Get ready to elevate your snacking game with these irresistible Smoky BBQ Bacon Chicken Quesadilla Bites! Bursting with bold flavors and ooey-gooey cheese, these bite-sized treats are the perfect appetizer for game day gatherings, party platters, or even a satisfying family dinner. Smoky, savory, and downright delicious, these quesadilla bites are sure to have your taste buds dancing.

Ingredients That Bring the Flavor

The secret to these Smoky BBQ Bacon Chicken Quesadilla Bites lies in the carefully selected ingredients. Let’s break down each component and explore how it contributes to the overall flavor profile:

Cooked Chicken: This protein-packed ingredient is the foundation of the dish, providing a tender and juicy base for the BBQ sauce and cheese.
BBQ Sauce: The smoky and tangy BBQ sauce coats the chicken, infusing it with a bold and irresistible flavor.
Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese: The combination of these two melty cheeses creates a gooey and satisfying filling that complements the chicken and BBQ sauce perfectly.
Bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon adds a delightful crunch and a touch of savory goodness to each bite.
Flour Tortillas: The soft and pliable tortillas act as the canvas, holding all the flavorful ingredients together.
Smoked Paprika and Garlic Powder: These spices elevate the overall smoky and savory notes, taking the dish to new heights of flavor.
Olive Oil: Used for cooking the quesadillas, the olive oil helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
Green Onions: A fresh, vibrant garnish that adds a pop of color and a subtle onion flavor.

Remember, the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties, substitute the chicken with other proteins, or add your own unique twist to the flavor profile.

Essential Equipment for Smoky BBQ Bacon Chicken Quesadilla Bites

To create these delectable quesadilla bites, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

Mixing bowls for prepping the fillings
A skillet or griddle for cooking the quesadillas
A baking sheet for baking the assembled quesadillas
A sharp knife and cutting board for prepping the ingredients

With these essential items, you’ll be well on your way to assembling and cooking up a batch of these irresistible Smoky BBQ Bacon Chicken Quesadilla Bites.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfection

Ready to bring these Smoky BBQ Bacon Chicken Quesadilla Bites to life? Follow these simple steps for a delicious result:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures your quesadillas will bake to a perfect golden-brown finish.
Mix the Chicken and Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce until the chicken is evenly coated. The sauce will infuse the chicken with its signature smoky and tangy flavor.
Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, the crumbled bacon, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. This flavorful filling will melt and ooze deliciously in the quesadillas.
Assemble the Quesadilla Bites: Place a tortilla on a flat surface and add a generous scoop of the BBQ chicken mixture to one half of the tortilla. Top it with a portion of the cheese and bacon filling, then fold the tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape.
Cook the Quesadillas: In a skillet or griddle preheated with a drizzle of olive oil, cook the quesadillas for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the cooked quesadillas to a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for an additional 5 minutes. This step ensures the cheese is fully melted and the tortillas are perfectly crispy.
Serve and Enjoy: Cut the quesadillas into bite-sized pieces and garnish them with the chopped green onions. Serve these Smoky BBQ Bacon Chicken Quesadilla Bites hot and enjoy every delectable morsel!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Smoky BBQ Bacon Chicken Quesadilla Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Serve them on a platter with various dipping sauces, such as sour cream, guacamole, or extra BBQ sauce, for a truly indulgent experience. They pair beautifully with refreshing beverages like beer, soda, or even a zesty cocktail.

For a more substantial meal, you can serve the quesadilla bites alongside a fresh salad or a platter of roasted vegetables. The smoky, savory flavors will complement a variety of side dishes, making these bites a versatile addition to any menu.

Customizing Your Quesadilla Bites

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Feel free to experiment with different flavor profiles and ingredients to suit your taste preferences:

Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a fiery kick.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with black beans or sautéed vegetables for a meatless alternative.
Different Meats: Swap the chicken for shredded beef or pulled pork for a change of pace.
Sweet and Savory: Incorporate fresh pineapple chunks or a drizzle of honey for a delightful contrast of flavors.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing these Smoky BBQ Bacon Chicken Quesadilla Bites. Let your creativity shine and discover your new favorite variation.

Nutritional Information and Healthier Alternatives

Each serving of these Smoky BBQ Bacon Chicken Quesadilla Bites contains approximately 350 calories, 20 grams of fat, 28 grams of carbohydrates, and 22 grams of protein. While they are a delicious indulgence, there are a few ways to make the recipe a bit healthier:

Use low-fat or reduced-fat cheese to cut down on the overall fat content.
Opt for whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of the traditional flour tortillas.
Carefully control portion sizes and serve the quesadilla bites with a fresh salad or vegetable platter to balance the meal.

Remember, moderation is key when enjoying these flavorful quesadilla bites. They’re meant to be savored and shared, not consumed in excess. With a few simple swaps, you can indulge in the deliciousness while keeping your nutritional goals in mind.

FAQs for BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Bites

What ingredients do I need to make BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Bites?

To make BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Bites, you will need the following ingredients:

Cooked chicken (shredded)
BBQ sauce
Shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella)
Flour or corn tortillas
Optional toppings: diced onions, cilantro, or jalapeños

How do I prepare BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Bites?

To prepare BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Bites:

Preheat your oven or skillet.
In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce.
Place a tortilla on a flat surface and add a layer of the chicken mixture and cheese on one half.
Fold the tortilla over and cook in a skillet until golden brown and the cheese is melted, or bake them in the oven until crispy.
Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve with dipping sauces like ranch or extra BBQ sauce.

Can I make BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Bites ahead of time. Assemble the quesadillas, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook them as directed. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure to separate them with parchment paper and keep them in an airtight container.

What are some variations I can try with BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Bites?

There are many variations you can try! Consider adding ingredients such as:

Different types of cheese (pepper jack for a spicy kick)
Vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or spinach
Using different sauces, such as buffalo sauce for a spicier version
Substituting the chicken for pulled pork or beef for a different flavor profile

Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences!

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Conclusion

Smoky, cheesy, and downright delicious, these Smoky BBQ Bacon Chicken Quesadilla Bites are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. With their irresistible flavors and satisfying texture, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a game day bash, a cozy movie night, or simply craving a tasty snack, these quesadilla bites are the perfect solution. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in the ultimate Smoky BBQ Bacon Chicken Quesadilla Bites experience!

Smoky BBQ Bacon Chicken Quesadilla Bites Recipe

Author: Time of Recipes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 quesadilla bites 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
6 flour tortillas
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix the Chicken and Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, crumbled bacon, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
Assemble the Quesadilla Bites: Place a tortilla on a flat surface, add a scoop of the BBQ chicken mixture on one half, top it with the cheese and bacon filling, then fold the tortilla in half.
Cook the Quesadillas: In a preheated skillet with olive oil, cook the quesadillas for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the cooked quesadillas to a baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy: Cut into bite-sized pieces, garnish with green onions, and serve hot.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties, substitute the chicken with other proteins, or add your own unique twist to the flavor profile. Consider adding diced jalapeños for a spicy kick or using whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking, Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 quesadilla bites
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: BBQ Chicken Quesadilla Bites, Appetizer, Game Day Snacks