?
Pulled pork, grilled steak, or even leftover rotisserie chicken make great alternatives. Just be sure to toss them in BBQ sauce and a touch of honey to mimic the original flavor profile.

Conclusion: Why BBQ Chicken Quesadillas Deserve a Spot on Your Griddle

These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are everything you want in a hot, satisfying dinner—crispy on the outside, cheesy and smoky-sweet on the inside. Whether you’re looking for easy Blackstone meals for a crowd or a new way to upgrade grilled dinners, this recipe is flexible, fast, and flavorful. Serve it up with cool toppings, and you’ve got a weeknight winner or a weekend crowd-pleaser.

For more dinner ideas on the BBQ grill or comforting family meals, don’t miss our Crack Chicken Gnocchi or Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Now fire up that griddle and enjoy every gooey, crispy, sticky-sweet bite.

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