Hawaiian BBQ Quesadillas with Pineapple Mango Guacamole

These Hawaiian BBQ Quesadillas combine tender shredded chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce with gooey melted cheese, sautéed vegetables, and juicy pineapple chunks, all crisped to perfection in a golden tortilla. Every bite bursts with a balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors that transport you straight to a beachside barbecue.

The Pineapple Mango Guacamole takes these quesadillas to another level, blending creamy avocado with the freshness of tropical fruits and a hint of spice from jalapeño. This vibrant side is not only visually stunning but also adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy quesadillas. Perfect for summer gatherings, quick weeknight dinners, or even a fun weekend snack, this dish brings a taste of the islands to your table with minimal effort.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Quesadillas:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 4 large flour tortillas

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

For the Pineapple Mango Guacamole:

• 2 ripe avocados, peeled and mashed

• 1/2 cup fresh pineapple, finely diced

• 1/2 cup ripe mango, finely diced

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

• 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced

• Juice of 1 lime

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until evenly coated.

2. Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced red onion and red bell pepper, sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Remove and set aside.

3. Wipe the skillet and add another 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Place one tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle half of the mozzarella and cheddar over one half of the tortilla.

4. Layer BBQ chicken, sautéed veggies, and pineapple chunks over the cheese. Top with remaining cheese, then fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.

5. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden and crispy, and cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

6. For the guacamole: In a medium bowl, mash avocados until creamy. Stir in pineapple, mango, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.

7. Slice quesadillas into wedges, garnish with cilantro, and serve warm with tropical guacamole on the side.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Hawaiian BBQ Quesadillas with Pineapple Mango Guacamole

When you think of summer flavors, it’s hard to beat the perfect marriage of sweet, smoky, and savory in one bite. Hawaiian BBQ Quesadillas with Pineapple Mango Guacamole deliver exactly that, a tropical, cheesy, and slightly spicy fusion that will transport your taste buds straight to the islands. Imagine tender, smoky BBQ chicken layered with melted cheese, sautéed bell peppers, sweet pineapple chunks, and tangy onions, all folded in a golden-crisp tortilla. Then, just when you think it can’t get any better, you dip it into a creamy guacamole bursting with the vibrant flavors of ripe mango, juicy pineapple, and zesty lime.

This recipe is a celebration of contrasts, warm meets cool, creamy meets crispy, sweet meets smoky. It’s comfort food dressed in vacation vibes, perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or summer gatherings. With a simple list of ingredients and minimal prep time, these quesadillas come together quickly, making them a convenient yet impressive dish for any occasion.

The Magic of Hawaiian-Inspired BBQ Flavors

The star of this dish is the BBQ chicken filling, which takes a cue from Hawaiian-style barbecue. Traditional Hawaiian BBQ has its roots in Polynesian flavors and techniques but is often fused with American barbecue culture. It leans on sweet and tangy sauces that balance smokiness with tropical undertones. Adding pineapple to the mix is not just for novelty, it’s an authentic nod to the way Hawaiians pair fruit with savory meats for a refreshing twist.

Using pre-cooked shredded chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, keeps things quick while still packing in flavor. Once tossed in your favorite BBQ sauce, whether homemade or store-bought, it becomes juicy and tender, soaking up every bit of sweet and smoky goodness. Pair that with sautéed onions and bell peppers for a bit of crunch and freshness, and you’ve built a filling that’s as colorful as it is flavorful.

Why Pineapple and Mango Guacamole Works

Guacamole is traditionally made with creamy avocados, lime juice, and a few seasonings, but this tropical twist takes it to another level. Pineapple and mango are both naturally sweet, but they also have enough acidity to balance the richness of avocado. When diced finely and folded into the mash, they bring juicy bursts of freshness to every bite.

