BBQ Chicken Quesadilla: A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Easy Dinner Idea 

As a busy working mom, finding time to prepare healthy and delicious meals for the family can be challenging. We all need quick, easy dinner recipes that don’t compromise on taste or nutrition. One of my go-to favorites is BBQ Chicken Quesadillas. They’re not only super quick to make but also a hit with the family. This easy weeknight dinner recipe is perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want to serve something wholesome and satisfying.

Shopping List

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Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure you have all the ingredients you need. Here’s a quick shopping list:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (you can use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand, or make your own)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
• Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil

Recipe

1. Prepare the Chicken: If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, shred it into small pieces. Mix the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce in a bowl until well-coated.
2. Assemble the Quesadillas: Lay out the flour tortillas on a flat surface. On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese. Add a layer of BBQ chicken, followed by some red onion slices, corn kernels, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Top with another layer of cheese.
3. Cook the Quesadillas: Fold the tortillas in half to create a half-moon shape. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray or olive oil. Place the quesadillas in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool for a minute before cutting them into wedges. Serve with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

Tips and Alternatives

1. Healthier Options:

   • Whole Wheat Tortillas: Use whole wheat tortillas, or corn tortillas instead of white flour tortillas for added fiber and nutrients.
   • Lean Chicken: Opt for grilled or baked chicken breast to reduce fat content.
   • Low-Fat Cheese: Use a low-fat cheese option to cut down on saturated fat.
   • More Veggies: Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or black beans for an extra nutritional boost.

2. Meal Prep Tips:

   • Batch Cooking: Cook and shred the chicken in advance, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes assembling the quesadillas even quicker on busy nights.
   • Freezing: These quesadillas can be made ahead and frozen. Assemble them, but don’t cook them. Instead, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. When ready to eat, cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

3. Kid-Friendly Variations:

   • Mild BBQ Sauce: Use a mild BBQ sauce if your kids aren’t fans of spicy food.
   • Cheese Only Option: For picky eaters, you can make plain cheese quesadillas and serve the BBQ chicken on the side.

BBQ Chicken Quesadillas are the perfect solution for working moms who need an easy dinner recipe that the whole family will love. Ready in under 20 minutes, this healthy dinner recipe is packed with flavor and can be customized to fit your family’s tastes and dietary needs. Plus, with a few simple swaps, you can make it even healthier. Give it a try this week and enjoy a stress-free, delicious meal!

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more easy weeknight dinners and family-friendly recipes. I’d love to hear how your BBQ Chicken Quesadillas turn out, so be sure to leave a comment below!