The addition of jalapeño offers a hint of heat that ties everything together, while red onion adds sharpness and crunch. The result is a guacamole that’s not only perfect for quesadillas but also pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tortilla chips, or even seafood. The sweetness from the fruit enhances the tangy BBQ chicken, creating a harmonious flavor profile that feels both indulgent and refreshing.

Ingredients Spotlight

• Chicken: Pre-cooked shredded chicken makes this recipe faster and easier. You can also use leftover grilled chicken for extra smoky notes.

• BBQ Sauce: Choose a sauce that balances sweet and tangy flavors. Honey BBQ, pineapple BBQ, or even spicy chipotle BBQ can work, depending on your preference.

• Cheese: A mix of mozzarella and cheddar ensures you get both gooey melt and sharp flavor. Monterey Jack or Colby Jack are also excellent options.

• Vegetables: Red bell pepper and red onion bring sweetness, color, and a bit of crunch.

• Pineapple: Fresh is best for bright, juicy flavor, but well-drained canned pineapple works in a pinch.

• Avocados: Choose ripe but firm avocados for a creamy guacamole base that holds its shape.

• Mango: Adds tropical sweetness and vibrant color to the guac.

• Jalapeño: Optional for heat, but it helps balance the sweet elements.

Tips for Perfect Quesadillas

1. Use Medium Heat: Cooking on medium heat ensures the tortilla gets crispy without burning before the cheese melts.

2. Don’t Overfill: Too much filling makes it hard to flip and can cause the tortilla to tear.

3. Seal with Cheese: Place cheese both under and over the filling to act as “glue” when the quesadilla cooks.

4. Let Them Rest: Allowing the quesadillas to rest for 1–2 minutes before cutting helps the cheese set and prevents fillings from spilling out.

Variations and Add-Ons

• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for grilled mushrooms, black beans, or roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty meat-free version.

• Extra Heat: Add a drizzle of sriracha or sprinkle of crushed red pepper before folding the tortilla.

• Seafood Twist: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp for a tropical seafood quesadilla.

• Cheese Lovers: Add a layer of pepper jack or smoked gouda for an extra cheesy kick.

• Sauce Swap: Try a spicy mango habanero sauce or a teriyaki glaze for a different flavor experience.

Pairing Ideas

Hawaiian BBQ Quesadillas shine as the main star, but you can build a full island-inspired menu around them:

• Coconut Rice: A lightly sweet, fluffy side dish that complements the BBQ flavors.

• Grilled Corn with Lime Butter: Adds a smoky, tangy side to balance the richness of the cheese.

• Fresh Fruit Salad: Keep things refreshing with watermelon, kiwi, and papaya.

• Tropical Cocktails: A pineapple mojito or mango margarita pairs perfectly with the sweet-savory flavors.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These quesadillas are best eaten fresh while the tortillas are still crisp, but you can prep components ahead of time:

• Make the Filling in Advance: Cook and store the BBQ chicken and sautéed veggies in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Guacamole Storage: Store guacamole in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to minimize browning; consume within 1–2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat quesadillas in a skillet or air fryer to bring back their crispness, avoid the microwave if possible.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This recipe is more than just a fun spin on quesadillas, it’s a mood booster. The vibrant colors, the sweet and smoky aroma, and the juicy-tropical-meets-cheesy flavor combo create an eating experience that feels like a mini vacation. It’s an easy way to bring variety to your dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable, you can tweak the flavors to suit your personal taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Conclusion

Hawaiian BBQ Quesadillas with Pineapple Mango Guacamole are a playful, flavor-packed twist on a classic comfort food. By combining the bold smokiness of BBQ chicken with the tropical brightness of pineapple and mango, you get a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. The creamy guacamole ties it all together, ensuring every bite has a balance of textures and flavors.

Whether you’re serving them at a casual backyard gathering, whipping up a quick family dinner, or indulging in a weekend treat, these quesadillas are guaranteed to impress. The best part? They’re quick, customizable, and packed with fresh, vibrant ingredients that make you feel like you’re dining beachside, no plane ticket required.